Utah State University Extension released updated guidance for small-scale solanaceous crop production on Sept. 2, 2026, detailing insecticide options for growers of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. This information complements existing commercial production guidelines established by the university in March 2024 to assist both large-scale and hobbyist farmers in Utah.
Small-Scale Insecticide Options
According to Utah State University Extension, several insecticides are registered for small-scale use on solanaceous crops in Utah. These products are organized by their Mode of Action (MoA) to assist growers in managing pest resistance.
One group of insecticides involves bifenthrin, which includes products such as GardenTech Sevin Insect Killer Dust and Ferti-lome Broad Spectrum Insecticide RTS. Other bifenthrin-based options for small-scale growers include Ferti-lome Broad Spectrum Insecticide and Hi-Yield Vegetable & Ornamental Insect Control Granules. Bonide Eight Flower & Vegetable Soil Insect Granules is also listed for small-scale use.
Other chemicals available for small-scale production include zeta-cypermethrin, found in GardenTech Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate and GardenTech Sevin Insect Killer RTS. Additionally, lambda-cyhalothrin is registered for small-scale use, with products like GardenTech Sevin Insect Killer RTU and Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes RTU. Some products, such as GardenTech Insect Killer Lawn Granules, utilize a combination of bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin.
Commercial Production Standards
For commercial-scale operations, Utah State University Extension maintains a separate list of registered insecticides for solanaceous crops. These guidelines, originally outlined in March 2024, include several highly specific chemical groups.
One category includes carbaryl, which is available in forms such as Carbaryl 4L, Drexel Carbaryl 4L, Sevin 4F, Sevin SL Carbaryl, and Sevin XLR Plus. Growers also have access to Carbaryl Cutworm Bait, Drexel Carbaryl 5% Bait, and Sevin 5 Bait. Another chemical in this category is methomyl, which is available through products like Corrida 29 SL Insecticide, Corrida 90 WSP, Lannate SP, Lanveer LV, and Nudrin LV. DuPont Lannate LV Insecticide and Nudrin SP are also registered for commercial use.
Malathion is another option for commercial growers, available via Drexel Malathion 5EC, Fyfanon 57% EC, Fyfanon Malathion, Malathion 8 Aquamul Malathion 5, and Malathion 57%.
Cypermethrin Variations
The extension documentation identifies various cypermethrin-based products for both commercial and small-scale use. For commercial growers, alpha-cypermethrin is registered for use in products such as Fastac CS and Fastac EC.
In the small-scale sector, zeta-cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin remain primary options for managing pests in tomato, pepper, and eggplant crops. These chemicals are categorized under Mode of Action 3A.
Bifenthrin Use Cases
Bifenthrin appears in both small-scale and commercial insecticide lists. For commercial operations, the university identifies a wide array of bifenthrin-based products, including Avenger Max, Batallion 10 WSP, Steed, Suro LFC, and Tundra EC.
Other commercial-grade bifenthrin products include Batallion 2 EC, Batallion LFC, Bi-Dash 2E, Bifender FC, Bifenthrin 2EC, Bifenture EC, Bifenture LFC, Brigade 2EC, Brigade WSB, Capture LFR, Discipline 2EC, Fanfare 2EC, Fanfare EC, Fanfare ES, GCS Bifenthrin 2EC, GCS Bifenthrin LFC, Lancer FC, Omni Brand Bifenthrin 2EC, Reveal, Skyraider, Sniper, Sniper Helios, and Sniper LFR.
For small-scale growers, bifenthrin remains a key component in various formulations, often requiring a 2-3 week window as specified in the university's guidance.
