Unsure what grain protectant is best for our local SA farms? Our team has reviewed the best available options to help you protect your grain this season, whether it’s headed for feed, storage, or export*.
*If you’re treating grain for export, always check with your grain marketer for trade and residue advice.
Option 1: Fenitrothion + IGR S-Methoprene (Smart Grain Dual)
Well known and used here in a premix Smart Grain Dual
What our local growers are most familiar with – Smart Grain Dual uses two active ingredients, Fenitrothion 1000 g/L and IGR Grain Protectant (300 g/L S-Methoprene). Both actives are also available separately if you want to mix your own.
Mixing rate:
- 500ml per 50L water
- Apply 1L of diluted spray per tonne grain
Mixing your own:
- 600 mL Fenitrothion + 200 mL IGR per 100 L water
- Apply 1 L diluted solution per tonne of grain
Pack sizes available:
- SmartGrain Dual 500ml (treats ~50T) and 2.5L (treats ~250T)
- 2.4 L Fenitrothion (treats ~400 t)
- 250ml and 1 L IGR (treats ~125T & ~500 t)
Withholding period: 24 hours
Controls: Most stored grain pests.
Don’t move grain for 24 hours after treatment.
Can be used on malt barley.
Option 2: D-Ploy Plus
Long-term protection, including weevil control
Imtrade’s blend of chlorpyrifos-methyl, deltamethrin, and piperonyl butoxide, D-Ploy Plus protects uninfested cereal grains (excluding malt barley) for up to 9 months.
Mixing rate:
- 4 L D-Ploy Plus per 100 L water
- Apply 1 L diluted spray per tonne
Pack size: 2 L (treats ~50 t)
Withholding period: Nil
Note: Must be declared on your vendor declaration form.
Protectant – not a knockdown.
NOT for malt barley.
🚫 Don’t apply two deltamethrin products to the same grain post-harvest.
Option 3: Designate Select
New-generation chemistry for resistance management
Designate Select, also by Imtrade CropScience, combines Spinosad, S-Methoprene, and piperonyl butoxide.
It offers up to 9 months’ protection and is ideal for rotations where other protectants are losing effect.
Mixing rate:
- 500 mL per 50 L water
- Apply 1 L diluted spray per tonne
Withholding period: 24 hours
Requirements:
- *Stewardship training required
- Must be declared on vendor declaration form
- Treated grain must not be moved for 24 hours
- 🚫 Don’t apply two Spinosad products to the same grain post-harvest.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Actives | Protection Time | Vendor Declaration Needed | Withholding Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Grain Dual Fenitrothion + IGR | Fenitrothion, S-Methoprene | 6–9 months | No | 24 hrs |
| D-Ploy Plus | Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Deltamethrin | Up to 9 months | Yes | Nil |
| Designate Select | Spinosad, S-Methoprene | Up to 9 months | Yes | 24 hrs |
Our Take:
Every protectant has its place. The best choice depends on your storage setup, grain destination, and pest pressure.
If you’re unsure which product fits your needs, chat with your local AW Vater & Co team.
We’ll help you pick the right combination to keep your grain clean, compliant, and protected right through storage.
Stock Available Now
Get in touch with your nearest AW Vater & Co branch to secure your product early.
