By Lisa Beirn, Ph.D., technical services manager for Syngenta

As temperatures begin warming in the spring, annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) adults begin migrating from their overwintering sites to susceptible turf. Overwintered females lay eggs in stems and leaf sheaths of susceptible plants. As eggs hatch, larvae bore into stems and begin feeding. As larvae mature, they exit the stems and feed on crowns where they can cause extensive damage. Controlling overwintered ABW adults and larvae is critical to season-long success.

With Atexzo^® insecticide/miticide, control of ABW adults and all larval stages is now possible. Atexzo, powered by PLINAZOLIN^® technology, represents true innovation in a new class of chemistry for turf in IRAC Group 30. Its unique mode of action controls ABW by both contact and ingestion. 

Atexzo fundamentally reshapes the first ABW application by controlling both adults and larvae. This redefines the traditional strategy in several key ways:

• Pyrethroid limitations: Because of widespread resistance and short residual activity, pyrethroids often fail to provide complete control. 
• Increased flexibility: Unlike pyrethroids that require precise "peak adult" timing, Atexzo offers a more effective and forgiving application window.
• Comprehensive protection: This timing ensures early-arriving adults and developing larvae are controlled while providing longer residual protection against straggler adults for more complete control.

Source: Pennsylvania State University and University of Massachusetts, 2022. Lab bioassay. Applied as a directed adult spray on overwintering populations of ABW adults collected from the field. Treatments applied at 44 GPA.

Annual Bluegrass Weevil Larvae Control

Source: Protocols ICV800A3-2025US and ICV800B3-2025US.  

As seen above, Atexzo provides flexible application timing to control adults and all larval stages.

WeevilTrak Plus is Here

WeevilTrak℠ is now WeevilTrak Plus, which is enhanced with Atexzo and supported by the WeevilTrak Plus Guarantee. In this program, Atexzo should be applied at 8.2 fl. oz./A roughly 6-8 days after adult peak (when forsythia transitions to full green). For season-long grub, caterpillar and billbug control, we recommend tank mixing Atexzo and Acelepryn^® insecticide brands.

WeevilTrak Plus simplifies your ABW program by:

• Requiring fewer applications while enhancing efficacy
• Providing greater flexibility (controls both ABW adults and larvae)
• Strengthening resistance management (a new class of chemistry)
• Delivering broader-spectrum control than an IGR-based program

Learn more about Atexzo at GreenCastOnline.com/Atexzo and WeevilTrak Plus at WeevilTrakPlus.com or contact your local Syngenta territory manager.


Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations.Trials reflect treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

© 2026 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or
counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Acelepryn^®, Atexzo^®, GreenCast^®, PLINAZOLIN^®, WeevilTrak℠ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks or service marks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners.