Dwayne Porter will have no problem getting attention when he drives the new Volkswagen Beetle auto that he won in a promotion for FMC's Carbine insecticide.

The car, specially painted to resemble a giant plant bug, was presented to Porter, his wife Wanda, and daughter Jo Beth, at a recent meeting at Farm Press headquarters at Clarksdale, Miss.

The promotion, part of the launch for Carbine, was on display earlier this year at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences and the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, and in June was taken on a three-week tour of retailer locations around the Delta.

At each retailer, two grower names were drawn and they were paid a visit by the Plant Bug. The growers learned about Carbine and were given the opportunity to win a cash prize.

Additionally, their names, along with those of their consultant and retailer, were entered in a random drawing to win the car.

The drawing for the car was held at FMC at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 4, with the presentation to the Porters Aug. 23

Although the plant bug painting and lettering can be easily removed, the Porters said they planned to leave it for a while so they could show it to all their friends.

Carbine insecticide from FMC offers a new unique mode of action that renders plant bugs unable to feed. Within 30 minutes of being exposed to Carbine-treated plants, the insects begin to lose their ability to feed and can no longer cause damage to the crop. This reduction in feeding leads to greater square retention and higher yields, FMC representatives note.

In limited availability this season, Carbine supplies are expected to be adequate for the 2007 season, FMC officials say.