Scout X-TRA(TM) Insecticide is the most advanced pyrethroid available to today's cotton grower. The active ingredient, tralomethrin, was discovered by Roussel-Uclaf of France. Scout X-TRA has been under development in the United States by Hoechst-Roussel Agri-Vet Company since 1986, and was granted a registration by the Environmental Protection Agency for use on cotton and soybeans in 1988.

The synthesis of tralomethrin is accomplished by selecting only the two most active isomers, with the greatest potency, among the 16 initial isomers available. By selecting only the most active isomers, it is possible to synthesize an unusually effective product that will control many insect pests of agricultural commodities at rates significantly lower than the other pyrethroids currently available. The highly concentrated formulation of Scout X-TRA is an additional benefit. Since the use rates are extremely low, the probability of any advance environmental contamination is minimal.