The Advancements and Impact of Spinetoram as an Insecticide

Mar 21
20:16

2024

David Yvon

David Yvon

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Spinetoram, an advanced insecticide, has been making waves in agricultural circles for its broad-spectrum efficacy, particularly in fruit tree pest management. Unlike its predecessor spinosad, spinetoram exhibits superior performance against a range of pests, including the notorious thrips, and has become a critical tool for farmers worldwide. With its unique mode of action and environmental benefits, spinetoram is not just an alternative but a significant enhancement in pest control strategies.

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Enhanced Pest Control with Spinetoram

Spinetoram is a derivative of spinosad,The Advancements and Impact of Spinetoram as an Insecticide Articles and both are products of soil actinomycetes fermentation. However, spinetoram has been engineered to offer a wider range of insecticidal activity. It is particularly effective against various lepidopteran pests such as the diamondback moth, beet armyworm, codling moth, pear moth, leaf roller, and pod borer. Additionally, it has shown excellent control over thysanoptera pests like thrips, as well as diptera pests including leaf miners.

According to research, spinetoram is currently considered one of the most effective substances for controlling thrips. A mere 0.6 to 1.2 grams of the pure drug per acre can significantly impact eggplant thrips populations. Its mode of action targets the insect's nervous system, and it has not shown cross-resistance to conventional insecticides, making it a valuable addition to integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Safety and Environmental Benefits

One of the standout features of spinetoram is its safety profile. It exhibits low toxicity to humans and mammals, as well as to beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. Furthermore, it poses minimal risk to birds, fish, earthworms, and aquatic life, ensuring that it does not contribute to groundwater or surface water pollution. The environmental persistence of spinetoram is also lower compared to older compounds, which means it has a shorter residence time in the environment.

Spinetoram's Market Potential and Usage

The introduction of spinetoram has been a boon for fruit, vegetable, nut, and grape growers. It has proven particularly effective against pests that are resistant to other insecticides, such as the codling moth, which is a major concern for apple growers. For years, apple producers have sought alternatives to organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides, and spinetoram has filled that gap.

The market potential for spinetoram is substantial. It is estimated that annual sales could exceed $100 million, complementing the sales of spinosad, which has an annual revenue of approximately $200 million. Spinetoram is not intended to replace spinosad but rather to supplement it, offering a new mechanism for farmers to control difficult pests.

Global Registration and Availability

Spinetoram's journey began with its registration in New Zealand for pome fruit in August 2007, under the trade name Delegate WG (25% spinetoram). Shortly after, in October 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the registration of two spinetoram formulations: Delegate WG and Radiant SC (120g/L spinetoram). The product has since been registered in several countries, including Canada, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, and Malaysia, and is marketed under various trade names such as Delegate, Radiant, Exalt, and Ensure.

In China, spinetoram has been registered for use on eggplants to control thrips, on cabbage to manage beet armyworm moth and plutella xylostella, and on rice to prevent and treat rice leaf roller infestations.

Conclusion

Spinetoram represents a significant advancement in the field of insecticides, offering a combination of broad-spectrum efficacy, environmental safety, and a novel mode of action. Its introduction has provided farmers with a powerful tool to manage pests, particularly in high-value crops, while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship.

For more detailed information on spinetoram and its applications, please refer to the Comprehensive Pesticide Information Center.