Specific Off-label Approvals (SOLAs) have been granted by the PSD for the use of the insecticide Oberon (spiromesifen) for spidermite and whitefly control in cucumbers, aubergines, gherkins and strawberry crops grown in inert substrates.

These SOLA registrations follow the full label approval of Oberon gained by Certis for whitefly control in tomatoes and the off label for ornamental use approved last year. “Oberon is a treatment that works with biologicals to deliver a high level of pest control as part of an integrated programme,” said Certis technical officer Alan Horgan. “The active ingredient spiromesifen is from new chemistry and there is no cross-resistance. The 3-day harvest interval is also a key benefit.”

Horgan added that Oberon offers improved control over abamectin whilst having no impact on encarsia or bee populations. The predator:prey ratio of phytoseiulus is also maintained. “For aubergines that are notoriously attractive to whitefly, Oberon is now the most effective and bio-friendly of the control options available,” he said.

The label approval of Oberon on tomatoes only specifies whitefly control (both Bemisia spp. and Trialeurodes spp.) and delivers incidental control of spidermite (including the hypertoxic strain). The SOLA is a dual registration for both pests.

Horgan said that the SOLA for Oberon use on strawberry crops is of limited benefit given the restriction to inert substrates only. It is expected that this restriction will be amended following the supply of additional environmental data. As with all SOLAs, treatments are made entirely at the risk of the user and growers are advised to first test a small area prior to treating the whole crop.

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