A new treatment against spider mite and whitefly in pepper and cayenne pepper crops has been approved by the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD).

The PSD has granted a Specific Off-Label Approval (SOLA) for the use of the insecticide Oberon.

The SOLA registration comes after the 2004 full label approval of the insecticide for whitefly control in tomatoes, and off-labels for protected salad crops cucumbers, aubergines and gherkins granted last year.

Alan Horgan, Certis technical officer, said: “Oberon is a treatment that works with biologicals to deliver a high level of whitefly and spider mite control as part of an integrated programme.

“The active ingredient spiromesifen is from new chemistry and there is no cross-resistance with other products. The three-day harvest interval is also a key benefit.”

He adds that Oberon offers improved broader spectrum control over abamectin and other standard insecticides, and has no impact on encarsia or bee populations.

The predator:prey ratio of phytoseiulus to spider mite is also maintained.

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, according to Horgan.

The SOLA for peppers and cayenne pepper covers both pests.

Horgan adds that, as with all SOLAs, treatments are made at the risk of the user. Those considering the use of Oberon should consult Certis or their crop adviser first, and are advised to test a small area before treating the whole crop.

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