EPA Approves New Microbial Insecticide
November 9, 2011 PFR-97, a microbial insecticide from Certis USA, has been registered by EPA for use against, thrips, psyllids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites on fruit and vegetable crops. The insecticide already is being used in Japan, Korea, and Europe.
The active component in PFR-97 is a naturally occurring fungus, Isaria Fumosorosea (I. Fumosorosea). By infecting and killing all phases of the target pest-eggs, nymphs, and adults by two routes of infection, the fungus can penetrate the host through direct contact with germinating spores applied to the crop or soil. I. Fumosorosea parasitizes hosts that come into contact with it. As a result of the infection, the insects soon stop feeding and die as the fungus fills their bodies, spilling out eventually to release more infective spores.
National Specialty Ag Sales Manager Jeremy Briscoe said, “Certis USA has a widely diversified portfolio of products with biological and novel modes of action. It’s an important offering because to manage insecticide resistance, growers need to employ multiple modes of action. We envision the use of all of our technologies, with their differing modes of action, to be used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.”
For more information, go to, www.CertisUSA.com.
