Syngenta New Zealand launches Solvigo insecticide for controlling onion thrips

In New Zealand, onion thrips resistance has been recorded to some organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. 

Syngenta New Zealand recently launched Solvigo, containing insecticides from the neonicotinoid and avermectin chemical groups, offers growers a new ‘dual’ mode of action in an onion thrips control programme. 

Solvigo contains two active ingredients - thiamethoxam and abamectin - and is best applied in early to mid-season to optimise the systemic and translaminar properties of the active ingredients on young leaves. 

Thiamethoxam is highly systemic and translaminar, with contact and ingestion activity, while abamectin is translaminar and works mainly via ingestion with some contact activity. 

The performance of Solvigo is significantly enhanced by the addition of a superspreader (such as Du-Wett*), which improves the coverage of Solvigo on and between onion leaves.

To reduce the risk of resistance, growers should follow the latest industry resistance management strategy for thrips issued by Onions NZ Inc. The rotation of insecticide groups is recommended, with Solvigo being used in a cluster of 3 - 4 sprays, to target a whole generation of thrips.

A total of 17 replicated trials have been conducted with Solvigo in New Zealand on commercial onion varieties in various onion growing areas over 5 seasons, to support the use rate of 750 mL/ha of Solvigo at 7 day intervals.