MANA introduces Voxien next-generation EC formulation

MANA introduced Voxien, its EC formulation technology that has been under development for more than seven years and available in limited pilot products for two years. As a response to the changing demands of consumers plus scrutiny from regulatory agencies regarding pesticide formulations, MANA engineered this formulation technology to simultaneously deliver superior efficacy of conventional active ingredients along with unique environmental- and consumer-based attributes that are important to today’s market-savvy growers. While some manufacturers have turned to SC formulations, many products simply perform better as EC formulations, which is why MANA chose a different route. Products formulated with Voxien technology – ABBA Ultra, Vulcan and Paradigm insecticides – underwent an extensive field-testing program against similar SC products and older EC formulations.

“The results have been nothing but impressive,” said Dave Downing, MANA brand leader. “Customers are often concerned with formulation changes, but with Voxien their reaction has been one of praise. The brands containing Voxien technology have been available in targeted geographies and limited quantities for a couple of years, so many growers are familiar with their exceptional performance. Growers are excited because these brands help them tell an on-farm sustainability story and provide best in class pest control. Sustainability is critical for many growers as their buyers demand a better understanding of how they farm and steward the land.”

Voxien sets a new standard in formulation technology by encompassing grower- and consumer-friendly benefits, including lower product emissions and improved handler safety features such as lower odor, fewer personal protective equipment requirements and/or reduced EPA-designated signal words. ABBA Ultra, Vulcan and Paradigm are EPA-approved and comply with emissions potential standards set by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Each delivers improved handling characteristics and performs as well or better than the market standard for the same active ingredient.

“When people associate Voxien with these already proven products, they’ll know they’re getting dependable performance with improved handling and safety features,” said Downing. “Plus, growers won’t have to switch to other products when the proposed clean air standards are enacted because Voxien products already comply with the regulations.”

New California regulations regarding usage of four high-VOC active ingredients including abamectin, chlorpyrifos, oxyfluorfen and gibberellins in the San Joaquin Valley go into effect Nov. 1, 2013, and affect this market geography from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2014. These California regulations do not prohibit the use of high-VOC products, but require stringent PCA recommendations, product application tracking and product retention procedures.

Products formulated with Voxien technology

ABBA Ultra minimizes environmental concerns by reducing impact on air quality, and it has twice the active ingredient concentration of standard formulations, so applicators simply use half of the typical rate. With less formulated product required per acre, there are fewer containers and less material to store and manage. ABBA Ultra is labeled for use on tree nuts, grapes, citrus, pome fruit, cotton, strawberries and other specialty crops, and it delivers superior control of mites and insects with solid benefits in crop safety. It offers significant reductions in PPE restrictions, which is a plus for applicators.

Vulcan is the first concentrated EC chlorpyrifos formulation of its kind. It provides excellent speed of insect knockdown at the same high levels of control found in the market standard. The reduced odor of Vulcan improves handling and convenience compared to previous EC-based chlorpyrifos delivery platforms. Labeled for use on corn, soybeans, wheat, pome fruit, tree nuts, grapes, citrus, vegetables and other crops, Vulcan maintains its fuming action to enhance efficacy.

Paradigm has an advanced formulation for fast-acting insect control at performance levels equal to conventional lambda-cyhalothrin products. It has exceptionally low odor and favorable PPE requirements, which improve worker handling, convenience and safety. Paradigm is labeled for broad-spectrum insect control in corn, soybeans and other crops, and it has a reduced signal word of Caution, setting the bar higher than similar insecticides with more restrictive signal words.