Insecticide with unique mechanism of action against Tuta Absoluta launched in Brazil

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

Sipcam Nichino revealed exclusively to AgroPages that it will launch, in November in Brazil, the insecticide, OHKAMI, patented by the Japanese company, Nihon Nohyaku (Nichino).

According to the manufacturer, the product has received registration from official agencies and will enter the market supported by relevant data on its effectiveness in controlling the tomato leafworm (Tuta Absolute), which is considered the most challenging and destructive pest to tomato production in Brazil and will be the only biological target of OHKAMI in the country.

Researchers from Sipcam Nichino’s technical department stressed OHKAMI has a unique insecticidal action mechanism in Brazil for managing tomato leafworm. The product acts through contact and has the compound, Tolfenpyrad, as its active ingredient.

“In field tests, we observed control indicators of around 100% of the tomato moth populations originating from various regions of the country,” said Sergio Camargo from the market development department of Sipcam Nichino.

“Used while following technical guidelines, Tolfenpyrad prevents the development of cross-resistance by the pest, as it consists of an active ingredient not yet exposed to tomato crops in Brazil,” Camargo added.

He stressed another relevant factor, which supports the effectiveness of the insecticide in controlling tomato leafworm, is the combination of adulticide, larvicide and ovicide properties of the formulation of OHKAMI.

Specialists also point out that the tomato moth occurs throughout the year, especially during the driest periods. Adult females lay eggs on tomato leaves, stems and fruits. Three to five days later, caterpillars hatch and start to feed on the plant and its fruits.

Uncontrolled, the pest causes damage ranging from 70% to 100% of production, researchers said. It also has a high capacity to multiply, with each female capable of laying 55 to 130 eggs within 10 days.