Albaugh begins producing physiological insecticide ‘Porcel’ in Brazil

Albaugh exclusively told AgroPages it has expanded its portfolio of solutions for the sugar-energy sector, by beginning its production of the insecticide, Porcel 100 EC (pyriproxyfen), aimed at controlling the sugarcane Red-leafhopper (Mahanarva fimbriolata).

The product, which was incorporated into Albaugh's portfolio with the acquisition of Rotam Brasil, is described as a selective physiological insecticide that affect the larval development phase of insects, mainly the eggs and nymphs of pests.

According to the manufacturer, this mode of action prevents young insects from switching to the ″instar″ stage and completing their cycle. The correct application of the insecticide also reduces the egg laying and fertility capacities of female insects.

Albaugh added that Porcel 100 EC is suitable for treating sugarcane fields by air, due to the product's more friendly composition and its selectiveness of pollinators, Cotesia flavipes, and the natural enemies of sugarcane pests.

For the commercial manager of the company's Citrus-Sugarcane Regional, biologist and specialist in plant protection Marcelo Pires Pereira said, ″Porcel 100 EC is more relevant to companies in the sugar-energy sector and for sugarcane supplying properties, which, in general, occupy large areas. Through application by air, we can transfer important benefits in terms of convenience, flexibility in planning, time savings and cost reduction.″

Specialists stress that the root Red-leafhopper is a sucking pest that can seriously damage sugarcane. Infestations by the insect cause losses in productivity of 10% to 60%.

″Faced with the risks associated with the Red-leafhopper, the Porcel 100 EC solution delivers effective control and a highly favorable cost-benefit ratio for crop protection,″ Pires Pereira said.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)