UPL launches bioinsecticide ‘Tackler’ in Brazil

UPL exclusively revealed to AgroPages the launch of the bioinsecticide, Tackler, which composes the fungus, Beauveria bassiana. 

According to the manufacturer, Tackler is a new solution for controlling pests that affect various crops. The strain used in the formulation was developed by a research institute and has been extensively studied, showing "excellent results in the field."

According to UPL, Tackler acts directly on insects and does not have any effects or leave residues on plants. The bioinsecticide label indicates that the product is recommended against whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), wireworm (Diabrotica speciosa), coffee borer (Hypotenemus hampei) and sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis).

According to the manufacturer, Tackler can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 months without refrigeration. "The application of this microbiological insecticide, in conjunction with traditional pesticides, extends the potential for pest control in crops and minimizes losses during an El Niño year, a phenomenon that creates the ideal environment for the spread of pests in Brazilian agriculture," UPL said.

Rogério Castro, CEO of the Indian-origin company in Brazil, stressed that UPL is a leader in insecticides and is now expanding its portfolio of biosolutions. "We are expanding our presence in the bioinsecticide segment, as part of our goal to promote the use of natural solutions, which, when administered in combination with traditional pesticides, enhances agricultural management while helping to reimagine sustainability in food production," Castro said.

Mariana Yama, biocontrol manager at UPL Brazil, said, "In addition to direct damage to plants, highly complex pests can transmit and open the door for pathogens, increasing the damage even more." Therefore, she stressed that Tackler is a "fundamental ally, acting throughout the entire life cycle of target pests from nymphs to adults, as well as having high dispersion and multiplication properties in the field under favorable environmental conditions."

The launch is part of the portfolio of Natural Plant Protection (NPP), a UPL business unit specializing in biological and natural origin products. Giuliano Scalabrin, business director of NPP Brazil, said, "The incidence of highly complex pests has increased exponentially. According to the consultancy, Kynetec, the rise was 177% in the past two years."

"At the same time, the use of bioinsecticides grew by 105% between the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 crops. Our new product stands out in this segment, offering excellent residual control, resistance management, and fewer losses in the field," he said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)