ISCA launches ACTTRA Percevejo semiochemical in Latin America

ISCA has announced the launch of the semiochemical solution ACTTRA Percevejo for controlling multiple species of stink bugs (Pentatomidae), in an exclusive release to AgroPages.

″We are launching ACTTRA Percevejo, a sustainable and effective alternative to protect crops against stink bug attacks, in Latin America, Argentina, and Mexico,″ said ISCA Chief Executive Officer Agenor Mafra-Neto. 

According to Mafra-Neto, this feeding stimulant product can be mixed in a tank with small doses (<2%) of an insecticide. Once applied, ACTTRA Percevejo releases semiochemicals that attract and induce adult and nymph stink bugs to interact with and feed on this mixture. Mafra-Neto explained that this exposure through contact and ingestion causes virtually all attracted stink bugs to die.

ISCA’s CEO stated this method ″prevents the development of resistance. Typically, pest control with semiochemicals is costly and involves manual application, making adopting these sustainable techniques impractical for large-scale crops.″ 

However, the expert assured ″this is not the case for ACTTRA Percevejo,″ as the product is ″commercially  competitive.″

Additionally, he stated that its low-volume mechanical application in rows far apart makes it user-friendly and cost-effective, being ″perfect for large crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton.″ Mafra-Neto further explained that ACTTRA Percevejo is applied to less than 1% of the field due to its long-distance attraction. 

″The rows attract them to the bait, controlling the stink bug population. The rest of the crop remains clean,″ he highlighted.

He said, this ensured the preservation of non-target and beneficial organisms, such as natural enemies and pollinators. ″Conventional control uses blanket sprays covering 100% of plants with insecticide. This creates problems such as stink bug resistance and a high impact on non-target organisms,″ emphasized ISCA’s CEO.

″It is time to adopt more effective pest control with the sustainability provided by the attraction power of semiochemicals. ACTTRA Percevejo is an important step in this direction,″ he said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

Please contact Christina Xie at christina@agropages.com if you would like to share your company story or advertising in the upcoming 2024 Latin America Focus magazine.