MANA launches new low VOC miticide/insecticide formulation

Date:05-15-2012

MANA Crop Protection introduces new ABBA Ultra^TM 0.3 miticide/insecticide which is an advanced low volatile organic compound (VOC) formulation providing consistent insect and mite control at half the standard use volume of current products along with improved efficacy while reducing impact on air quality.

Labeled for use on cotton, tree nuts, grapes, citrus, pome fruits, strawberries and select vegetable crops, ABBA Ultra's modern formulation with low VOC emissions potential delivers long-lasting control against a wide spectrum of mite species and insects including the Two-spotted spider mite, Pacific mite, European red mite, Willamette spider mite, Red mite, Western grapeleaf skeletonizer, Variegated leafhopper, leafminers, leafhoppers and thrips.

Developed with advanced formulation technology, ABBA Ultra maintains superior performance and crop safety as a leading abamectin product. As one of the first of its kind, its low VOC formulation minimizes environmental concerns by reducing impact on air quality. This advantageous characteristic is a result of the product's new concentrated formula which is used at exactly half the rate of standard abamectins.

"Although EC-based formulations are effective in delivering mite control, continued use in states like Californial may decline due to pending changes in regulations," says Dave Downing, product manager with MANA Crop Protection, in Raleigh, NC. "It is anticipated that the industry will be lessening its dependence on EC formulations and replacing them with clean air compliant alternatives like ABBA Ultra."

Filling the void

Testing and development of new formulation discoveries has become a priority within MANA Crop Protection's research group. According to Downing, his company's new proprietary formulations are performing equal to, or in some cases better than the previous higher VOC formulations while meeting stringent regulatory guidelines. MANA Crop Protection plans to launch several new formulations of proven products currently in their portfolio by 2013.

Less is more

With reduced formulated product per acre, growers who use ABBA Ultra this season also gain ground by having less material to store and manage alongside less container waste. MANA Crop Protection, the manufacturer of this latest offering, reports that ABBA Ultra offers the same time-tested unique mode of action common to abamectin products which is an integral part of a miticide resistance management program.