Mainspring insecticide launched in the UK to tackle caterpillars and thrips

Added on 17 October 2022

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Mainspring insecticide launched in the UK to tackle caterpillars and thrips

Two of the main pests threatening protected crops can be controlled with a new insecticide from Syngenta Ornamentals. Mainspring was launched at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill research site, adding a vital new tool to a grower’s armory.

The new broad-spectrum insecticide has proven effective against both caterpillars and thrips, which are both capable of inflicting a huge amount of damage to crops.

Mainspring’s active ingredient, cyantraniliprole, has a mode of action that is unique among plant protection products for ornamentals and is designed to work quickly and thoroughly.

″As well as offering rapid control of crop damage and a welcome wide spectrum of activity, the unique mode of action is particularly useful when it comes to resistance management,″ says Syngenta Ornamentals technical manager Sean Loakes.

The beet armyworm and golden twin-spot moth both have the capacity to damage plants in greenhouses to the point that they’re unmarketable.

Increasing at high speed

″Caterpillars are capable of feeding and increasing their populations at an alarming speed and are incredibly difficult to control,″ adds Mr. Loakes.

″Tell-tale holes in leaves are a trademark, as is discoloration on the foliage or petals, severed stems, and leaves or wilting.″ Thrips have been causing significant damage to protected ornamentals since they first arrived in the UK in the 1980s.