Product Description

The active ingredient is derived from a naturally occurring soildwelling bacterium called Saccharopolyspora spinosa, a rareactinomycete (Saccharopolyspora spinosa Metrz & Yao) reportedlycollected from soil in an abandoned rum distillery on aCaribbean.

Active Ingredient: The active ingredient isderived from a naturally occurring soil dwelling bacterium calledSaccharopolyspora spinosa, a rare actinomycete reportedly collectedfrom soil in an abandoned rum distillery on a Caribbean Island in1982 by a scientist on vacation. It has not been found in naturesince that time, and was subsequently described as a new species.The bacteria produce compounds (metabolites) while in afermentation broth. The first fermentation-derived compound wasformulated in 1988. Spinosad has since been formulated intoinsecticides that combine the efficacy of a synthetic insecticidewith the benefits of a biological pest control organism.

Spinosad kills susceptible species by causing rapid excitation ofthe insect nervous system. Due to this unique mode of action,Spinosad is valued in resistance management programs. Spinosad mustbe ingested by the insect, therefore it has little effect onsucking insects and non-target predatory insects. Spinosad isrelatively fast acting. The insect dies within 1 to 2 days afteringesting the active ingredient and there appears to be norecovery.

Use: It is used to control a variety of insectpests, including fruit flies, caterpillars, leafminers, thrips,sawflies, spider mites, fire ants, and leaf beetle larvae. Spinosadis recommended for use in an Integrated Pest Management program forcommercial greenhouses since it will not harm most beneficialinsects or predatory mites. Spinosad does not significantly affectbeneficial organisms including ladybugs, green lacewings, minutepirate bugs, and predatory mites.