Spinosad
Description
Spinosad is a natural insecticide that comes from soil bacteria, making it an excellent choice for farmers who want effective pest control with less impact on the environment. It works by affecting the nervous system of insects, causing them to stop feeding and die within a few hours to a few days. What makes spinosad special is that it's very effective against many common pests like caterpillars, thrips, leaf miners, and some beetles, but it's much safer for beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and predatory mites compared to many synthetic insecticides. This means you can use it in an integrated pest management program where you want to keep the good bugs while controlling the bad ones. Spinosad works best when insects eat it or come into contact with it, so it's particularly effective against chewing insects like caterpillars that eat the leaves. It also works well against thrips and leaf miners. You can use it on vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. One of the great advantages of spinosad is that it breaks down quickly in sunlight, which means it doesn't persist in the environment for a long time. However, this also means you may need to reapply it more often, especially in sunny conditions. It's important to know that while spinosad is safer for bees than many other insecticides, you should still avoid spraying directly on bees or when bees are actively foraging. Make sure to wait the required number of days (usually 1-3 days) after spraying before harvesting your crops. Always follow the label instructions and wear protective clothing when using this product.
Application rates
General
0.1-0.3 liters per hectare
Application method
Target pests
Application timing
When pests are first detected, preferably in evening to avoid direct bee contact
Safety period
1-3 days before harvest
Precautions
Safer for bees than many insecticides but avoid direct contact. Breaks down quickly in sunlight. Wear protective equipment.
Crop compatibility
Benefits
- Natural product derived from soil bacteria
- Effective against caterpillars, thrips, and leaf miners
- Much safer for beneficial insects than synthetic insecticides
- Short pre-harvest interval (1-3 days)
- Breaks down quickly in environment
- Suitable for integrated pest management programs
Best for
- Vegetable crops (tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, brassicas)
- Fruit trees (citrus, date palm, mango)
- Ornamental plants and nurseries
- Organic farming operations
Usage tips
- Apply in evening to minimize bee exposure
- Ensure thorough coverage of both leaf surfaces
- Most effective when pests are actively feeding
- May need reapplication in sunny conditions due to rapid breakdown
- Excellent for organic and IPM programs
Storage instructions
Store in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from food, feed, and water sources. Protect from direct sunlight.
Mixing compatibility
Compatible with most insecticides and fungicides. Do not mix with alkaline products. Check compatibility before tank mixing.