Feb 19, 2004

EPA Registers Floramite for Greenhouse TomatoesSource: Crompton Corporation

Floramite SC, a miticide used for control of mite pests on ornamental plants, has now been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use on greenhouse-grown tomatoes larger than 1 inch in diameter when mature.

According to Crompton/Uniroyal, the chemical’s manufacturer, Floramite SC is a selective, long-lasting miticide that provides a rapid, 3-day knockdown of mite pests, primarily spider mites, red mites and grass mites. It disrupts the nervous system and maintains residual control for up to 28 days. Floramite has no impact on predacious mites and beneficial insects, so it is highly compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) and resistance management programs.

According to its product use guide, the unique chemistry of Floramite provides a means of controlling mites that have developed resistance to more commonly used products. It is encouraged to help reduce the number of chemical applications necessary to control insects. Its properties result in fewer meticide/insecticide applications and an overall reduction in the problems caused by resistance. To reduce selection pressure that can lead to the development of resistance, Floramite should be used in moderation.

Michael Bledsoe, vice president of technology and regulatory affairs at Village Farms, L.P. in Longwood, Florida, said, ” Floramite is a very efficacious material with good residual. The residual was even longer than we anticipated, and it is safe to beneficials. It is the right product at the right time for the greenhouse tomato industry.”

Although use of Floramite SC is restricted to greenhouse-grown tomatoes, Crompton says the material can be used on all ornamental plants, which includes bedding plants, flowering plants, foliage plants, bulb crops, perennials and woodies and can be used on plants grown and maintained in containers or in the ground in: greenhouses and shadehouses; nurseries; landscapes; interiorscapes; public, commercial, industrial or institutional areas; and recreational sites such as campgrounds, golf courses, parks and athletic fields. Registration of Floramite use on greenhouse tomatoes is still pending in California.

For more information, visit Crompton Corporation’s website at www.cromptoncorp.com/crop.