Mar 19, 2019

BASF Introduces New Insecticide to Combat Pest Pressures

Ventigra, BASF’s newest insecticide for the ornamentals market, is now available for commercial growers.

With a unique mode of action, it provides precision-targeted pest management of piercing-sucking insects like whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs and scales.

“Today’s growers face increasing pest pressures as well as widespread insecticide resistance from overuse of current products,” said Dave Poling, U.S. marketing manager, Professional & Specialty Solutions, BASF. “Ventigra insecticide is a precise, powerful and progressive pest management solution that delivers results, helping growers maintain sustainable practices and produce high quality plants.”

Ventigra’s chemistry and unique formulation work by moving through the leaf to control pests that live and feed on the underside of leaves, providing exceptional activity. Its fast onset of action causes insect feeding to quickly stop, limiting the spread of plant damage and transmission of viral pathogens, while also delivering long residual control.

In addition, Ventigra insecticide works alongside beneficial insect populations like pollinators and predatory mites in grower operations and is not expected to have long term impact on bee populations, including colony health and development.

“Ventigra insecticide provides quick knock-down of aphid and whitefly populations,” said J.C. Chong, Extension specialist, turf and ornamentals entomology, Clemson University. “When applied at the label rates, it significantly reduced the numbers of aphids and whitefly nymphs within three days of application — providing at least 28 days of control for both pests.”

Growers can learn more about Ventigra insecticide here.