New Microbial Insecticide Debuts

OHP has announced the introduction of Ancora Microbial Insecticide to its portfolio of biosolutions.

Ancora is a naturally-occurring fungus that infects both foliar and soil-dwelling pests such as whiteflies, thrips, aphids, leafminers, spider mites, grubs and other pests.

“Ancora is a great addition to our OHP biosolutions products, aimed at growers who are not only using conventional, but other means of pest control,” says Dan Stahl, OHP vice president and general manager.  “It is a great rotational tool for an insect and mite control program, whether biological or conventional.”  We anticipate commercial sales the end of May 2017.

Because the active ingredient consists of a highly-virulent and effective strain of fungus (Isaria fumosorosea Apopka 97 strain), Ancora provides fast broad-spectrum activity on both foliar and soil insects in the greenhouse, nursery, and landscape markets.

Carlos Bogran, OHP’s technical manager, notes the formulation contains blastospores which provide faster germination and kill than resting spores of other fungal products. “When Ancora is applied, the blastospores attach and germinate on the insect or mite cuticle, followed by penetration which causes death within one-to-three days,” says Bogran.

Bogran notes Ancora should be used at the first sign of pest infestations for optimal results and in a rotation with products from different classed with different modes of action.

With a 4-hour Restricted Entry Interval (REI), Ancora works well for both wholesale and retail growers who focus on biological pest control.

For more information, please visit www.ohp.com.