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Spiromesifen (Bayer Oberon)

Spiromesifen is a tetronic-acid (spirocyclic phenyl) acaricide-insecticide marketed in India as Bayer Oberon 240 SC. It is one of the most widely used dedicated mite and whitefly control products in cotton, vegetable and horticulture programmes.

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Active ingredient: Spiromesifen
  • Formulation: 240 SC (22.9% w/w SC)
  • Chemical class: Spirocyclic tetronic acid (keto-enol)

Mode of action

Spiromesifen inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) in insect/mite lipid biosynthesis, classified under IRAC Group 23. By blocking fatty acid and lipid synthesis it stops mite egg production and disrupts juvenile development. The molecule is translaminar (moves through the leaf but not systemically up the plant), so coverage of underside foliage is important. It is most active on:

  • All motile stages of spider mites (Tetranychus urticae and related species)
  • Whitefly nymphs and eggs rather than adults

Target use and dose

CIBRC-registered crops include cotton, chilli, brinjal, okra, tomato, cucumber, tea and apple. On paddy panicle mite the label rate is 1 ml/L spray. The product is positioned in IPM rotations to alternate with Propargite Acaricide (IRAC 12C) and Spirotetramat Movento (IRAC 23 — also keto-enol class, but with phloem mobility).

Safety and regulatory status

Spiromesifen is selective for arthropod lipid metabolism and has a favourable safety profile for predatory mites, parasitoids and bees. Standard pre-harvest intervals apply. Since spiromesifen and Spirotetramat Movento share IRAC Group 23, sprays should not be back-to-back within a generation for resistance management.

See also: Spirotetramat Movento, Propargite Acaricide, Diafenthiuron Pegasus, Flupyradifurone Gracia, Tolfenpyrad Tychi.

References

  1. Oberon. Bayer Crop Science India.
  2. Oberon Insecticide. BigHaat.