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Spirotetramat (Bayer Movento)

Spirotetramat is a tetramic-acid (keto-enol) insecticide developed by Bayer, marketed in India as Movento. Its defining feature is two-way systemic translocation through both xylem and phloem — a "shoot-to-root" property unique among current insecticides.

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Active ingredient: Spirotetramat
  • Indian formulations:
  • Movento Energy: Spirotetramat 11.01% + Imidacloprid 11.01% SC (pre-mix)
  • Standalone: Spirotetramat 15.31% OD
  • Chemical class: Tetramic acid (keto-enol)

Mode of action

Spirotetramat inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase, blocking insect lipid biosynthesis. IRAC Group 23. The molecule itself is moderately polar but is converted in planta to spirotetramat-enol, which moves freely in both xylem (root-to-shoot) and phloem (shoot-to-root). This bi-directional systemic action enables it to reach hidden sap-suckers, scale insects, mealybugs and root-feeding mites that other systemic insecticides cannot.

Target use and dose

Spirotetramat is registered in India on cotton, chilli, citrus and pomegranate for:

  • Aphids, thrips, whitefly nymphs (sucking pests)
  • Spider mites and rust mites
  • Scales, mealybugs and root-feeding hemipterans

The Movento Energy combo pairs spirotetramat with imidacloprid for added neonicotinoid kick — providing fast knockdown plus extended systemic control.

Safety and regulatory status

Spirotetramat has a favourable safety profile for adult honeybees (direct foliar contact toxicity is low) but care should be exercised around bloom because of the imidacloprid partner in Movento Energy. Resistance management requires rotation with non-Group 23 chemistry such as Flonicamid Ulala (29), Flupyradifurone Gracia (4D) and Diafenthiuron Pegasus (12A).

See also: Spiromesifen Oberon, Propargite Acaricide, Diafenthiuron Pegasus, Flonicamid Ulala, Flupyradifurone Gracia.

References

  1. Movento. Bayer Crop Science India.
  2. Movento Energy — Spirotetramat 11.01% + Imidacloprid 11.01% SC. Cultree.