For farmers who want a really good insecticide for plant protection that is versatile there is no better choice than Actara. Belonging to a new class of chemicals called neonicotinoids, Actara ‘s active ingredient thiamethoxom is an effective control for sucking and chewing pests.

Actara comes in conventional foliar spray and is also used in various application systems such as drench and drip irrigation. Compared to that of organophosphate or carbamate insecticides whose typical dose is 2 kg per hectare, Actara’s application rate is only 50 g per hectare, making it the safer choice for animals and the environment.

Still, Actara is a tough insecticide with quick impact that is quickly absorbed by the plants through their leaves under all conditions. It can be used in the humid tropics or in continental climates, against 160 insect species in 110 crops.

One caution: it is best to refrain from applying Actara to or near blooming plants while bees are nearby because it is highly toxic to this insect. The product, however, has a safe mammalian and environmental record. It is safe to use on most of your favourite plants and vegetables including avocado, cabbage, cassava, grape, grapefruit, lime, mango, orange, papaya, pepper, plum, yam, tangerine, potato and tomato.

Another advantage of Actara is that it is easy to use. Mixing the product with water provides thorough and consistent coverage and allows the chemicals to be absorbed by the plants more evenly. It is most effective when applied before pests reach damage level. Reapplication of the product may be necessary when dealing with some pests, but growers should be mindful not to exceed the maximum amount that is safe for each crop.

Actara should be stored in a cool, dry place. Proper disposal of the container is triple rinse and recycle or punctured and disposed of safely in a landfill.

Actara is available at all AgroGrace stores and outlets island wide.