New Research: SPEAR® LEP and BASIN™ FLEX Match or Surpass Commercial Standards

Navel Orangeworm, a devastating pest for California’s almond and pistachio industry, met its match in Vestaron’s SPEAR LEP. Trials conducted in Tulare and Stanislaus Counties (Trial IDs 24W802, 24W803, and Bisabri Ag) evaluated SPEAR LEP’s efficacy using a three-spray program timed to NOW egg hatch and degree-day milestones. The findings confirm its superior performance:

• Significant Damage Reduction: SPEAR LEP achieved statistically significant reductions in NOW kernel damage compared to untreated controls (Tukey’s HSD, P<0.05). In the Bisabri Ag trial, damage levels dropped to 0.0% in some replicates, compared to 6.0% in untreated plots, highlighting its potential to protect pistachio quality and yield.
• Robust Across Applications: Consistent efficacy was observed across spray volumes of 100 and 150 gallons per acre, demonstrating SPEAR LEP’s adaptability to diverse orchard conditions.
• Competitive Edge: By rivaling or exceeding conventional insecticides, SPEAR LEP further positions itself as a strong alternative, combining high performance with the environmental benefits of a peptide-based formulation.

The diamondback moth, a global threat to brassica crops, was the focus of trials (23SE106, 110, 130) assessing SPEAR LEP and BASIN FLEX across three locations with varying infestation levels. Both products proved their mettle against this resilient pest:

• Equivalent to Commercial Standards: SPEAR LEP (2 pt/A) achieved 87.1% DBM larval control, while BASIN FLEX (8 oz/A) reached 87.4%, closely aligning with the commercial standard’s 86.4% (Tukey’s HSD, P<0.05). Leaf damage reduction was similarly competitive, with BASIN FLEX at 84.0% and the standard at 81.0%.
• Consistent Performance: Both biopesticides maintained efficacy across locations, from Tifton’s lighter infestations to heavier pest pressures elsewhere, confirming their reliability in diverse growing conditions.
• Sustainable Innovation: As peptide-based solutions, SPEAR LEP and BASIN FLEX offer reduced environmental impact and compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM), addressing grower needs for effective yet eco-friendly pest control.

• Olive Moth (Prays oleae) on Olive: Trials in Spain (Eurofins and SAGEA) demonstrated SPEAR LEP’s robust control of olive moth, a significant pest impacting olive production, with performance aligning with or surpassing industry standards.

• Old World Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) on Tomato: Trials in 2024 confirmed SPEAR LEP’s efficacy against this destructive pest, offering tomato growers a sustainable alternative to conventional insecticides.

• Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella) on Pome Fruits: SPEAR LEP delivered strong control of codling moth, a critical pest for apple and pear crops, reinforcing its broad-spectrum applicability in diverse agricultural systems.