BASF's Nealta miticide approved for use in California

BASF recently announced that the company’s Nealta miticide, which provides long-lasting control of spider mites, has been approved for use in California.

Nealta uses a unique mode of action to control spider mites at all life stages -- including eggs -- on tree nut, grape, strawberry, citrus, tomato, apple and pear crops.

BASF Technical Market Manager Steve Broscious said mites infest California crops each season, causing growers to treat more than four million acres.

“With Nealta miticide, growers in California now have a powerful tool that can be used as part of an integrated pest management program,” Broscious said.

Laboratory studies with two-spotted spider mite adults show that Nealta provides 100 percent mortality after three hours of direct exposure and 95 percent mortality 8.5 hours after indirect exposure. The product also provides excellent knockdown and residual control of problematic mites.

Research indicates Nealta miticide is compatible with beneficials and non-target arthropods, including insidious flower bugs, seven-spotted lady beetles and western predatory mites. It also offers a short pre-harvest interval, application flexibility and tank-mix compatibility.