SIVANTO™ - new tool for management of Bemisia whiteflies and Cysdv in melons

SIVANTO™, a new butenolide insecticide, was evaluated for knockdown and residual activity against sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci-b biotype, adults and immatures in cantaloupes under experimental field conditions from 2009-2011. Foliar applications of SIVANTO™ at various rates controlled adult and immature life stages at levels as good as or better than the industry standards. Similarly, when SIVANTO™ was evaluated as an at-planting, soil systemic treatment, it provided residual control of whitefly nymphs comparable to neonicotinoids. Because of its knockdown activity against adults, it has shown promise as a management tool for reducing virus incidence in fall cantaloupes. Trials conducted under heavy adult whitefly pressure in 2009-2010 demonstrated that SIVANTO™ sprays, used in a standard management program, significantly reduced the incidence of Cucurbit Yellows Stunting Disorder Virus (CYSDV) in fall cantaloupes.