ADAMA launches Ateka insecticide to combat sucking pests in fruit and vegetable crops

ADAMA has introduced Ateka insecticide, a new systemic crop protection product designed to help fruit and vegetable growers manage difficult sucking insect pests. The product uses the company’s proprietary Ayalon Formulation Technology, which improves leaf penetration and plant uptake to deliver earlier pest population control and more consistent performance.

Ateka contains the active ingredient spirotetramat in a suspension concentrate formulation and is registered for use in crops including citrus, pome fruit, stone fruit, grapes, leafy greens, and fruiting vegetables. The insecticide provides broad-spectrum control of key pests such as aphids, psyllids, mites, scales, thrips, leafminers, mealybugs, and whiteflies.

Unlike contact insecticides that rely mainly on spray coverage, Ateka moves systemically through both the xylem and phloem, allowing it to reach new plant growth and roots. Once absorbed, the product disrupts lipid biosynthesis in immature insects, preventing successful molting and reducing egg viability. The company said the insecticide performs best when applied early or preventively and when tank-mixed with a penetrating adjuvant to maximize leaf uptake and systemic movement.

Source: Growing Produce