New Insecticide Alternative to Neonicotinoids, Safer for Bees

Published: April 1, 2015

Flupyradifurone is a new insecticide with a distinct spectrum of activity belonging to a unique mode of action (the way an insecticide kills a pest). Trade name is Sivanto (produced by Bayer). This insecticide is intended to be used on a wide range of crops including fruits and vegetables. An important advantage of Sivanto is that it's safer for bees when compared to very toxic products including certain pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, organophosphate and avermectin insecticides. It is in the insecticide rotation group 4D.

Field studies have examined pollinator-attractive crops while honey bees were actively foraging after the crops had been treated through various application methods (seed, soil and foliar) to demonstrate very high exposure. Overall, studies show no adverse effect on overall bee colony performance or overwintering ability when compared to untreated colonies. The company claims that this compound is practically non-toxic to adult honeybees. The EPA has confirmed the safety of the use for the public, farm workers and wildlife.

Flupyradifurone is registered for a large number of crops to protect against piercing and sucking insects such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and pysllids, all which have become increasingly resistant to other pesticides and are difficult to control. The registration of flupyradifurone will provide growers in the U.S. with a new pest resistance management tool as part of an IPM program.

Editor's note: This insecticide is new so it has not been listed yet in current (2015) edition of the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers.