Regulatory Milestone
Regulatory Approval Granted in Australia for Reduced Application Rates of Helicovex®
Enhanced Flexibility for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs
Region
Australia
Target Pests
Helicoverpa spp.
IRAC Group
Group 31
Regulatory approval has been granted in Australia for reduced application rates of Andermatt’s baculovirus solution Helicovex®, registered for the control of cotton bollworm, corn earworm and other Helicoverpa species. This approval provides growers and advisors with greater flexibility to integrate baculovirus solutions into structured pest, resistance, and integrated pest management (IPM) programs under defined conditions.
Baculovirus: A Smarter Way to Manage Resistance
Baculovirus solutions harness naturally occurring viruses that specifically target insect pests. Classified under IRAC Group 31, they offer a unique mode of action that plays an important role in resistance management strategies. In addition to being safe for users and consumers, baculoviruses align with global trends toward sustainable, regenerative farming and residue-free food production. The approval of reduced application rates enhances the accessibility of this technology for row crop systems, particularly where biological products are rotated or tank mixed with other modes of action.
Proven Performance Under Defined Conditions
Field trials conducted in Queensland demonstrate that reduced-rate applications of Helicovex® can contribute to effective suppression of Helicoverpa larvae under specific conditions, particularly in sorghum where pest pressure is low to moderate.
Fig 1: Trial data on sorghum at Lefthand Branch, Queensland indicates that stand-alone applications (50 ml/ha) show efficacy comparable to non-biological options in selected trials.
Helicovex® Rate Positioning and Stewardship Guidance
The approval of lower application rates does not replace established full-rate recommendations. Instead, reduced rates support specific, clearly defined use patterns:
- 200 ml/ha: Preferred rate for stand-alone applications, high pressure, or suboptimal timing/coverage.
- 100 ml/ha: Effective control under favourable conditions; requires precise timing due to reduced residual activity.
- 50 ml/ha: Not intended for stand-alone use; applies only to tank mixes or short spray interval programs.
Leadership Perspective
“As a farmer, knowing you can protect your crops effectively while reducing chemical use gives real peace of mind. Baculovirus solutions not only help growers meet market demands for residue-free produce, but also support the long-term health of our land and communities.” – Andre Fox, Andermatt Business Development Manager, Asia Pacific
Scientific Expertise and Regional Adaptation
Andermatt’s global expertise, combined with strong local partnerships, ensures that biological innovations such as Helicovex® are adapted to regional conditions. As agriculture shifts toward lower chemical inputs and regenerative practices, approved reduced-rate applications represent a practical step forward – delivering flexibility and long-term sustainability.
Andermatt – Biological Pest Management
Control your pests while meeting market demands for residue-free produce.
Leave a Reply