Oberon is a unique insecticide/acaricide from Bayer Crop Science.1 It's known for its effectiveness against mites and whiteflies, particularly those that have developed resistance to other insecticides.2
Key Features of Oberon:
Active Ingredient: Spiromesifen 240 SC (22.9% w/w) - This belongs to the chemical class of ketoenols.3
Mode of Action: Oberon has a novel mode of action that inhibits lipid biosynthesis in mites and whiteflies.4 This disrupts the formation of essential fats and waxes, leading to the death of the pests.5
Target Pests: Oberon is highly effective against:
Mites: (Spider mites, red mites, etc.)6
Whiteflies: (Sweetpotato whitefly, greenhouse whitefly, etc.)7
Psyllids: (Asian citrus psyllid, etc.)8
Crops: Oberon is registered for use on a variety of crops, including:
Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc.)9
Fruits (citrus, grapes, apples, etc.)10
Cotton11
Tea12
Benefits:
Novel Mode of Action: This makes Oberon an excellent tool for managing resistance in mites and whiteflies that have become resistant to other insecticides.13
Broad Spectrum Activity: It's effective against all life stages of mites and whiteflies (eggs, nymphs, and adults).14
Long-Lasting Control: Oberon provides extended residual control, reducing the frequency of applications.15
Translaminar Activity: It penetrates the leaf tissue, providing protection on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces.16
Safe to Beneficial Insects: Oberon has minimal impact on beneficial insects like predatory mites and parasitoids, making it suitable for Integrated Pest Management programs.17
Important Considerations:
Always read and follow the instructions on the product label before using Oberon or any other pesticide. This includes information on application rates, safety precautions, pre-harvest intervals, and any specific restrictions.
Resistance Management: While Oberon has a novel mode of action, it's still important to use it as part of an integrated pest management program to delay the development of resistance.18 This might include rotating with insecticides that have different modes of action.
If you have any more specific questions about Oberon insecticide, feel free to ask! I'm here to help.
