New Generation Insecticide from Syngenta

COMBINED PRODUCT WITH INSECTICIDAL AND ANTIVIRAL (TSWV&TYLCV) ACTION

In 2021, Syngenta launched on the market the new broad-spectrum insecticide with a “2 in 1” effect – Minecto Alpha.

Minecto Alpha is an insecticide for both foliar and soil application, which acts systemically through absorption by the roots and leaves. It acts mainly by ingestion and to a lesser extent by contact, providing excellent efficacy in the control of multiple pests in vegetables such as whitefly, thrips, noctuid moths and Tuta absoluta.

The insecticide is distinguished by a rapid initial effect, long residual activity in soil application, full compatibility with beneficial insects and is positioned as one of the most sustainable and highly effective solutions in vegetable crops. The unique formulation of Minecto Alpha has an additional effect, acting as an inducer of the plant’s defence mechanisms, which provides additional protection by suppressing the occurrence and development of the main viral diseases TSWV (tomato spotted wilt) and TYLCV (tomato yellow leaf curl), which are transmitted by sucking insects (thrips and whitefly).

What is the mode of action of Minecto Alpha and what makes it unique in the control of the key pests in vegetable crops?

Cyantraniliprole is a modulator of the ryanodine receptor. It binds to the ryanodine receptor in muscle cells and causes an irreversible opening of the calcium channel. This leads to a flow of calcium ions from the interior to the cytoplasm, which causes muscle paralysis, cessation of feeding and death of the insect. Cyantraniliprole acts mainly by ingestion, with the effect against the first larval stages occurring after only a few hours.

Acibenzolar-S-methyl is an activator of the plant’s defence mechanism, which naturally enhances its resistance to pathogens.

It is characterised by rapid absorption by plants after application, and is very well translocated both acropetally to the new leaves and basipetally to the lower leaves and the root.

The antiviral effect is manifested in cases of virus transmission (TSWV & TYLCV), when the plant’s defence mechanism is activated. The plant then responds immediately to the virus by transmitting information for necrosis in the cells near the infection, which reduces replication and spread of the virus within the plant.
With its systemic movement in the plant, Minecto Alpha provides excellent control against the main chewing and sucking pests in vegetable crops. The long residual activity and antiviral (TSWV and TYLCV) activity position it as one of the most reliable and secure insecticides at the beginning of the production cycle. Since the product is applied both to the soil and foliarly, it can very easily be used in different plant protection programmes.

Minecto Alpha is registered in Bulgaria against thrips, whitefly, noctuid species and Tuta absoluta in tomatoes, pepper (soil application) and lettuce.

Detailed information on the rates and timing of application of Minecto Alpha can be found on the Syngenta website https://www.syngenta.bg/product/crop-protection/minecto-alfa