Syngenta to launch insecticide Thiamethoxan

A product that effectively targets pea seedling pests is due to enter the market next year, according to PGRO technical director Anthony Biddle.

Biddle, speaking at last month's joint PGRO and BEPA open day in Thornhaugh, Peterborough, said trials have so far shown that Syngenta's Thiamethoxan (TMX) successfully controls pea weevil, field thrips and early pea aphids. "We have been talking about this for years and it's nearly a reality now. Syngenta is hoping to release the product next year."

Biddle reported a "dramatic" reduction in thrip and pea and bean weevil damage that is traditionally treated with pyrethroids, which he said at best "achieve is a 50 per cent control".

He added that TMX limits early pea aphid populations although it does not offer control for the whole season.

The treatment also offers control of bean seed fly — an insect for which pea growers have never had a control - in late-planted vining peas.