Certis biopesticide approval in Spain

Mitsui & Co's agrochemical distribution company, Certis Europe, has received Spanish approval for its Spodoptera exigua nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV)-based bio-insecticide, Spod-X. It has special authorisation for use in protected pepper production under IPM programmes. Spod-X is targeted at integrated control strategies for beet armyworms (S exigua), one of the main pests for pepper production under glass in Spain's Almeria region. The region has been beset by pesticide residue problems in its produce, which has affected its image in international markets. Spod-X leaves no residue on fruit and has a zero harvest interval, Certis points out. Spod-X is already registered in the Netherlands for use on ornamentals. S exigua NPV has received full EU approval and was added to Annex I of the EU agrochemical registration Directive (91/414) on December 1st.