Without products to control Laodelphax striatellus, Portugal authorizes Sivanto Prime

Date:04-18-2025

The Portuguese General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) has announced the granting of an exceptional emergency authorization for the use of Bayer's insecticide Sivanto Prime. 

According to an investigation by AgroPages, the goal is to control the infestation of the corn leafhopper (Laodelphax striatellus) in corn crops in Portugal.

Sivanto Prime, formulated with the active ingredient flupyradifurone, is a systemic insecticide that acts on insects' nervous systems, offering an effective solution for controlling the corn leafhopper. Additionally, the product can also control cicadellids in vineyards, aphids in lettuce and raspberry, and aphids and whiteflies in tomato, eggplant, pepper, cucumber, zucchini, melon, strawberry, olive, pear, grapevine, bean, and ornamental plants.

The Portuguese government agency stated that this authorization is based on Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and responds to the "urgent need" to address the increase in Laodelphax striatellus populations, which have caused "serious damage" to plantations.

The corn leafhopper is a significant pest that harms plant health and acts as a vector for viruses that affect corn, such as the maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV), MDMV, and MRDD.

    

The situation was exacerbated by the ban, in recent years, on the use of neonicotinoids, which were previously used for seed treatment, resulting in an alarming increase in infestations. Furthermore, currently, there are no authorized plant protection products in Portugal specifically intended for controlling L. striatellus. Although some phytosanitary treatments, applied to control other crop enemies, may have a secondary effect on this pest, this is insufficient for effective population management.

The authorization is valid for a period of 120 days and establishes the following conditions of use:

- Application dose: 0.28 L/ha

- Spray volume: 300-600 L/ha

- Application technique: foliar spraying

- Number of applications: 1 application

- Application time: BBCH 14 - 40 (from 4 leaves to 9 visible nodes)

- Safety interval: covered by the application time

According to the instructions, the application of Sivanto Prime must be carried out by properly qualified professionals.

This exceptional emergency authorization is a temporary measure, and the DGAV ensures that it will continue to monitor the situation of the corn leafhopper. Additionally, the Portuguese government agency states that it will continue to collaborate with farmers and specialists to find sustainable long-term solutions.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)