2019/20 AgVet Grant received for DC-154 (Sivanto) Flupyradiforone Group 4D – Label Registration Assorted tropical and sub-tropical fruits - inedible peel – Fruit spotting bugs (FSB) and Banana spotting bugs (BSB).

As part of Round 2 of the Assistance Grants – Access to Industry Priority Uses of Agvet Chemicals program, Hort Innovation received 14 grants to fund projects which will improve the access to agricultural chemicals. One of these projects will fund trials to generate the data required for a potential label registration of Bayer’s Sivanto for Assorted tropical and sub-tropical fruits - inedible peel – FSB and BSB.

FSB and BSB are a major impediment to the commercial production of most tree fruits and nuts, and some vine fruits.

Growers have recorded crop losses of well over 30% due to FSB damage. FSB attack at least 22 different types of commercial fruits and nuts. Economic losses from FSB could amount to tens of millions of dollars each year in the Australian fruit and nut industries.

SIVANTO® prime is non-hazardous to bees making it a desirable solution with flexible application methods and timing. A modern insecticide with an excellent safety profile for the control of major sucking pests. Its selectivity to most beneficials in fruit crops provides a perfect fit for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that industries are seeking. Bayer have a broad distribution of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and import tolerances around the world for SIVANTO® prime, which will help to harmonise trade.

ST19020 Project will be contracted in June 2020 and trials will commence this season for a Crop Group - Assorted tropical and sub-tropical fruits - inedible peel Label Registration with Bayer. The project activities will be completed within 3 years and the data will be then provided to Bayer for a label extension.