A new survey shows ADAMA Canada’s Cormoran  insecticide to be the preferred choice against spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive and prevalent pest that has plagued Canadian berry growers over the last decade. 

American entomologists in 10 states ranked available insecticides to control SWD. The recently released survey was funded by the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. The states included:  California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Maine, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, ranking SWD insecticide performance from 0 (ineffective) to 4 (excellent). 

Researchers predicated survey results on their own research as well as the experience of growers from their regions, then ranked the insecticides for their combined control of SWD adults and larvae. 

Based on the survey, ADAMA’s Cormoran is the preferred SWD insecticide available to berry growers. Since its introduction to Canada in 2020, Cormoran, a broad-spectrum insecticide with multiple modes of action, has demonstrated valuable insect protection, including its control of SWD in the bushberry crop group. Cormoran’s chemical makeup includes novaluron and acetamiprid. 

Cormoran delivers two modes of action for resistance management and rapid knockdown of all damaging stages of target insects as well as extended residual control. Cormoran is registered for use on apples, bushberries, including blueberries, Brassica vegetables, peppers, potatoes, stone fruit, strawberries, alfalfa and sweet corn. 

“As an insecticide, Cormoran controls many insect pests but does not harm plants,” said Cornie Thiessen, general manager at ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Canada. “It controls all stages of the SWD lifecycle. It’s a combination of two modes of action that work well together by providing fast knockdown and control of adults, larvae and eggs.” 

With insecticides being a key management tool for SWD control, entomologists conduct research trials every year to help provide growers with the best possible insecticide recommendations. 

ADAMA’s research and development team in Israel created Cormoran’s formulation and produced the product in Georgia (U.S). It then tested it across Canada to develop proof points and customize the label for Canadian use.

ADAMA does not expect supply chain interruptions to affect Cormoran production as the company produced the insecticide in the U.S. ahead of the 2022 season. 

Source:   ADAMA Canada January 17, 2022 news release