Pest management specialist Exosect has announced that it had received registration in Italy to launch its Exosex CM mating disruption product, used to control the spread of codling moth, through biological control organisation Intrachem Bio.

The system uses the pest itself to carry female codling moth pheremones through orchards, confusing males and preventing them from locating females for mating – achieving a condition among the population known as Auto-confusion.

'Exosex CM gives the grower an innovative and green choice to be used in IPM systems,' said Dr Edith Ladurner, senior scientist at Intrachem Bio Italia. 'This system will specifically address the requirement of Italian growers to supply produce suitable for export to markets that has a zero tolerance for insect infestation, at the same time as meeting growing demand for reduced residues in our traditional EU markets.

'In Italy, auto-confusion techniques, such as Exosex CM are unique in the mating disruption market and will be the future of codling moth control in both organic and IPM orchards,' she added.

Italy is the latest market to benefit from Exosect's technology, with the group's products available throughout a wide range of sectors in countries such as the UK, US, South Africa, India, New Zealand, Belgium and Greece.

'We couldn't have wished for a more suitable partner to work with in Italy,' said Alison Tod, orchard and vine product manager at Exosect. 'Intrachem Bio is a well respected, highly professional and enthusiastic team of experienced staff. We believe that this partnership will flourish as the synergies of both businesses compliment each other very well.'

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