Registration has been received for a new pesticide derived from natural pyrethrum for use in protected crops.

Described as effective at controlling a wide range of pests, Spruzit is said to feature very low levels of active ingredient, with just 0.5 percent pyrethrum.

Spruzit is suitable for situations where a short persistence product is needed. It provides immediate activity before being quickly and naturally degraded by UV rays from sunlight, making it useful when a short harvest interval is required or for use as part of a residue reduction strategy.

Distributor Certis explains that Spruzit will also fit into an IPM system. While broad spectrum in terms of the pests it controls, the quick degradation process enables the reintroduction of biological controls within a short period.

Certis’ technical officer, Alan Horgan, explained: “A product based on pyrethrum does not have the long repellent effects associated with the synthetic pyrethroids, making it an ideal partner to be used with a product such as Majestik.”

Pyrethrum is recognised by the EU as an active ingredient acceptable for use in organic systems, making Spruzit potentially valuable to UK organic growers. However, growers and their advisers are warned that they must seek written derogation from their accreditation authority before using Spruzit on any organic crop.

Peter Hingley, general manager at Certis, added: “This fits with our wider aims of delivering tools to achieve integrated management of pests and disease that provide an economic means of achieving control for the grower, without adversely impacting the environment.”