Vestaron's Innovative Bioinsecticide Boosts Tomato Crop Protection

Emergency Authorization for SPEAR LEP in Portugal

Kalamazoo, Michigan—Portugal has issued an emergency use authorization for Vestaron's groundbreaking bioinsecticide SPEAR LEP. This critical approval allows farmers to protect their tomato crops from the tomato leafminer pest, a significant threat in agricultural production. By granting this 120-day authorization, Portuguese growers can utilize a novel solution for managing infestations of Tuta absoluta, especially as conventional insecticides face increasing resistance challenges.

Collaborative Efforts with Lainco

In an exciting partnership, Vestaron is teaming up with Lainco, a Spanish company boasting a remarkable 90-year history in agrochemical development. This collaboration combines Lainco's technical expertise with extensive market knowledge, ensuring the successful introduction of SPEAR LEP in Portugal. By working together, they aim to make a significant impact on local agriculture.

The Pest Threat: Tomato Leafminer

Since its arrival in Portugal's agricultural fields in 2009, the tomato leafminer pest has caused significant issues for both industrial and fresh consumption tomato growers. In recent years, Portugal has cultivated around 18,440 hectares of tomatoes, resulting in a yield of approximately 1.8 million tonnes. Unfortunately, challenges such as persistent water shortages and late-season attacks have hindered production, prompting groups like Centro Operativo Tecnológico Hortofrutícola Nacional (COTHN) to advocate for emergency measures. This authorization is a welcomed development that gives farmers an important tool for sustainable pest management.

Product Features of SPEAR LEP

Tomato leafminers initially succumbed to diamide insecticides; however, resistance developed over time, necessitating an integrated approach to pest management. SPEAR LEP stands out as a biological product created from natural peptides sourced from spider venom and produced through fermentation. Used effectively on over one million acres, this innovative solution targets lepidopteran pests without posing a resistance threat to traditional synthetic alternatives.

Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

Juan Estupinan, CEO of Vestaron, expressed pride in Portugal's proactive stance alongside Italy, Greece, and Cyprus in addressing evolving pest challenges. He emphasizes that SPEAR LEP's peptide-based technology enables farmers to protect their crops while fostering environmental health and biodiversity. The company is dedicated to obtaining full approval for SPEAR LEP across Europe and expanding its innovative product lineup to serve global agricultural requirements.

Vision for the Future

Hugo Cores, Marketing Director at Lainco, echoed Estupinan's sentiment, highlighting their partnership's role in redefining crop protection through biotechnology. By introducing SPEAR LEP, they aim to equip Portuguese farmers with effective tools to combat Tuta absoluta while fostering a more resilient agricultural model.

Environmental Considerations

One of the standout features of SPEAR LEP is its excellent safety profile. Fully biodegradable, it poses minimal risk to pollinators and has no maximum residue limits. Moreover, it features a 0-day pre-harvest interval, making it a safe choice for sustainable farming practices. Vestaron's innovation earned recognition with the 2023 European Bee Award for its efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of farming on pollinators—an impressive accolade for any company in the agricultural sector.

About Lainco

Lainco, S.A., based in Barcelona, Spain, leads in developing and commercializing agrochemicals and phytosanitary products. The company is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices, offering innovative crop protection solutions that support farmers throughout Europe.

About Vestaron

Vestaron is revolutionizing crop protection by developing innovative solutions that help meet modern agricultural challenges. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in the U.S., the company emphasizes safety and efficacy in its products, derived from peptides modified from the venom of spiders. Recognized for its environmentally-friendly innovations, Vestaron is proud to be the first agriculture and food company in the Global CleanTech 100 Hall of Fame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SPEAR LEP?

SPEAR LEP is a bioinsecticide developed by Vestaron, effective against tomato leafminer and based on natural peptides from spider venom.

Why was emergency use authorization granted?

The authorization was granted to help farmers manage the tomato leafminer pest, which has developed resistance to traditional insecticides.

What are the environmental impacts of SPEAR LEP?

SPEAR LEP is fully biodegradable and has minimal risks to pollinators and other beneficial organisms, making it an environmentally responsible choice.

Who are Vestaron's partners in Portugal?

Vestaron is partnering with Lainco, a Spanish company specializing in agrochemical development, to introduce SPEAR LEP in Portugal.

What recognition has Vestaron received for its innovations?

Vestaron received the 2023 European Bee Award for its technological advancements in reducing agriculture’s impact on pollinators.

About The Author

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