Field performance of Spear Lep (GS-omega/kappa-Hxtx-Hv1a) and Basin Flex (U1-AGTX-Ta1b-QA) against top invasive threats to US agriculture: European grapevine moth, Old World bollworm and tomato leafminer

The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), Old World bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and Tomato leafminer (Tuta [Phithorimea] absoluta) are among the top invasive lepidopteran threats to US agriculture. All three occur as damaging pests in Europe where a series of field trials was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two peptide-based insecticides: SPEAR LEP (active ingredient GS-omega/kappa-Hxtx-Hv1a) and BASIN FLEX (active ingredient U1-AGTX-Ta1b-QA). Results confirm these products’ performance and versatility across cropping systems and lepidopteran pest species, and thereby their role as management tools for US growers post-establishment.