Syngenta Launches New Insecticide in South Africa to Combat Destructive Potato Tuber Moth
Syngenta South Africa has introduced SILVALIS®, the country’s first registered IRAC Group 30 insecticide, bringing a new mode of action to local crop protection. Powered by the company’s PLINAZOLIN® technology, the new insecticide is designed to help potato growers control potato tuber moth while supporting effective insecticide resistance management.
Registered for the control of potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella), SILVALIS® provides growers with an additional tool to protect crops against one of the potato industry’s most damaging pests.
According to Sarike le Roux, Syngenta’s Head of Marketing, the launch reflects the company’s commitment to translating scientific research and innovation into practical solutions that help farmers improve productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Chris Steyn, Syngenta’s Portfolio Manager for Insect Control, also highlighted positive feedback from growers who have used the product, noting that field experiences have exceeded expectations and demonstrated its potential under commercial farming conditions.
New Chemistry for Potato Pest Management
Developed over more than a decade of research, SILVALIS® is a suspension concentrate insecticide formulated to deliver effective control of challenging insect pests.
Its active ingredient, isocycloseram, is powered by Syngenta’s proprietary PLINAZOLIN® technology. The product introduces a new active ingredient and IRAC Group 30 mode of action to the South African potato market, offering growers an additional option for managing insecticide resistance.
Potato tuber moth remains a significant threat to commercial potato production. Its larvae attack leaves, stems and tubers, causing damage both in the field and during storage. Under severe infestation conditions, crop losses can be substantial, potentially reaching total crop destruction if the pest is left unmanaged.
With increasing insect pressure, resistance challenges and growing demands for crop quality, effective pest management solutions are essential. SILVALIS® is designed to support growers as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes.
PLINAZOLIN® Technology Supports Longer-Lasting Protection
At the centre of SILVALIS® is PLINAZOLIN® technology, developed through more than 10 years of research to provide effective control of difficult and economically important insect pests.
One of its key characteristics is its ability to remain active on treated plant surfaces following application, helping maintain protection against potato tuber moth after treatment.
The formulation is also designed to retain activity following rainfall and offers enhanced ultraviolet (UV) stability, helping reduce product degradation caused by sunlight exposure.
These properties contribute to consistent insecticidal performance under changing field conditions, supporting more reliable pest management throughout the growing season.
SILVALIS® also acts on the insect’s nervous system, rapidly stopping feeding activity and helping prevent further crop damage.
Supporting Insecticide Resistance Management
The introduction of IRAC Group 30 chemistry gives South African potato growers a different mode of action from several established insecticide groups.
This is particularly important for resistance management, as repeated reliance on insecticides with similar modes of action can increase the risk of pest populations developing resistance.
By incorporating SILVALIS® into appropriately planned insecticide rotation strategies, growers can diversify their pest control programmes and help preserve the effectiveness of available crop protection products.
When used as part of an integrated pest management programme, the product offers an additional approach to managing potato tuber moth while supporting more sustainable insect control practices.
Gustav Venter, Syngenta’s Product Biologist for Insect Control, says the launch forms part of the company’s broader approach to responsible pest management, combining innovative chemistry, advanced formulation technology and practical field performance.
A New Development for South African Potato Production
The launch of SILVALIS® represents an important development in South African potato crop protection, introducing a new insecticide chemistry specifically registered for potato tuber moth control.
By combining isocycloseram with PLINAZOLIN® technology, Syngenta aims to give growers another option for protecting crop quality, managing pest pressure and addressing the ongoing challenge of insecticide resistance.
As potato producers continue to face changing pest pressures and increasingly demanding production requirements, new modes of action and integrated pest management strategies will remain important components of sustainable and productive potato farming.
