Spirotetramat is active against piercing-sucking insects, such as aphids, mites, and white flies, by acting as an ACC inhibitor, interrupting lipid biosynthesis in the insects. It is a systemic insecticide that penetrates plant leaves when sprayed on. It is ambimobile, being transported both upwards and downwards through vascular bundles.[4] In plants, it is hydrolyzed to the enol form by cleavage of the central ethoxycarbonyl group. This enol is more stable due to double bond being in a ring and the conjugation with the amide group and the benzene ring.
Regulation
Bayer obtained spirotetramat's first regulatory approval in Tunisia in 2007.[5][6] It was recognized by the European Union May 1, 2014.[7]
Toxicology and safety
Spirotetramat has moderate to low acute toxicity, is irritating to eyes and potentially sensitizing to skin. When tested on rats, it was not shown to be carcinogenic.[8] In Denmark, it is listed as harmful to aquatic invertebrates, but not dangerous to bees.[9]
^Bruck E, et al. (Oct 2009). "Movento, an innovative ambimobile insecticide for sucking insect pest control in agriculture: Biological profile and field performance". Crop Protection. 28 (10): 838–844. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2009.06.015.
^Braham M, Glida-Gnidez H, Hajji L (7 Aug 2012). "Management of the tomato borer, Tuta absoluta in Tunisia with novel insecticides and plant extracts". EPPO Bulletin. 42 (2): 291–296. doi:10.1111/epp.2572.
