RALEIGH, N.C. (May 14, 2012) - MANA Crop Protection introduces new ABBA UltraTM 0.3 miticide/insecticide which offers an advanced formulation that proactively addresses potential California clean air standards for low volatile organic compound (VOC) products. Labeled for use on tree nuts, grapes, citrus, pome fruits, strawberries and select vegetable crops, ABBA Ultra's modern
formulation with low VOC emissions delivers long-lasting control
against a wide spectrum of mite species and insects including the
Two-spotted spider mite, Pacific mite, European red mite, Willamette
spider mite, Red mite, Western grapeleaf skeletonizer, Variegated
leafhopper, leafminers, leafhoppers and thrips.
Developed with
advanced formulation technology, ABBA Ultra maintains superior
performance and crop safety as a leading abamectin product. As one of
the first of its kind, its low VOC formulation minimizes environmental
concerns by reducing impact on air quality. This advantageous
characteristic is a result of the product's new concentrated formula
which is used at exactly half the rate of standard abamectins.
As
a result of the Federal Clean Air Act, the State of California has been
charged with reducing the potential emissions of products formulated as
emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) which contain VOCs. Specific to San
Joaquin Valley, Imperial Valley and Ventura County, many EC-based
compounds do not currently meet federal ozone targets.
"Although
EC-based formulations are effective in delivering mite control,
continued use may decline due to pending regulations," says Dave
Downing, product manager with MANA Crop Protection, in Raleigh, NC.
"Certain EC-based pesticides are currently subject to increasing
regulatory scrutiny because their emissions react with sunlight,
creating ozone."
Filling the void
Since
this Federal Clean Air Act mandate was put into place, MANA has made
development and testing of new low VOC formulations an urgent priority.
According to Downing, his company's new proprietary formulations are
performing equal to, or in some cases better than the previous higher
VOC formulations while meeting the new restrictions. MANA Crop
Protection plans to launch several new formulations of proven products currently in their portfolio by 2013.
"ABBA
Ultra is available for the 2012 season and has characteristics that
secure continued use of the abamectin chemistry," he says. "ABBA Ultra's
higher concentration of active ingredient generates the same high
performance in mite control as before, but with reduced amounts of
formulated product per acre and enhanced air quality features, with
lower VOC emissions. And in geographies where growers are limited in
product choices, method of applications and desired application timing
due to the regulatory restrictions, ABBA Ultra is a welcomed solution."
Less is more
With
reduced formulated product per acre, growers who use ABBA Ultra this
season also gain ground by having less material to store and manage
alongside less container waste. MANA Crop Protection, the manufacturer
of this latest offering, reports that ABBA Ultra offers the same
time-tested unique mode of action common to abamectin products which is
an integral part of a miticide resistance management program.
"As
growers prepare for the upcoming season, the time is now for them to
consider new formulations that can help win the war against mites,"
Downing says. "ABBA Ultra delivers the convenience of flexible timing
and application methods when pests are at their greatest threat. Plus,
the more concentrated formulation meets strict regulatory requirements
while simplifying management practices throughout the entire season."
MANA
Crop Protection, a leader in integrated pest management solutions,
encourages growers to learn more about ABBA Ultra by visiting their new
mite management website at www.miteexperts.com or by calling 866-406-6262.
MANA Crop Protection, 3120 Highwoods Blvd. #100, Raleigh, NC 27604. ABBA Ultra is a Restricted Use Pesticide. ABBA Ultra is a trademark of a Makhteshim Agan Group Company.
About MANA Crop Protection
MANA
offers the most comprehensive and diversified product portfolio in the
crop protection industry, with more than 60 formulations of
insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and
harvest aids. These proven products are efficiently manufactured to the
highest standards and value priced to optimize the farm's profitability
potential. As the North American arm of the world's seventh largest
agrochemical company, MANA provides best-in-class formulations,
regulatory capabilities, field research, and a science-based approach to
defend and maintain vital active ingredients that other companies have
abandoned. Our area business management team throughout the U.S.
supports the distributors, retailers, crop consultants and agronomists
who are part of the supply chain that farmers and farm managers rely on
for localized expertise. MANA is a North American wholly owned affiliate
of Makhteshim-Agan Industries, Ltd (MAI). Additional information about
MANA can be found online at www.manainc.com.
About Makhteshim Agan
Makhteshim-Agan
Industries Ltd helps farmers around the world to increase the yield of
their crops through the production and distribution of crop protection
solutions. In
2011, the Company's revenues were over $2.69 billion, and it is ranked
seventh in the world in the overall agro-chemicals industry. The
Company is known for its extensive knowledge and experience,
outstanding technological and engineering abilities, expertise in
product registration, compliance with stringent environmental protection
standards, strict quality control, and global marketing and
distribution channels.
