Adama has launched Ateka insecticide, a high-load, fully systemic solution designed to help fruit and vegetable growers clean out tough sucking pests with speed and staying power. Powered by proprietary Ayalon Formulation Technology, Ateka enhances leaf penetration and plant uptake, delivering earlier population control and enhanced performance.
Ateka contains the active ingredient spirotetramat in a suspension concentrate formulation and is registered for use in a wide range of crops, including citrus, pome fruit, stone fruit, grapes, leafy greens and fruiting vegetables. It provides broad-spectrum control of key sucking pests including aphids, psyllids, mites, scales, thrips, leafminers, mealybugs and whiteflies.
"Ateka represents a valuable option for growers looking to upgrade performance without adding complexity," said Hadley Howard, Product Strategy Manager – Fungicides & Insecticides, Adama US. "With faster plant uptake, strong systemic movement and proven performance against key sucking pests, Ateka gives growers a reliable, high-value alternative that supports cleaner fields, stronger pack-out and improved return on investment."
Faster uptake and stronger suppression
Unlike contact products that rely solely on coverage, Ateka is fully systemic, moving through both the xylem and phloem to reach new growth and roots. Once inside the plant, it disrupts lipid biosynthesis in immature insects, preventing successful molting and reducing egg viability in females. Because control occurs when pests feed on treated tissue, early or preventive applications deliver the most consistent results.
Ateka's high-load formulation delivers a higher concentration of active ingredient per droplet, accelerating penetration and helping protect the active ingredient from rain and environmental loss. The result is faster uptake and improved control compared to Movento, according to field data on file.
Proven performance
In Florida citrus trials on Hamlin oranges, Ateka at 4 fl oz provided stronger control of citrus rust mite over time compared to Movento at 8 fl oz, with no phytotoxicity observed.
In grapefruit evaluating California red scale, Ateka-treated plots delivered the highest number of clean fruit at harvest compared to both untreated and Movento treatments.
Additional trials in apples and grapes demonstrated that Ateka performed faster and maintained lower infestation levels over time versus Movento, including reduced two-spotted spider mite motiles per leaf and lower percentages of wooly apple aphid–infected terminals. Mealybug studies in citrus and grapes further showed quicker and longer control at labeled rates.
For more information
Adama
www.adama.com
