Key Takeaways
- Advanced Systemic Protection: ADAMA has introduced Ateka, a high-load, fully systemic insecticide designed to eliminate tough sucking pests in fruit and vegetable crops.
- Proprietary Technology: The solution is powered by Ayalon Formulation Technology, which accelerates leaf penetration and plant uptake for earlier population control.
- Broad Crop Compatibility: Ateka is registered for use across a diverse range of crops, including citrus, pome and stone fruits, grapes, leafy greens, and fruiting vegetables.
- Enhanced ROI: By providing faster uptake and long-lasting suppression, ADAMA aims to help growers achieve cleaner fields and improved pack-out.
ADAMA Introduces High-Performance Insecticide Technology
ADAMA has announced the launch of Ateka, a systemic insecticide formulated to provide fruit and vegetable growers with a powerful tool against persistent sucking pests. Utilizing the active ingredient Spirotetramat in a suspension concentrate, Ateka is engineered for both speed and staying power.
The product is powered by the proprietary Ayalon Formulation Technology, which enhances the movement of the active ingredient into the plant. This results in earlier control of pest populations and improved overall performance compared to traditional alternatives.
Precision Control for Specialty Crops
The new offering from ADAMA targets a wide array of damaging sucking pests, including aphids, psyllids, mites, scales, thrips, leafminers, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Because it is fully systemic, the insecticide moves through both the xylem and phloem, reaching new growth and roots that contact-only products might miss.
“Ateka represents an important addition to our portfolio for growers looking to upgrade performance without adding complexity,” said Hadley Howard, Product Strategy Manager for Fungicides & Insecticides at ADAMA US. “With faster plant uptake, strong systemic movement and proven performance against key sucking pests, Ateka gives growers a reliable, high-value alternative”.
Faster Uptake and Environmental Resilience
One of the primary advantages of the ADAMA formulation is its high-load concentration. This delivery method provides a higher amount of active ingredient per droplet, which accelerates penetration into the leaf tissue. This rapid uptake helps protect the active ingredient from being washed away by rain or degraded by environmental factors.
Once inside the plant, the solution disrupts lipid biosynthesis in immature insects. This prevents successful molting and reduces the viability of eggs in female pests. For the most consistent results, ADAMA recommends early or preventive applications when pests begin feeding on treated tissue.
ADAMA's Integrated Pest Management and Efficiency
Ateka is designed to fit seamlessly into existing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Its concentrated formulation allows for lower use rates and reduced handling compared to many other market alternatives. To ensure optimal systemic movement, the product performs best when tank-mixed with a penetrating adjuvant.
“Ateka gives growers a reliable, high-value alternative that supports cleaner fields, stronger pack-out and improved return on investment,” Howard added. While currently focused on the US market, ADAMA may explore making Ateka available in additional territories in the future.
