Key Takeaways
- Pro Farm Group has introduced ARINO™, a new in-furrow insecticide/nematicide targeting nematodes and soil insects like wireworms in tuberous crops.
- ARINO™ is powered by RinoTec™ technology, a novel biocontrol agent that stops pest feeding and helps protect yield and crop quality.
- The product is registered with the U.S. EPA and is currently in on-farm demonstrations ahead of its expected commercial release in 2026.
- ARINO™ offers a non-synthetic alternative to pyrethroids and carbamates, with a favorable safety and environmental profile.
- The launch strengthens the Pro Farm Group’s portfolio of naturally derived crop protection products.
Pro Farm Group Introduces ARINO™ for Potato and Bulb Crop Protection
Powered by RinoTec™ for Nematode and Wireworm Control
Pro Farm Group has announced the introduction of ARINO™, a new in-furrow insecticide/nematicide developed to manage nematodes and wireworms in potatoes, onions, and other bulb and tuberous crops. The product uses RinoTec™ technology, a novel biocontrol agent designed to disrupt root feeding by plant-parasitic nematodes and soil insects including white grubs and wireworms.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved RinoTec, and ARINO™ is currently being used in 2025 growing season on-farm demonstrations across key agricultural regions.
“ARINO™ is an easy-to-use, effective, non-synthetic alternative to current in-furrow pest control products,” said JR Abele, RinoTec Product Manager. “It has a user-friendly, environmentally friendly safety profile and fills a need in the marketplace for potato growers, processors, and exporters alike.”
How ARINO™ Works: Stops Feeding and Repels Soil Pests
In-Furrow Application at Planting Stage
ARINO™ is applied directly in-furrow at planting and is absorbed by the plant’s root system. The active compound moves through the developing roots, offering protection at early growth stages. It is effective against Columbia root-knot, lesion, and northern root-knot nematodes, as well as white grubs and wireworms.
Upon ingestion, ARINO™ acts as a stomach poison that disrupts pest feeding and prevents root damage, which is known to reduce yields and affect crop marketability. It also prevents the formation of feeding sites in nematodes, leading to pest starvation.
“Yield data and crop quality evaluations show pest-control programs using RinoTec technology at planting provide control equal to or better than the typical grower standard,” added Abele.
Benefits of ARINO™ from Pro Farm Group
A Convenient, Non-Synthetic Pest Management Option
ARINO™, part of the Pro Farm Group portfolio, offers a range of benefits designed for ease of use and environmental compatibility:
- Exempt from tolerance and established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)
- Compatible with fertilizers and other crop protection products
- No buffer zone required when applied at planting
- Minimal PPE requirements, 4-hour REI, and 0-day PHI
- Shelf-stable and does not require a closed mixing system
- Low impact on beneficial insects and pollinators
“RinoTec technology within ARINO™ is groundbreaking due to its activity on both soil insects and nematodes,” said Abele. “It offers growers a safer, effective alternative to broad-spectrum solutions like pyrethroids and carbamates.”
Expanding the Pro Farm Group Portfolio
ARINO™ Joins Venerate®, Regalia®, and Other Biocontrol Products
Pro Farm Group, headquartered in Davis, California, specializes in the development of biologically derived solutions for pest management and plant health. The launch of ARINO™ expands the company’s growing portfolio, which includes products like Venerate®, Regalia®, and Emergen™ L.
ARINO™ is expected to be commercially available for the 2026 growing season, pending state-level registrations.
