Pangaea Booster: Tackling pesticide resistance in the field

Pangaea’s new technology is now available to support improved control and help counteract resistance development. When used in combination with insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides, it can restore control in situations where resistance has taken hold – particularly metabolic resistance. 

Resistance typically builds over time. A common cause of resistance is the continuous use of products with the same mode of action used repeatedly within a spray programme.

One of the main forms of resistance is metabolic. Metabolic resistance is where pests use enzymes – cytochrome P450s – to break down pesticides before they take effect. 

Pangaea Booster works by targeting this specific resistance pathway. The active ingredient PBO deactivates the P450 enzymes, allowing the pesticide to remain active and lethal.

This approach has proven effective in both laboratory and field trials across a wide range of UK pests, including aphids, flea beetle, diamondback moth, and thrips.

For arable systems, Pangaea Booster is approved for use on cereals (up to GS52), oilseed rape (up to 10% potential pods), pulses such as field beans and peas (up to pod set), sugar beet, and linseed.

Trials show that where pests had previously shown signs of resistance to pyrethroids or other commonly used actives, the addition of PBO improved knockdown and control, especially in borderline efficacy situations.

Maximum concentration for use is 0.2% of the spray solution, and applications must follow the statutory conditions of the plant protection product being used. On edible crops, it can only be applied where the pesticide rate is half or less of its authorised dose. In addition, this adjuvant may be used on a wide range of crops, up to the growth stages specified, with all approved pesticides applied up to their full approved rate.

With resistance pressure mounting and fewer new actives coming to market, Pangaea Booster offers a practical way for arable farmers to get the most out of their existing chemistry – particularly where resistance is known or suspected.  

For more information visit the Fargro website.

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