Natural origin insecticide.

SPEAR LEP® es is a next-generation biological insecticide formulated as a soluble concentrate (SL) with 2% active ingredient (20 g/L). Developed from a natural peptide extracted from the venom of the Australian spider Hadronyche versuta, it acts as a central nervous system inhibitor in early-stage lepidopteran larvae, mainly by ingestion. Its mode of action is based on positive allosteric modulation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR, site II), causing insect death without affecting pollinators, beneficial fauna, or other non-target organisms. Classified in IRAC Group 32, it has no direct or cross-resistance with insecticides such as spinosyns or neonicotinoids, making it a strategic tool for integrated pest management (IPM) programs, especially for mode of action rotation.

SPEAR LEP® requires complete coverage of the infested plant biomass to maximize efficacy. To enhance the peptide’s bioavailability in the insect’s gut, it should be applied mixed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-based products, subspecies aizawai (Bta) or kurstaki (Btk). It is exempt from MRLs, requires no pre-harvest interval (PHI = 0 days), and allows crop re-entry after 4 hours (REI = 4 h). It has a minimum stability of two years at room temperature without refrigeration, presents low phytotoxicity risk, and is safe for the applicator.