Summary of Australian registered pesticides for mite control

1. Australian Turf registered miticides
Not all turf miticides act the same and they may vary in where and how they can be used to get the best
results. These are discussed by active with a summary table in the appendix
Abamectin (Thumper, Agador) is an effective miticide. The active ingredient, which occurs naturally, is
derived from the soil microorganism, Streptomyces avermitilis. Abamectin is a contact and translaminar
miticide. Translaminar is a term that refers to insecticides/miticides that penetrate the leaf tissue and
form a reservoir of active ingredient within the leaf.
When insects ingest Abamectin they are quickly paralysed and consequently plant damage is
minimilised. Abamectin has a unique mode of action and has been shown effective against mites
resistant to organophospahtes, pyrethroids, carbamates and other types of miticides and insecticides.
After application, it is quickly absorbed into leaf tissue (thus offering a low hazard for predatory mites
and other beneficial insects that feed on the plant) where a reservoir of active ingredient remains to
control leaf-feeding insects. This trans-laminar activity means longer control is achieved on both the
upper and lower leaf surfaces and once inside the plant it cannot be weathered off. The only instances
of phytotoxicity recorded have been on ferns and Shasta daisies.
Once becoming exposed to Abamectin it takes three to four days for maximum effectiveness to be
achieved. This must be borne in mind following application because even though mites may be visible,
they will eventually die
Abamectin generally provides up to 28 days of residual activity. Abamectin is active on the mobile life
stages of mites, with no activity on eggs. Although the insecticide/miticide is slow acting, treated mites
are immobilized after exposure. Abamectin is highly toxic to bees.
Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid-based miticide. This isn’t registered. There are a number of different
formulations, and each has certain use requirements. Bifenthrin is a contact miticide, so it is important
to cover thoroughly all turf areas during application. The product provides between 7 and 21 days of
residual activity.
Clofentazine (Quali-Pro Prophesy) is a new player in the turf industry although it has been used for a
longtime in horticulture. Clofentazine is a contact miticide, so thorough coverage of all plant parts is
critical during application. It is active on mite eggs and the immature stages. The product has no activity
on adult mites. These products are typically used relatively early in the production season before mite

2. populations reach outbreak conditions. Combinations with an organosilicone wetting agent are
particularly effective. Although clofentazine is slow-acting, it may provide up to 45 days of residual
activity. Clofentazine is toxic to fish.
Diafenthiuron (Waldo, Hygran). Dangerous to bees
Etoxazole (Finesse) has just received registration and is actually a growth regulator for mites, inhibiting
the molting process. Similar to abamectin (described previously), etoxazole is a contact and translaminar
miticide providing up to 28 days of residual activity from a single application. The product is active on
the egg, larvae, and nymphal stages. It has minimal effect on adult mites. However, adult female mites
that are treated do not produce viable eggs.
Methidathion (Supracide) is a trans-laminar stomach and contact poison which degrades quickly having
a half life of 2 - 3 weeks

3. Active Product Scheduling IRAC
Group
Mode of action Stage of activity Water
volume
L/Ha
Droplet size/nozzle
selection
Toxic to
bees
Toxic to
fish
Notes
Abamectin Thumper,
Agador,
Gymnast
S6 6 Translaminar
activity
Controls all feeding stages of
mites
250-500 Use coarse droplets
(i.e. Air induction flat
fan 025 to 04 nozzles)
Yes Yes Add NIS at
0.25 % v/v
Bifenthrin Various Not registered
Clofentazine Quali-Pro
Prophesy
S5 10A contact action
and long
residual activity
Egg stage and early larval
development
300-500 Use coarse droplets
(e.g. Air Induction flat
fan 025 to 04 nozzles).
Yes Add NIS at
0.25 % v/v
Diafenthiuron Waldo,
Hygran
S5 12A Contact,
translaminar &
vapour action
Active against all mite feeding
stages with some effect against
eggs
300-500 Use coarse droplets
(i.e. Air induction flat
fan 025 to 04 nozzles)
Yes Yes Add NIS at
0.25 % v/v
Etoxazole Finesse - 10B Translaminar
and residual
Immature mite stages are the
most susceptible, including eggs.
Adult mites will not be controlled
so initial activity appears slow,
although eggs laid by treated
mites will not be viable.
300-500 Use coarse droplets
(i.e. Air induction flat
fan 025 to 04 nozzles)
Low Yes ?
Methidathion Supracide S7 1B Partial systemic
properties as
well as contact
activity.
Eggs and adults 300-400 Use coarse droplets
(i.e. Air induction flat
fan 025 to 04 nozzles)
Yes Yes Add NIS at
0.25 % v/v.
Only
registered in
QLD, SA and
WA