Does Spinosad Kill Aphids?
Not reliably. Spinosad can suppress some aphid populations at certain rates and timings, but field performance is inconsistent and it can harm key beneficials (hoverfly larvae, parasitoid wasps). For aphids, it’s not first-line chemistry. Use aphid-focused modes of action and run a clean rotation.
Why Spinosad Underperforms on Aphids
- Mode–pest mismatch: Spinosad excels on caterpillars, leafminers, and thrips. Against piercing–sucking pests like aphids, knockdown and reproducibility trail specialist options.
- Biocontrol disruption: It is non-selective to several aphid natural enemies, risking outbreaks after predator/parasitoid collapse.
- Program friction: Variable results force unplanned re-sprays, raising cost per hectare and resistance pressure.
When Spinosad Can Still Make Sense (Edge Cases)
- Mixed pressure blocks: Primary targets are Lepidoptera/thrips; aphids are incidental and light.
- Supply constraints: Temporary stop-gap when aphid actives are unavailable. If used, protect beneficials and monitor closely.
What To Use Instead: Aphid-Focused Chemistry (Rotate by IRAC Code)
Active-ingredient guidance only. No doses or tank recipes here. Always follow your local label and regulations.
Tier 1 (go-to options for broad, consistent control)
- IRAC 4A – Neonicotinoids: Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam, Dinotefuran
- Systemic, fast onset, good residual. Manage pollinator risk, observe labels and timing.
- IRAC 4C – Sulfoxaflor
- Strong stop-feeding on resistant populations; plan for drift/pollinator stewardship.
- IRAC 4D – Flupyradifurone
- Broad, steady aphid performance; useful in hot climates and resistance programs.
- IRAC 9C – Flonicamid
- Potent anti-feeding activity; excellent on re-infestation suppression; highly rotation-friendly with 4-series chemistries.
- IRAC 23 – Spirotetramat
- Bimobile (upward & downward) systemic movement; strong for whole-plant population suppression and follow-up stabilization.
Tier 2 (situation-dependent complements)
- IRAC 9B – Pymetrozine
- Anti-feeding; ideal for early pressure and reproduction brake.
- IRAC 9D – Afidopyropen
- Very fast feeding cessation; broad aphid spectrum.
- IRAC 1A – Pirimicarb
- Aphid-selective carbamate; relatively beneficial-friendly when used correctly.
- Avermectins – Abamectin
- Translaminar; better known for mites/leafminers, but offers value on some aphids with good leaf-underside coverage.
Fast Pick Matrix (by production scenario)
- Greenhouse / Protected crops: Flonicamid → rotate with Afidopyropen → anchor with Spirotetramat for whole-canopy reach.
- Open-field, high pressure: Sulfoxaflor or Flupyradifurone → rotate with a 4A neonic or Flonicamid.
- Early, low density: Flonicamid or Pymetrozine to shut down feeding and reproduction.
- Resistance concern: Rotate across 4C / 4D / 9C / 23, avoid extended single-class runs.
- Biocontrol-heavy programs: Prefer Pirimicarb and Flonicamid; avoid spinosad where key beneficials are present.
IPM Bundle (to lift chemical ROI)
- Cultural & hygiene: Ventilation, dust control, nitrogen moderation, aggressive removal of hot spots.
- Oils & soaps: Horticultural oils/mineral oils and fatty-acid soaps add contact knockdown and improve coverage.
- Beneficials: Conserve hoverflies, lacewings, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps; control ants to break aphid–ant mutualism.
- Monitoring: Leaf-underside scouting, growth-stage thresholds, and reproduction indices to time first spray.
Resistance Management (non-negotiables)
- Rotate across different IRAC codes, not just product names.
- Cap consecutive applications per class per season.
- Execution quality: Correct water volume, droplet spectrum, and leaf-underside coverage to avoid “low-dose selection.”
- Data discipline: Keep spray logs, pressure maps, and post-spray counts to prove control and adjust rotations.
Compliance & Market Access
- Work strictly within registered labels (crop, PHI/REI, pollinator statements).
- For export crops, align MRLs with buyer specs and sampling protocols.
- Document COA/MSDS/label and field records for audits.
Bottom Line
- Does spinosad kill aphids? It can, but not well enough to be a primary solution—and it risks harming your biocontrol.
- What should you do instead? Build an aphid program around IRAC 4C/4D/4A/9C/23 rotations, supported by IPM hygiene and beneficial conservation.
- Outcome: Faster stop-feeding, steadier knockdown, fewer re-sprays, and a resistance posture you can defend.
Not reliably. Spinosad can suppress some aphid populations at certain rates and timings, but field performance is inconsistent and it can harm key beneficials (hoverfly larvae, parasitoid wasps). For aphids, it’s not first-line chemistry. Use aphid-focused modes of action and run a clean rotation.
Why Spinosad Underperforms on Aphids
- Mode–pest mismatch: Spinosad excels on caterpillars, leafminers, and thrips. Against piercing–sucking pests like aphids, knockdown and reproducibility trail specialist options.
- Biocontrol disruption: It is non-selective to several aphid natural enemies, risking outbreaks after predator/parasitoid collapse.
- Program friction: Variable results force unplanned re-sprays, raising cost per hectare and resistance pressure.
When Spinosad Can Still Make Sense (Edge Cases)
- Mixed pressure blocks: Primary targets are Lepidoptera/thrips; aphids are incidental and light.
- Supply constraints: Temporary stop-gap when aphid actives are unavailable. If used, protect beneficials and monitor closely.
What To Use Instead: Aphid-Focused Chemistry (Rotate by IRAC Code)
Active-ingredient guidance only. No doses or tank recipes here. Always follow your local label and regulations.
Tier 1 (go-to options for broad, consistent control)
- IRAC 4A – Neonicotinoids: Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam, Dinotefuran
- Systemic, fast onset, good residual. Manage pollinator risk, observe labels and timing.
- IRAC 4C – Sulfoxaflor
- Strong stop-feeding on resistant populations; plan for drift/pollinator stewardship.
- IRAC 4D – Flupyradifurone
- Broad, steady aphid performance; useful in hot climates and resistance programs.
- IRAC 9C – Flonicamid
- Potent anti-feeding activity; excellent on re-infestation suppression; highly rotation-friendly with 4-series chemistries.
- IRAC 23 – Spirotetramat
- Bimobile (upward & downward) systemic movement; strong for whole-plant population suppression and follow-up stabilization.
Tier 2 (situation-dependent complements)
- IRAC 9B – Pymetrozine
- Anti-feeding; ideal for early pressure and reproduction brake.
- IRAC 9D – Afidopyropen
- Very fast feeding cessation; broad aphid spectrum.
- IRAC 1A – Pirimicarb
- Aphid-selective carbamate; relatively beneficial-friendly when used correctly.
- Avermectins – Abamectin
- Translaminar; better known for mites/leafminers, but offers value on some aphids with good leaf-underside coverage.
Fast Pick Matrix (by production scenario)
- Greenhouse / Protected crops: Flonicamid → rotate with Afidopyropen → anchor with Spirotetramat for whole-canopy reach.
- Open-field, high pressure: Sulfoxaflor or Flupyradifurone → rotate with a 4A neonic or Flonicamid.
- Early, low density: Flonicamid or Pymetrozine to shut down feeding and reproduction.
- Resistance concern: Rotate across 4C / 4D / 9C / 23, avoid extended single-class runs.
- Biocontrol-heavy programs: Prefer Pirimicarb and Flonicamid; avoid spinosad where key beneficials are present.
IPM Bundle (to lift chemical ROI)
- Cultural & hygiene: Ventilation, dust control, nitrogen moderation, aggressive removal of hot spots.
- Oils & soaps: Horticultural oils/mineral oils and fatty-acid soaps add contact knockdown and improve coverage.
- Beneficials: Conserve hoverflies, lacewings, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps; control ants to break aphid–ant mutualism.
- Monitoring: Leaf-underside scouting, growth-stage thresholds, and reproduction indices to time first spray.
Resistance Management (non-negotiables)
- Rotate across different IRAC codes, not just product names.
- Cap consecutive applications per class per season.
- Execution quality: Correct water volume, droplet spectrum, and leaf-underside coverage to avoid “low-dose selection.”
- Data discipline: Keep spray logs, pressure maps, and post-spray counts to prove control and adjust rotations.
Compliance & Market Access
- Work strictly within registered labels (crop, PHI/REI, pollinator statements).
- For export crops, align MRLs with buyer specs and sampling protocols.
- Document COA/MSDS/label and field records for audits.
Bottom Line
- Does spinosad kill aphids? It can, but not well enough to be a primary solution—and it risks harming your biocontrol.
- What should you do instead? Build an aphid program around IRAC 4C/4D/4A/9C/23 rotations, supported by IPM hygiene and beneficial conservation.
- Outcome: Faster stop-feeding, steadier knockdown, fewer re-sprays, and a resistance posture you can defend.
Share to: