01 August 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of viticulture, effective pest management is crucial for success. Versys® insecticide from BASF is registered for use in grapevines and has already proven highly effective in horticulture crops. It offers an innovative approach to managing long-tailed mealybugs, a persistent challenge in Australian vineyards.

Effective control of these pests requires a comprehensive, season-long strategy, as they can remain present in various life stages throughout the year. Seasonal fluctuations in weather can lead to rapid spikes and declines in population numbers, necessitating flexibility and adaptability in the choice of insecticides and spray timings to achieve effective control.

Effective mealybug spray programs require a strategic and fully integrated approach to achieve robust and acceptable control levels, as well as ensuring the long-term sustainability of the products used.

Some of the commercially available insecticides for mealybug control have activity on very specific mealybug life cycle stages and matching application timings to a susceptible life cycle stage will ensure the best levels of control.  Versys Insecticide has good efficacy on 2^nd and 3^rd mealybug instars and acts as a very good life cycle disruptor when these life cycle stages are dominant in a population.

Although very effective, Versys has an added benefit of being very soft on beneficial insects within a vineyard and very compatible in an IPM program.  Beneficial insects play an important role in mealybug management and can be effective to help keep population numbers down with an elusive pest such as mealybug. Use of softer, but effective chemistry throughout a spray program gives beneficial insects like lacewings the ability to build up in number and provide complimentary and extended levels of control later into the crop.

To find out more about Versys Insecticide, head to https://crop-solutions.basf.com.au/products/versys

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*DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.