AGROGRACE has introduced a new agricultural insecticide named Tracer 120 SC to the local market.

The product launch was held on March 23 on the escallion field of Patrick Simpson in Todd Town, St Elizabeth.

“Tracer 120 SC is promoted as an essential part of an integrated pest management programme, critical in the fight against a wide range of pests, including lepidopterous larvae such as the beet army worm, caterpillars, leaf miners, thrips, borers, fruit flies, spider mites and aphids,” a company release stated.

According to AgroGrace, the agricultural division of Hardware & Lumber Ltd, the St Elizabeth escallion field was chosen for the launch as western Jamaica serves as a case study in the dangers of poor pest management.

“The region is still struggling to recover from the adverse economic impact suffered from the damage to crops caused from the beet army worm invasion a few years ago. Commercial farming was brought to its knees, the devastation spreading to include disruption of derivative activities, including agro/food processing,” the company said.

“Through successful field trials and supporting endorsements from key agencies, including the Pesticide Control Authority and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, it is clear that the product has already made its mark in the industry,” AgroGrace said.

According to the company, Tracer 120 SC is a key solution in a complete, integrated, pest management programme, suited for use in vegetable, condiment and orchard crops.

It was developed by Dow AgroSciences, has low toxicity effect on the environment and, when used as directed, is safe for users.

“As Jamaica strives to enhance its food production and ensure global standards of food security, the sporadic outbreak of various insect pests has called for new and improved molecules,” the release quotes AgroGrace General Manager Olive Downer-Walsh. “We are very happy, therefore, to introduce yet another high-quality solution to the market in support of the industry.”