FAQs

Oberon^® miticide/insecticide is a highly effective product that provides effective residual activity on all pest life stages. Oberon is a member of the chemical class of tetronic acids.

Oberon has a unique mode of action classified as a Lipid Biosynthesis Inhibitor (LBI). Oberon is active against all developmental stages of mites, including eggs and adults. Visual symptoms of poisoning include flabby legs, paralysis, egg accumulation in females, dehydration and molting inhibition, all of which lead to reduced fecundity and/or mortality.

Oberon is very active on a spectrum of mites, whiteflies and psyllids.

There are many factors that determine the residual effectiveness of any product, but tests have shown consistent control up to 30 days and in many trials, even longer.

Soon after exposure, immatures are trapped in the quiescent stage (cannot progress into the next development stage), and death usually occurs shortly thereafter. Reductions in egg deposition, as well as other symptoms, are observed quickly in adult females following exposure. Transovarial effects will reduce the hatch of eggs that are deposited. Performance evaluations should be made 4 to 10 days following application.

The unique mode of action of Oberon shows no cross-resistance to other modes of action currently. Resistance to abamectin, pyriproxyfen, organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids has been documented in other areas of the world, making Oberon an attractive new option for resistance management.

Oberon is effective as either a preventive or threshold treatment, allowing for flexible application timing. To minimize leaf tissue damage prior to treatment, Bayer recommends applying Oberon prior to the establishment of a damaging population.

Oberon is physically compatible with a number of other commonly used insecticides and fungicides. Studies have shown no antagonistic or phytotoxic effects when compared to each product utilized alone.

Oberon can be applied at a wide range of rates, depending on the application type. The higher rates should be utilized for dense canopy volumes or for extended residual control.

Due to the strong lipophilic properties of the active ingredient, Oberon is considered rainfast once the product has dried on leaf surfaces. Subsequent rainfall will have little or no effect on residual performance. Because Oberon does exhibit translaminar effects, use of an adjuvant can enhance coverage and penetration of leaf tissue.

In both field and tent tests, no adverse effects to honey bees have been observed. Research has shown Oberon is not harmful to adult ladybird beetles, minute pirate bugs and lacewings when used as directed. While there is an effect of Oberon on predatory mites, a large portion of this effect is attributed to the elimination of the prey that serve as the food source for the predator mites.

Tests have shown slight degradation of the active ingredient due to hydrolysis (high pH water). Half-lives are 107.4 days at pH 4 and 4.8 days at pH 9 at 20° C.

Oberon is formulated as a user-friendly suspension concentrate formulation. The product is a non-Restricted Use Pesticide, carries a CAUTION signal word and a 12-hour restricted entry interval. PPE requirements for mixers/handlers include long-sleeved shirt and long pants, shoes plus socks and chemical resistant gloves. Oberon has very favorable acute and chronic toxicological profiles and is not a skin or eye irritant.