Mite and sucking insect pests remain a significant challenge for growers across a broad range of crops. 

As the season progresses, the pressure from these pests increases, particularly in fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops, impacting plant health, yield, and marketability.

With the availability of Raven from Colin Campbell (Chemicals), growers now have access to a reliable and effective pyrethroid insecticide that offers strong control of key pests while remaining gentle on beneficials when used correctly.

Raven is based on tau-fluvalinate (240 g/L), a synthetic pyrethroid with a proven track record across both agriculture and apiculture. 

It offers contact knockdown control of a wide spectrum of insect pests, including mites, aphids, thrips, moths, and leafhoppers.

National sales manager for Colin Campbell (Chemicals) Ramsay Zreikat said Raven is a powerful and versatile option. 

“It’s broad-spectrum yet shows selective toxicity, meaning it is effective against the pests we want to target, while having low toxicity to honeybees when used appropriately.”

Raven works by disrupting the nervous system of target pests, causing paralysis and death.

Though it belongs to the broader pyrethroid family, tau-fluvalinate has characteristics that set it apart from other common actives such as permethrin or cypermethrin. Notably, it offers improved bee safety and stability, making it a strong fit for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems.

Raven is compatible with many commonly used tank mix partners.

“That’s a big advantage for growers looking to manage resistance or broaden their pest control spectrum,” Ramsay said.

However, growers should avoid mixing Raven with strong alkaline products, which can accelerate the degradation of the active ingredient and reduce efficacy.

Raven is registered for use in a range of crops, including grapes, pome and stone fruit, vegetables and ornamentals.

Raven is formulated as a liquid concentrate and is conveniently available in 1L containers. 

It has a short withholding period and low odour, making it both practical and user-friendly. 

When applied according to label directions, Raven is safe for use in sensitive environments and fits well into rotational programs aiming to manage both pest pressure and resistance development.

“With increasing awareness around pollinator health and environmental safety, we believe Raven offers the right mix of performance, flexibility and value.

“Campbells is proud to bring another proven technology to Australian growers. 

“As an Australian owned and operated company with over 85 years of history, we’re focused on delivering not just products, but practical solutions supported by technical expertise and local experience.”