ADAMA has unveiled Ateka, a new high-load, fully systemic insecticide designed to help fruit and vegetable growers rapidly control some of the most persistent sucking pests in specialty crops.
The product uses ADAMA’s proprietary Ayalon Formulation Technology to boost leaf penetration and plant uptake, enabling faster pest suppression and more consistent performance in the field.
Ateka contains the active ingredient spirotetramat in a suspension concentrate formulation and is registered across a wide range of crops including citrus, pome fruit, stone fruit, grapes, leafy greens and fruiting vegetables. The insecticide targets major sucking pests such as aphids, psyllids, mites, scales, thrips, leafminers, mealybugs and whiteflies.
“Ateka represents a valuable option for growers looking to upgrade performance without adding complexity,” said Hadley Howard, Product Strategy Manager – Fungicides & Insecticides, ADAMA US. “With faster plant uptake, strong systemic movement and proven performance against key sucking pests, Ateka gives growers a reliable, high-value alternative that supports cleaner fields, stronger pack-out and improved return on investment.”
Unlike contact insecticides that depend heavily on spray coverage, Ateka moves systemically through both the xylem and phloem, allowing it to reach new growth and plant roots.
Once inside the plant, the active ingredient disrupts lipid biosynthesis in immature insects, preventing proper molting and reducing egg viability in female pests. Because control occurs when pests feed on treated plant tissue, early or preventive applications provide the most consistent results.
The product’s high-load formulation delivers a higher concentration of active ingredient per droplet, helping accelerate penetration and reduce losses from rainfall or environmental exposure. According to field data on file, this leads to faster uptake and improved control compared to Movento.
Field trials across multiple crops have demonstrated Ateka’s performance.
In Florida citrus trials on Hamlin oranges, Ateka applied at 4 fl oz delivered stronger long-term control of citrus rust mite compared with Movento at 8 fl oz, with no phytotoxicity observed.
Trials in grapefruit targeting California red scale showed Ateka-treated plots produced the highest number of clean fruit at harvest compared with both untreated and Movento® treatments.
Additional studies in apples and grapes found Ateka reduced pest pressure faster and maintained lower infestation levels over time, including fewer two-spotted spider mites per leaf and reduced wooly apple aphid–infected terminals. Mealybug trials in citrus and grapes also demonstrated quicker and longer-lasting control at labeled rates.
Beyond pest control, Ateka’s concentrated formulation allows for lower use rates and less product handling compared with many alternatives.
The insecticide performs best when tank mixed with a penetrating adjuvant to optimize leaf uptake and systemic movement. With a flexible application window and strong results from early applications, Ateka is designed to integrate easily into pest management programs for both perennial and annual specialty crops.
For growers facing persistent sucking pest pressure, Ateka offers a streamlined solution built around speed, systemic reach and season-long suppression.
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