by Victor Okeyo
Inspecting the underside of a rose leaf, George Kopf of Interplant, half-expects to find the signs of wanton damage by spider mites. However, for the first time in weeks, the leaf is clean.
“No chemical smell, and the results speak for themselves,” he says, smiling.
Like many growers across the horticultural industry, George recently began using Bayer’s newly launched bioinsecticide-miticide, Flipper, joining the growing shift toward sustainable pest control.
“Synthetic pesticide resistance is on the rise, and export markets are tightening rules on chemical residues,” said George Momanyi of KEPHIS during the product launch. He further highlighted that the innovative product had arrived at a crucial time. However, can this eco-friendly solution deliver real impact for the farmers?
Thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites are a menace when undetected and cause serious losses when uncontrolled in roses, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Moreover, there is a growing demand for safer, sustainable inputs, leading to the rise in bioinsecticides in modern pest management.
Consequently, Bayer’s new product, Flipper, is an active substance derived from extra-virgin olive oil and is effective against the key pests in horticulture. Moreover, Flipper is safe for users and selective for crops, pollinators, and beneficial insects, leaving no residues when applied.
“Repeated applications may be required depending on pest pressure with a maximum of three subsequent applications at seven-day intervals,” says Sebastian of Bayer.
The product, which is registered across the EU and exempt from EU MRLs, requires application with soft water to avoid the formation of insoluble salts and can be used for both open-field and greenhouse.
“The product is relatively easy to use as it is safe for the applicant and pollinators with visible effect a few days after application,” says George, who was among the first to test the product in the field.
Additionally, the Flipper’s long shelf life can be easily integrated into spray programs with conventional protection products like Sivanto Prime and Movento 48 SC
However, to be effective, the product must come into direct contact with the target pests.
“This means that to achieve optimal results, foliar spray application will require sufficient fresh water quantity to achieve the wetting of all areas of the host crop to target the pests,” says Joseph Ogege, a grower.
However, he points out that with the ever-growing scarcity of freshwater, the product, despite its unrivaled advantages, may pose limitations in water-scarce regions. The product uses approximately 1000 L of water/ha.
Despite concerns on water use, Flipper is primed to take-off in the market as a result of the increasingly tight regulatory framework on the use of chemical inputs on exports. The bioinsecticide-miticide differentiates itself by addressing specific pest issues prevalent in East African agriculture while ensuring compliance with international residue limits.
The African biopesticides market is valued at approximately USD 177.6 million and is projected to reach USD 298.5 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.94%. This growth is fueled by the expansion of organic farming and the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, and with the introduction of this innovative product, Bayer is poised to lead the biopesticide market by offering a much-needed lifeline in organic farming.
“Profitability does not have to come at the cost of sustainability,” said Mr. Momanyi of KEPHIS. Eco-conscious farming is increasingly doable with the introduction of such products.