Spirotetramat (ISO Name) is a keto-enol insecticide developed by Bayer CropScience under the brand names Movento[1] and Ultor.[2]
Spirotetramat is active against piercing-sucking insects, such as aphids, mites, and white flies, by acting as an ACC inhibitor, interrupting lipid biosynthesis in the insects. It is a systemic insecticide that penetrates plant leaves when sprayed on. It is ambimobile, being transported both upwards and downwards through vascular bundles.[3] In plants, it is hydrolyzed to the enol form by cleavage of the central ethoxycarbonyl group. This enol is more stable due to double bond being in a ring and the conjugation with the amide group and the benzene ring.
Bayer obtained spirotetramat's first regulatory approval in Tunisia in 2007.[4] [5] It was recognized by the European Union May 1, 2014.[6]
Spirotetramat has moderate to low acute toxicity, is irritating to eyes and potentially sensitizing to skin. When tested on rats, it was not shown to be carcinogenic.[7] In Denmark, it is listed as harmful to aquatic invertebrates, but not dangerous to bees.[8]