SPEAR® LEP: A Smart Solution for Navel Orangeworm Control in Pistachios and Almonds during Harvest

Navel orangeworm (NOW) remains one of the most challenging pests for California pistachio and almond growers, posing risks to both yield and nut quality. 

Vestaron’s SPEAR® LEP (IRAC 32) delivers NOW control equal to leading synthetics, with added benefits of 0-day PHI, 4-hour REI, MRL exemption, and a clean spray profile—making it ideal for tight treatment and harvest windows.

Recent field trials indicate that Vestaron’s SPEAR® LEP offers a reliable option for managing this pest, with effectiveness comparable to leading synthetic chemistries. 

The Only Option for In-Harvest Control

This season’s strong pistachio crop makes protecting quality more critical than ever. The greatest vulnerability comes during harvest, between shakes, when traditional chemistries cannot be used. SPEAR® LEP’s is the only 0-day PHI insecticide available, giving growers a proven solution to safeguard their crop during this narrow but high-risk window. By delivering control without residue concerns, SPEAR® LEP’s allows growers to maximize yield and maintain market quality standards. 

Field Trial Evidence

Between 2021 and 2024, independent trials conducted across California—including Tulare and Stanislaus Counties (Trial IDs 24W802, 24W803, and Bisabri Ag)—evaluated SPEAR® LEP in almonds and pistachios. The research demonstrated significant reductions in kernel damage relative to untreated controls (Tukey’s HSD, P<0.05). Notably, some Bisabri Ag trial replicates reported 0.0% damage compared with 6.0% in untreated plots, highlighting SPEAR® LEP’s capacity to maintain crop quality.

With almond prices seeing a slight increase, it’s also important to remind growers about the value of keeping pollinators clean. Choosing products like SPEAR® LEP that carry a clean spray profile helps protect beneficial insects while ensuring strong returns.

To further validate performance, a field-to-lab hull split spray study in almonds measured navel orangeworm survival at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after application. The results demonstrate that SPEAR® LEP maintained strong activity against NOW over time, confirming its role as a reliable tool in managing this pest during critical crop development stages.

Practical Advantages for Growers

In addition to strong NOW control, SPEAR® LEP offers several practical benefits:

• 0-Day Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) – allows applications near harvest without affecting food safety compliance.

• 4-Hour Restricted Entry Interval (REI) – supports worker safety while maintaining operational flexibility.

• MRL Exempt – reduces regulatory complexity.

• Clean Spray Profile – integrates smoothly into existing spray programs and narrow harvest windows.

   

Consistency Across Application Conditions

Field studies confirm that SPEAR® LEP performs consistently across spray volumes ranging from 100-150 gallons per acre. Its flexibility ensures effectiveness under varying orchards practices, performing comparably to – and in some cases exceeding – the results of leading conventional insecticides.  

A Cornerstone of Modern IPM

For pistachio growers, SPEAR® LEP is more than just another option – it’s the only insecticide that can be used during harvest to protect yield and quality between shakes. With a proven record of performance, operational flexibility, and alignment with integrated pest management principles, it provides unmatched confidence in the fight against NOW.

SPEAR® LEP gives growers the freedom to finish harvest strong, without compromise. 

For further details, get in touch with a Vestaron Representative today!