The emergency authorisation has been granted to control for peach-potato aphid (Myzus Persicae), the primary vector of Virus Yellows disease – the single biggest disease threat facing the homegrown sugar beet industry.
What growers need to know
Application must only be in sequence following a three-spray programme of the fully approved active ingredients of acetamiprid, flonicamid and flupyradifurone.
It is not permitted to apply Insyst ‘back-to-back’ at positions 3 and 4.
“The homegrown sugar beet industry remains wholly committed to working hard to find viable, long-term solutions to Virus Yellows disease.”
NFU Sugar Board Chair Kit Papworth
Use will only be permitted during the period of authorisation (28 May – 1 August 2026) and once the following aphid thresholds have been reached:
- Up to 12 true leaves: 5 green wingless aphids per 20 plants.
- Between 12 and 16 true leaves: 1 green wingless aphid per plant.
As a condition of use, growers must record:
- The date(s) of any application of a second spray of acetamiprid using ‘Insyst SG’ and number of hectares treated in accordance with this emergency authorisation.
- Aphid counts, beet yellow virus infection levels and crop growth stages at the time of decision.
- The basis of the decision making on whether to apply foliar spray(s) during the susceptible growth stage period, including any 4th insecticide application (ie, an application of ‘Insyst SG’).
This data will be collated by British Sugar through My British Sugar in due course for submission back to the regulator to display industry compliance. This is essential to support any potential future applications from industry for emergency authorisation.
Growers are urged to visit the BBRO website for the latest guidance, monitoring and advice.
Extreme grower concern
NFU Sugar Board Chair Kit Papworth said: “The forecast level of aphid pressure in 2026 is the highest the homegrown sugar beet industry has faced in the absence of highly effective seed treatment controls since 2020.”
“That year, 38% of the national crop was infected with Virus Yellows and 25% of yield lost. Some growers suffered catastrophic reductions in yield of up to 80% as a result of the disease.”
“This year, high aphid numbers already across the length and breadth of the growing area have left growers understandably extremely concerned. In this context, access to a comprehensive, sustainable spray programme will be vital to control the threat posed by Virus Yellows, and so we welcome the approval for the use of a second application of Insyst SG on sugar beet in 2026.”
“Led by the British Beet Research Organisation, the homegrown sugar beet industry remains wholly committed to working hard to find viable, long-term solutions to Virus Yellows disease.”
