Spain Authorizes Emergency Use of Sulfoxaflor Formulation to Combat Cabbage Whitefly Outbreak

Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has issued an emergency authorization allowing the use of a twelve-percent sulfoxaflor suspension concentrate in broccoli crops in response to a severe outbreak of the cabbage whitefly. The approval is valid for a limited period and covers major producing regions where growers have been unable to manage rapidly expanding pest populations through conventional measures.

Application is restricted to a single treatment during specific crop growth stages and must follow strict safety rules, including mandatory protective clothing, avoidance of contact with wet foliage and preservation of water bodies and non-target arthropods through designated buffer zones. The prohibition of spraying during flowering or periods of high pollinator activity is intended to minimize risks to bees.

Sulfoxaflor is a sulfoximine insecticide developed by a major global chemical company. It is valued for its rapid and long-lasting control of piercing-sucking pests, particularly those that have developed resistance to pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, carbamates and organophosphates. Because the compound can be absorbed through stems, leaves and roots, it provides systemic protection and is widely used in fruit trees, vegetables, cereals and rice. Spain’s emergency measure aims to restore crop protection capacity while preventing further economic losses to growers.