INSECTICIDE

PARAMITE SELECTIVE MITICIDE

APVMA no.: 56791
Registrant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
Formulation: SUSPENSION CONCENTRATE

Paramite Selective Miticide is a suspension concentrate (SC) formulation containing 110 g/L etoxazole. It is a dedicated acaricide formulated to deliver targeted control of pest mites across horticultural crops and broadacre applications, supporting production in key regional districts such as citrus orchards in the Sunraysia and Riverland, grape vineyards, and solanaceous crop paddocks.

As a selective mite growth inhibitor, etoxazole targets immature life stages and egg viability, breaking the pest cycle without causing high knockdowns of major beneficial insects and predatory mites. This targeted activity makes Paramite a strong fit for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes when integrated into a structured seasonal spray schedule.

Optimal performance relies on complete spray coverage across the plant canopy, as etoxazole acts primarily via contact and translaminar movement rather than vascular systemic transport. Agronomists recommend monitoring blocks closely to time applications at the onset of pest population build-up before adult numbers exceed damage thresholds.

Active constituents

ETOXAZOLE110 g/L

Registered uses

Crop	Pest or disease
Grape	Mites
Lemon	Mites
Lime	Mites
Orange	Mites
Tomato	Mites

Withholding period

WHP:
GRAPES: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 21 DAYS AFTER
APPLICATION.
POME AND STONE FRUIT: DO NOT HARVEST FOR
7 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
BANANAS: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 10 DAYS
AFTER APPLICATION.
CITRUS: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 28 DAYS AFTER
APPLICATION.
CAPSICUM
TOMATOES: DO NOT HARVEST FOR
7 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION.
DO NOT GRAZE TREATED AREA OR CUT TREATED
AREA FOR STOCK FEED.
TREATED FRUIT FOR EXPORT TO PARTICULAR
DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA MAY
REQUIRE A LONGER INTERVAL BEFORE HARVEST
TO COMPLY WITH RESIDUES STANDARDS OF
IMPORTING COUNTRIES.
PLEASE CONTACT SUMITOMO CHEMICAL
AUSTRALIA PTY LTD OR YOUR INDUSTRY BODY
OR EXPORTER BEFORE USING PARAMITE
SELECTIVE MITICIDE.
COTTON: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 21 DAYS AFTER
APPLICATION.
DO NOT GRAZE TREATED CROPS OR FEED
COTTON TRASH TO LIVESTOCK.
ALMONDS: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 14 DAYS
AFTER APPLICATION.

The withholding periods stated in the registered label text mandate specific harvest intervals across multiple crops, including grapes, pome and stone fruit, bananas, citrus, capsicums, tomatoes, cotton, and almonds. In addition to crop harvest rules, strict livestock feeding restrictions apply: treated areas and crops must not be grazed or cut for stock feed, and cotton trash must not be fed to animals. Where fruit or produce is destined for international export, required harvest intervals may differ from Australian domestic standards to meet importing country Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs); check with Sumitomo Chemical Australia, your industry body, or your exporter prior to application.

Mode of action

Etoxazole is an IRAC Group 10B insect growth regulator operating as a mite growth inhibitor. It works by disrupting chitin biosynthesis during embryonic development and nymphal molting. Unhatched eggs exposed to the active constituent fail to develop, and immature larvae and nymphs are unable to complete ecdysis into subsequent life stages. While adult mites are not directly killed, exposed adult females produce non-viable eggs, effectively halting population reproduction.

Resistance management

Paramite contains etoxazole, a Group 10B miticide. Repeated reliance on Group 10B chemistry creates strong selection pressure for resistant mite populations. To preserve product efficacy, rotate Paramite with miticides from alternative chemical groups (such as Group 6, Group 20, or Group 21) within the spray diary. Do not exceed seasonal application limits specified on the label, avoid back-to-back applications of Group 10B products in the same block, and regularly monitor post-treatment mite counts.

Tank-mix compatibility

Consult the approved APVMA container label for detailed compatibility statements and physical mixing directions. Before tank-mixing Paramite with other crop protectants, adjuvants, or foliar fertilisers, perform a physical jar test to check for settling, precipitation, or physical incompatibility. Exercise caution when combining emulsifiable concentrates or oils under high ambient temperatures or on heat-stressed foliage to prevent phytotoxicity. Follow all mixing orders and safety warnings on co-applied product labels.

Handling and environment

Refer to the approved container label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete directions on personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling, storage, and disposal. Prevent spray drift into non-target areas, aquatic environments, and flowering vegetation by adjusting spray machinery, droplet spectrum, and operating under suitable weather conditions. Strictly observe all re-entry precautions, environmental protection statements, and buffer directives detailed on the registered product label.

Common questions

How does Paramite fit into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme?: Paramite targets mite eggs and juvenile stages with minimal disruption to many established beneficial species, including predatory mites, lacewings, and ladybird beetles. This selectivity helps maintain biological control agents within the orchard or paddock canopy while suppressing target pest mite populations.
When is the optimal timing to apply a mite growth inhibitor like etoxazole?: Because etoxazole inhibits egg hatching and nymphal molting rather than delivering rapid adult knockdown, applications are best timed early in the pest cycle at the first signs of egg laying or juvenile activity, before adult populations reach heavy economic thresholds.
Why is spray coverage so important when applying Paramite?: Etoxazole acts predominantly through contact and localized translaminar movement across leaf layers rather than systemic transport through plant sap. Achieving thorough coverage on both upper and lower leaf surfaces within dense vine or tree canopies is essential for maximum egg and nymph contact.
What steps should be taken if harvesting crop lines for export markets?: Importing countries often maintain different Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) from domestic Australian standards, which may necessitate extended withholding periods before harvest. Always consult your exporter, packhouse manager, or chemical registrant before applying Paramite to export-bound blocks.
How should miticide rotation be planned to prevent resistance?: Avoid consecutive applications of Group 10B miticides in the same block within a single season. Alternate Paramite with effective miticides from different mode-of-action groups and combine chemical applications with cultural controls and beneficial insect conservation.
Where can growers find exact application rates and water volume requirements?: Specific application rates, water volumes per hectare, equipment calibration guidelines, and crop-specific restraints are printed strictly on the APVMA-approved label attached to the product container. Always read and follow the physical label prior to mixing and spraying.