Dow/Corteva™ developed a biopesticide for pests in tree fruits, tree nuts, small fruits, and vegetables called Spinetoram. Corteva™ used the principles of green chemistry to develop a synthetic pathway for the synthesis of spinetoram. Spinetoram is a combination of 3'-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J and 3'O-ethyl spinosyn L and can be produced in a low-impact synthetic route from spinosyns J and L. These two compounds are naturally occurring fermentation products with minimal environmental damage. Most catalysts, solvents, and catalysts in the synthesis process are recycled. Spinetoram is less toxic than traditional organophosphate-based insecticides, which are toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment. Spinetoram is also effective at much lower doses than traditional insecticides.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2008 Designing Greener Chemicals Award
Dow Agrosciences LLC
