Zonda’s Side Effects Guide
This guide shows how common agricultural chemicals affect the beneficial insects supplied by Zonda — specifically Thripex (the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris, used to control thrips) and Spidex (the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, used to control two-spotted spider mite).
Use it to plan spray programmes that work alongside biological control rather than against it. Most agricultural chemicals will affect beneficial insects to some degree — the table below shows how seriously each chemical impacts Thripex and Spidex, how long you should wait before reintroducing beneficials after application, and the likely residue implications for export markets.
The data here is based on testing and field experience by Koppert Biological Systems in Holland, applied to New Zealand growing conditions. It is intended as a planning guide, not a substitute for the product label or for direct technical advice — when in doubt, talk to the Zonda team before spraying.
How to read the table
Effect on beneficials (Thripex and Spidex columns)
The 0–4 rating shows how harmful the chemical is to the listed beneficial insect:
| Rating | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0 | Harmless. No measurable effect on the beneficial. |
| 1 | Slightly harmful. Limited impact; beneficials can normally be reintroduced shortly after application. |
| 2 | Moderately harmful. Allow residues to break down before reintroducing beneficials. |
| 3 | Harmful. Major impact on beneficial populations. |
| 4 | Very harmful. Beneficials should not be reintroduced until well after the withholding period has passed. |
Withholding period
The number of days to wait after a chemical application before reintroducing beneficials. A value of 0 indicates beneficials can be reintroduced as soon as the application has dried. Always follow the longer of the chemical’s own label withholding period and the figure shown here.
Residue
An indication of how the chemical’s residue may affect produce intended for export markets:
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| No Problem | Generally meets all major market standards. |
| OK | Within acceptable limits for most markets. |
| Medium | Caution required — may restrict some markets. |
| High | Significant residue concerns; check market-specific MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits). |
| Not Good for Japan | Does not meet Japan’s stricter MRL requirements; avoid for Japan-bound produce. |
| – | Not assessed in this guide. |
Pest Chemicals and Side Effects
| Chemical | Controls | Effect on pests | Thripex | Spidex | Withholding period | Residue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avid | Thrip and mites | Good | 3 | 3 | 7 | OK |
| Mite e Mec | Thrip and Mites | Good | 4 | 4 | 7 | OK |
| Entrust | Thrip and Caterpillars | Thrip Average, Caterpillars Good | 4 | 2 | 14 | OK |
| Entrust drip | Thrip and Caterpillars | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | OK |
| Match | Thrip, Larvea and Caterpillars | Good | 1 | 1 | 0 | Medium |
| Benivia | Psyllids, Aphids and Thrip | Larvae | 2 | 1 | 0 | Medium |
| Benivia Drench | Psyllids, Aphids and Thrip | Larvae | 0 | 0 | 0 | Medium |
| Mainman | Aphids and Caterpillars | - | 1 | 1 | 0 | High |
| Oberon | Mites | Good | 2 | 3 | 70 | High |
| Chess | Aphids | Slow | 1 | 1 | 0 | OK |
| Hasten | Mites | Reasonable | 2 | 2 | 0 | No Problem |
| Xentari / Dipel | Caterpillars | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | No Problem |
| Crown | Aphids | Good | 3 | 3 | 7 | OK |
| Fenamite | Mites | Good | 3 | 3 | 7 | OK |
| Sparta | Thrip and Caterpillars | Good | 3 | 3 | 7 | OK |
| Sparta Drip | Thrip and Caterpillars | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | OK |
| Steward | Caterpillars | Good | 1 | 1 | 0 | Medium |
| Transform | Thrip and Aphids | Good | 1 | 1 | 0 | OK |
| Transform Drip | Thrip and Aphids | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | OK |
| Paramite / Etoxamite | Mite and Larvae | Good | 2 | 3 | 14 | Not Good for Japan |
| Confidor Drip | Aphids | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | High |
| Movento Drip | Broadmite | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | High |
| Albatross / Fipronil | Thrips | Good | 4 | 4 | 10 | Not Good for Japan |
| Silvanto | Aphids | Poor | 2 | 2 | 7 | - |
| Silvanto Drench | Aphids | Good | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| Silmax | Mites | Reasonable | 2 | 2 | 0 | No Problem |
Important notes
- Always read and follow the product label for the most current usage rates, application restrictions, and withholding information.
- Local conditions, application timing, weather at time of spraying, and combinations of chemicals can change real-world impacts on beneficials.
- This guide is intended as a planning tool, not a substitute for direct consultation with your agronomist or Zonda’s technical team.
- Information is current as of 15 May 2026 and may be updated as new data becomes available.