Stop caterpillars in their tracks, naturally. Optimus Prime by Mara LifeSciences is an advanced biological insecticide powered by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), delivering targeted control of Lepidoptera larvae, including False Codling Moth, Spodoptera species, Diamondback Moth and African bollworm. It acts quickly to stop caterpillars from feeding, helping protect crops before pest damage progresses. With a UV-protected suspension concentrate and zero-day pre-harvest interval, Optimus Prime supports effective, residue-free crop protection for vegetables and ornamentals.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Active Ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis — 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/ml

Formulation: Suspension Concentrate (SC) with UV protectants

Target Pests: Lepidoptera larvae, including False Codling Moth, Spodoptera spp., Diamondback Moth and African bollworm

Dose Rate: 1 L/ha (1 ml per litre of water)

Application Method: Foliar spray

PHI: 0 days

Shelf Life: 12 months at room temperature

Pack Sizes: 5 L and 20 L

Registration: PCPB registration ongoing

1. Lepidoptera Specialist: Powerful control of caterpillars, including FCM, Spodoptera, Diamondback Moth and African bollworm.

2. Fast Feeding Stop: Bt proteins act in the caterpillar gut, halting crop damage within hours.

3. UV Light Resistance: Built-in UV protectants shield the active from sunlight for longer-lasting field activity.

4. Easy-Mix Formulation: A smooth suspension concentrate that mixes quickly and spreads evenly on the crop.

5. Long-Lasting Shelf Life: 12 months at room temperature, with no cold storage needed.

1. Protect Your Export Market: Controls FCM larvae before they bore into buds and fruit, helping your produce pass export inspections with confidence.

2. Save Your Crop, Fast: Caterpillars stop eating within hours, so damage stops almost immediately.

3. Harvest Without Worry: Zero harmful residues and a 0-day PHI mean you can spray right up to harvest.

4. Keep Your Allies Working: Safe for bees, pollinators and beneficial insects, so your IPM programme keeps delivering.

5. More Value From Every Spray: UV protection keeps Optimus Prime active on the leaf longer, giving you more protection per litre.

Crop: Vegetables & ornamentals  

Target: Lepidoptera larvae, including FCM, Spodoptera, Diamondback Moth and African bollworm  

Rate: 1 L/ha (1 ml/L).

Timing / Interval: At egg hatch or early larval stage; repeat every 5 days if necessary  

• Foliar Spray: Shake well, add to a partly filled tank of clean water, top up and keep agitating. Apply immediately for full coverage of leaves, buds and fruit.  
• Timing: Hit them early: apply at early larval stages, ideally in the late afternoon or evening.  
• Compatibility: Compatible with most crop protection products; avoid strongly alkaline mixes.  
• Storage: Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.  
• Safety: Wear gloves and a dust mask when mixing; keep out of reach of children; do not contaminate water sources.  

‍Note: Per-litre rates are based on 1,000 L of water per hectare.

Optimus Prime gives you powerful, targeted caterpillar control without compromise: clean crops, protected beneficials and produce that is ready for the world’s most demanding markets.

Always read and follow the product label before use. Talk to a Mara agronomist: +254 794 658 410 | office@maralifesciences.co.ke