Every year 50 million cases of Dengue is being reported. Half a million is hospitalized and 2.5 percent among this cases are dead. With 2,500 million at risk, according to a report made by WHO, there is a race against time to find a cure against this viral disease because up to now there is no vaccine or prophylactic drug is available for it.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease widely spread in tropical and subtropical regions. It is endemic in more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, the Western Pacific and the eastern Mediterranean.
The search for Dengue cure, with the data mentioned above, has appeared more urgent now than in the past. In the forefront of this is the UPL Limited Global and UPL Philippines Inc.

Established in 1969, UPL is one of the largest agrochemical companies in India and the 5th largest crap protection company globally. With its presence in over 138 countries having 44 manufacturing sites, and more than T0,000 employees, Its purpose is to create open agriculture network for a sustainable future.

In 2012, UPL Philippines Inc. was formed as subsidiary and started being the partner of Filipino farmers in feeding the nation. Their areas of expertise include seeds, crop protection, plant stress & stimulation, post-harvest, soil and water technologies, and environmental health solutions. One of this health solutions is the discovery of Natular DT.

Natular DT is a mosquito larvicide crucial in the fight against Dengue, Yellow fever, and Chikungunya diseases. It is unique because of it’s naturally derived active ingredient: Spinosad. It’s a class of its own compared to other existing larvicides with a distinctive mode of action that helps fight resistance. During the virtual launch of Natular DT held last November 27, 2020, Prof. Pio Javier of UP Los Banos presented the larvicidal activity of Natular DT against Dengue Mosquito. He reinforce that Natular DT is also safe for the community because it is naturally derived.

Mr. William Jany of Clarke International talked about the Spinosad based larvicides for public health vector control.

Spinosad, naturally derived active ingredient comes from naturally occurring soil bacterium that balances efficacy and environmental stewardship. It is classified as Group § insecticide by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (RAC) and itis the only active ingredient classified in Group 5 used for mosquito control. The benefit of this is that it has no cross resistance with existing products, making it an excellent option for resistance management.

First discovered in 1986 by a vacationing scientist from a soil sample he took in 1982. The new species of bacteria was sacchrapolyspora spinosa, which translates to spiny sugar. Later on, the bacteria was fermented in laboratory and yielded spinosyns A and D, which comprise S. spinosa.

How does Natular DT work

Natular DT works unlike any other larvicide. It works by altering the function of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that causes continuous nervous impulses that later result to paralysis and death of the larvae. This happens through ingestion and contact with the active ingredient. Its 1% visible effects are seen within hours of application. Optimal control is reached within 24-72 hours, sustained at very uniform levels for 60 days.

Safety Standard

Natular DT was evaluated by the EPA and is the first Reduced Risk larvicide approved product. All ingredients of Natular DT are included in EPA’s List of Minimal Risk Inert Ingredients. As a matter of fact, Spinosad earned the EPA’s Green Chemistry Award in 1999. Natular DT has also been evaluated by WHOPES (World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme) for water container treatment in dengue control programs and is approved by the Drinking Water Quality working group for potable water.

Environmental Impact

Spinosad ts safe for the soil, water, and animals. In the soil, spinosad readily degrades and is non-persistent. In water systems, it degrades naturally in sunlight. In insects it is highly selective while in mammals, it is not readily absorbed through the skin.

In terms of toxicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity, spinosad has relatively low risk to beneficial and non-target insects. It is not acutely toxic to terrestrial birds, wild fish and most aquatic invertebrates. Studies also found that it does not posses mutagenic potential.

Natular DT effective across all mosquito species because it has been tested on 14 of the most common mosquito species and spinosad in effective among ail of these species.

To use, simply place the Natular tablet in containers or places where there is stagnant water. One Natular DT tablet is effective for up to 200 liters of water and can last up to 60 days.

Natular DT is a bi layer tablet that provides dual release action. The first layer dissolves within 60 seconds, rapidly delivering an effective dose that will kill larvae within 24 hours. The second layer slowly dissolves over time prolonging the efficacy of the tablet for up to 60 days in a 200-liter container. If the water dries down, the Natular DT will reactivate once water is present again.