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Crop Protection & Pesticides

BPMC Insecticide: Fenobucarb 50% EC Rice Planthopper

BPMC (Fenobucarb 50% EC) is an established carbamate insecticide widely used in wetland paddy cultivation for fast-acting control of destructive planthoppers and leafhoppers. It delivers contact, stomach, and vapor knockdown action against Brown Planthopper (BPH) and Green Leafhopper (GLH) in rice ecosystems.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Active chemical nature and acetylcholinesterase inhibition

BPMC contains Fenobucarb (2-sec-butylphenyl methylcarbamate) formulated as a 50% EC (emulsifiable concentrate).

It functions as a competitive inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme in the insect central nervous system. Inhibition leads to continuous accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses, producing rapid muscle spasms, paralysis, and knockdown of target hoppers within minutes.

  • Active chemical: Fenobucarb 50% EC.
  • Chemical family: Carbamate (Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitor).
  • Knockdown speed: Exceptional contact knockdown speed, quickly reducing hopper populations congregating at the base of rice stems.

Target pests and approved application in rice

BPMC is registered in India primarily for rice crop protection against sap-sucking hemipteran hopper pests.

It is relied upon by rice cultivators to arrest sudden hopper-burn outbreaks that cause circular patches of drying and lodged crops.

  • Brown Planthopper (BPH - Nilaparvata lugens): Prevents severe hopper-burn and circular field lodging.
  • White Backed Planthopper (WBPH - Sogatella furcifera): Controls sap-sucking nymphs and adults.
  • Green Leafhopper (GLH - Nephotettix virescens): Suppresses leafhoppers that transmit destructive rice tungro virus.
  • Vapor action: Significant vapor pressure enables chemical vapors to penetrate deep between densely tillered paddy hills.

Application techniques, targeted placement, and safety

To control planthoppers effectively, spray nozzles must be directed downward at the base of rice hills where hoppers shelter near the water margin.

Spraying only the upper flag leaves wastes chemical and fails to suppress lower stem hopper colonies.

  • Directed application: Direct the spray nozzle toward the lower stem base of rice hills after parting dense foliage.
  • Water drainage: Lower standing water depth to 2-3 cm during application to expose the lower stem base.
  • Protective measures: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and face shield; respect statutory pre-harvest intervals.

Official source

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ICAR - National Rice Research Institute ↗

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Common questions

What is the technical chemical name of BPMC insecticide?

BPMC is the common acronym for Fenobucarb, formulated as Fenobucarb 50% EC.

Which insect pests are controlled by BPMC in paddy fields?

It specifically controls Brown Planthopper (BPH), White Backed Planthopper (WBPH), and Green Leafhopper (GLH).

How should BPMC be sprayed to stop hopper burn in rice?

Spray must be directed at the base of the rice stems where hoppers feed, rather than spraying the top leaf canopy.

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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