Active Ingredient and Chitin Synthesis Mode of Action
Buprofezin functions as a chitin biosynthesis inhibitor (IRAC Group 16), disrupting normal cuticle development during insect nymphal moulting.
When immature nymphs ingest or contact buprofezin, they are unable to shed their old exoskeleton during ecdysis, resulting in lethal rupture and death.
- Chitin Biosynthesis Inhibitor: Blocks chitin deposition, causing mortality specifically during nymphal moulting stages
- Sterilization Effect: Exposed adult females lay sterile or non-viable eggs, breaking pest population reproduction
- Long Residual Life: Provides persistent residual suppression on foliage, preventing secondary pest nymphal surges
- Formulation Type: Stable suspension concentrate (25% SC) that disperses uniformly without clogging spray nozzles
Target Pests and Crop Defense
Buprofezin is widely registered across cereal, fiber, and fruit crops facing severe homopteran sucking pest attacks.
In rice, it eliminates BPH and white-backed planthopper nymphs nestled at the base of tillers before hopper burn develops.
- Paddy (Rice): Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera)
- Cotton & Vegetables: Whitefly nymphs (Bemisia tabaci) and jassids
- Grapes & Mango: Mealybugs (Maconellicoccus hirsutus) infesting fruit bunches and shoot tips
- Citrus Orchards: Scale insects and mealybug colonies protected by waxy secretions
Application Timing and IPM Safety Profile
Because buprofezin targets moulting nymphs rather than providing instantaneous adult knockdown, apply at the first detection of young nymphs.
Buprofezin is exceptionally safe for beneficial predatory spiders, mirid bugs, and honeybees, making it a cornerstone of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Early Intervention: Apply at Economic Threshold Levels (ETL) when nymphs first emerge from egg clutches
- Canopy Penetration: In rice, direct spray mist toward the lower stem bases where planthoppers congregate
- Beneficial Conservation: Spares natural enemies like wolf spiders and ladybird beetles that consume remaining adult pests
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What type of insecticide is buprofezin 25% SC?
Buprofezin is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that inhibits chitin synthesis during insect moulting.
Does buprofezin kill adult whiteflies instantly?
No, it specifically kills developing nymphs during moulting, but causes adult females to lay sterile eggs, collapsing the population over several days.
Is buprofezin safe for predatory spiders in rice fields?
Yes, buprofezin has high selectivity and low toxicity to non-target natural enemies like wolf spiders and mirid bugs.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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