Chemical Class and Chitin Biosynthesis Mode of Action
Buprofezin belongs to the thiadiazine chemical family, classified under Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Group 16. It operates by inhibiting chitin biosynthesis during insect cuticle formation.
When immature nymphs ingest or contact Buprofezin, they are unable to synthesize chitin required for new exoskeletons during molting. Consequently, the nymphs become trapped inside their old cuticles and die during ecdysis. It also suppresses oviposition in adult females and renders laid eggs non-viable.
- Active Molecule: Buprofezin 25% SC (Suspension Concentrate).
- IRAC Group 16: Selective chitin biosynthesis inhibitor (Type 1).
- Molting Disruption: Halts nymphal molting, leading to mortality during shedding cycles.
- Adult Sterilization: Causes treated adult females to lay sterile eggs that fail to hatch.
Target Pests: Rice BPH and Sucking Complexes
Buprofezin is an essential weapon against the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and whitebacked planthopper (Sogatella furcifera) in rice. By targeting nymphal instars before they build into massive swarms, it completely halts hopper burn and circular patch drying in paddy fields.
In cotton, chillies, and fruit orchards (mango, grapes, citrus), Buprofezin delivers outstanding suppression of mealybugs, scale insects, whitefly nymphs, and jassids, preventing sap depletion and sooty mold buildup.
- Brown Planthopper (BPH): Destroys hopper nymphs at the base of rice hills, preventing hopper burn.
- Cotton & Mango Mealybugs: Inhibits crawler instars, protecting flowers and developing bolls.
- Whitefly Nymph Suppression: Controls immature scales and whitefly nymphs on leaf undersides.
- Beneficial Insect Safety: Gentle on key natural predators including mirid bugs, spiders, and ladybird beetles.
Application Guidelines, Spray Timing and Safety
In paddy crops, direct the spray nozzle toward the base of rice plant stems where planthoppers congregate, rather than spraying only the upper leaf canopy. Apply when hoppers reach economic threshold levels (typically 5 to 10 hoppers per hill).
Maintain adequate water volume per acre for complete stem coverage. Because Buprofezin is an insect growth regulator, mortality occurs during molting over 2 to 4 days rather than through instant knockdown. Comply strictly with CIBRC-registered label doses and pre-harvest intervals.
- Basal Spraying Technique: Direct spray mist toward the base of rice hills where hoppers shelter.
- Threshold Timing: Initiate spraying at early nymphal presence before adult populations explode.
- IPM Compatibility: Ideal for integrated pest management due to high safety margins for spiders and parasitoids.
- Operator Safety: Wear protective face masks, goggles, and gloves during spray preparation.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the mode of action of Buprofezin insecticide?
Buprofezin is an insect growth regulator (IRAC Group 16) that inhibits chitin synthesis, causing sucking insect nymphs to die during molting and sterilizing adult females.
Why is Buprofezin sprayed at the base of rice plants?
Brown planthoppers feed and breed predominantly at the damp base of rice stems near the water line; directing spray to the base ensures direct contact with hopper nymphs.
Does Buprofezin harm natural predatory spiders in paddy fields?
No, Buprofezin is highly selective against homopteran sucking pests and exhibits excellent safety towards predatory spiders and beneficial insects.
Where can farmers find certified dosage recommendations for Buprofezin?
Approved application rates, safety instructions, and pre-harvest intervals are detailed on the product container leaflet and verified on the official CIBRC portal.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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