Chemical Composition and Systemic Mode of Action
Imidacloprid, the active molecule in Confidor, is a systemic chloronicotinyl insecticide that acts on insect neurological pathways.
- Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid (17.8% SL / 200 g/L Soluble Liquid), belonging to IRAC Group 4A (neonicotinoid receptor agonists).
- Mode of Action: Binds irreversibly to post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insect's central nervous system, causing neuromuscular excitation, paralysis, and rapid death.
- Acropetal Systemic Mobility: Rapidly absorbed through roots and foliage, moving upward via xylem vessels to protect tender new shoots and un-sprayed leaf surfaces.
- Translaminar Action: Penetrates through the leaf tissue, effectively controlling sucking pests hiding on the underside of foliage.
Target Crops and Controlled Pest Spectrum
Confidor is officially approved across major agricultural and horticultural cropping systems suffering from sap-feeding insect complexes.
- Cotton: Highly effective against jassids (leafhoppers), aphids, thrips, and early-season whitefly infestations.
- Paddy (Rice): Controls Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), White Backed Plant Hopper (WBPH), and green leafhoppers, reducing hopper burn risks.
- Chili and Tomato: Controls thrips, aphids, and whiteflies, preventing transmission of severe viral diseases like Leaf Curl Virus.
- Sugarcane: Applied via set treatment or soil drenching for controlling root-feeding termites.
- Citrus and Mango: Controls citrus leaf miner and mango hopper nymphs during vegetative flushing.
Label Directions, Spray Safety and Pollinator Protection
Proper application techniques preserve beneficial predatory insects and protect pollinators while ensuring maximum pest knockdown.
- Label Dosage and Dilution: Dilute strictly as specified in the registered CIBRC container leaflet, maintaining uniform foliar wetting.
- Application Timing: Spray during early nymphal stages or at initial pest threshold detection; avoid spraying in high mid-day heat.
- Pollinator Safety: Neonicotinoids are toxic to honeybees; avoid spraying blooming crops during active bee foraging hours.
- Resistance Management: Alternate Imidacloprid with non-neonicotinoid chemistries such as Flonicamid, Diafenthiuron, or synthetic pyrethroids.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active ingredient in Confidor insecticide?
Confidor contains Imidacloprid (17.8% SL), a neonicotinoid systemic insecticide acting on the insect nervous system.
What types of pests does Confidor primarily control?
It primarily controls sap-sucking pests including aphids, jassids, thrips, whiteflies, and plant hoppers, as well as termites.
Why should Confidor not be sprayed during peak flowering?
Imidacloprid is toxic to honeybees and other natural pollinators; spraying during peak bloom risks pollinator mortality and reduces fruit set.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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