Active Ingredient Profile and Spinosyn Mode of Action
Delegate contains Spinetoram (11.7% SC), a semi-synthetic spinosyn belonging to IRAC Group 5.
It binds with high affinity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at allosteric sites distinct from neonicotinoids, while also altering GABA receptor function.
This dual action triggers continuous neuromuscular excitation, rapid tremors, feeding cessation within minutes, and insect mortality within hours.
- Formulation: 11.7 percent Suspension Concentrate (SC)
- Unique allosteric target: Controls pest strains showing cross-resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids
- Translaminar leaf penetration: Penetrates foliage to control leafminers and thrips sheltering on lower leaf surfaces
Target Pests and Approved Crop Applications
Delegate is registered across chilies, cotton, tomato, onion, and commercial horticultural crops.
It is internationally recognized as a premier solution for controlling difficult chili thrips and invasive Western flower thrips.
Foliar applications should be initiated at the early onset of thrips nymph emergence or upon detecting foliar feeding scratches.
- Chilies: Superior control of thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis), preventing upward leaf curling and flower bud drop
- Cotton: Suppresses thrips, spotted bollworm, and Spodoptera litura
- Vegetables & onion: Controls serpentine leafminers and onion thrips complexes
Application Guidelines, Mixing, and Beneficial Safety
Dilute the required suspension concentrate in clean water with thorough agitation and apply using fine mist sprayers.
Delegate exhibits high selectivity, breaking down rapidly into natural soil organic matter with low impact on beneficial predatory mites once dry.
Observe recommended label pre-harvest intervals before picking commercial crops.
- Spray timing: Apply early in the morning when ambient humidity is high and thrips are actively feeding
- Translaminar action: Ensure uniform misting of foliage for rapid cuticular penetration
- Safety apparel: Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and an approved dust respirator during mixing
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active chemical in Corteva Delegate?
Delegate contains Spinetoram 11.7% SC, an advanced semi-synthetic spinosyn insecticide.
How does Delegate control chili thrips so effectively?
Spinetoram acts on nicotinic acetylcholine allosteric sites and GABA receptors, halting thrips feeding within minutes and killing both nymphs and adults.
Is Delegate safe for predatory beneficial insects in IPM?
Yes, Spinetoram exhibits an excellent IPM safety profile with minimal disruption to predatory beneficial mites and parasitoids once spray deposits dry.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.