Active chemical nature and unique anti-feedant mode of action
Pymetrozine contains 50% WG (water dispersible granules), an active ingredient pioneering the chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulator chemical class (IRAC Group 9B).
Unlike conventional neurotoxins that cause violent twitching, Pymetrozine acts specifically on the nervous regulation of insect mouthparts (stylets). Within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion or contact, the planthopper's salivary pump and stylet mechanism are permanently paralyzed, causing immediate feeding cessation followed by starvation mortality over 2 to 4 days.
- Active chemical: Pymetrozine 50% WG.
- IRAC classification: Group 9B (Chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulator).
- Immediate feeding paralysis: Planthoppers permanently withdraw their stylets within hours, halting crop sap extraction and preventing hopper-burn.
- Transovarial suppression: Sub-lethal exposure disrupts egg-laying in adult females, halting secondary population flare-ups.
Target rice hopper pests and ecosystem safety
Pymetrozine is registered in India primarily for rice crop protection against devastating planthopper and leafhopper outbreaks.
Because of its unique target site, it exhibits exceptional selectivity, preserving beneficial predatory mirid bugs and spiders (Lycosa) that maintain natural biological control in paddy fields.
- 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.
- Beneficial insect safety: Demonstrates complete safety for predatory spiders, mirid bugs, and aquatic fauna, preventing pest resurgence.
- Systemic and translaminar action: Moves acropetally in xylem vessels and penetrates leaves translaminarly to reach hidden hopper colonies.
Application timing, targeted placement, and safety
Apply Pymetrozine 50% WG upon noticing planthopper numbers reaching economic threshold levels (5 to 10 hoppers per hill).
Direct the spray nozzle toward the base of rice hills where hoppers shelter near the water margin, using clean water at container label recommended rates.
- 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 spraying to expose lower stem feeding sites.
- Protective measures: Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and face shield; respect statutory pre-harvest intervals.
Official source
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ICAR - National Rice Research Institute ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active ingredient in Pymetrozine 50% WG?
It contains Pymetrozine 50% WG, a selective pyridine azomethine anti-feedant insecticide.
How does Pymetrozine stop rice planthoppers without immediate knockdown?
It paralyzes the insect's stylet mouthparts within hours, causing permanent feeding cessation followed by starvation.
Is Pymetrozine safe for beneficial spiders in rice fields?
Yes, its selective mode of action spares predatory spiders, mirid bugs, and natural enemies, preventing secondary pest resurgence.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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