Active Ingredient and Photochemical Activation
Pegasus contains Diafenthiuron (50% WP), a member of the thiourea chemical class.
It functions uniquely as a pro-insecticide; upon foliar deposition, exposure to ultraviolet sunlight and plant enzymes converts Diafenthiuron into its active carbodiimide derivative.
The carbodiimide molecule inhibits mitochondrial ATP synthase, depriving target pests of cellular energy and causing rapid paralysis and mortality.
- Formulation: 50 percent Wettable Powder (WP)
- Photochemical transformation: Converts into bioactive carbodiimide under natural solar ultraviolet radiation
- Dual efficacy: Simultaneously controls both destructive sap-sucking pests and resistant caterpillar larvae
Target Pests and Approved Crop Applications
Pegasus is registered across commercial cash crops, plantation tea, and vegetables for managing difficult sucking pests and mites.
It is especially valued for controlling whitefly nymphs and adults, suppressing honeydew excretion and sooty mold buildup.
- Cotton: Controls whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), jassids, aphids, and thrips complexes
- Chilies: Suppresses yellow mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) and thrips
- Cabbage: Highly effective against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) resistant to conventional pyrethroids
Spraying Instructions, Sunlight Timing, and Safety
Because photochemical conversion relies on solar rays, spraying on bright sunny mornings yields optimal pest suppression.
Prepare a smooth slurry in clean water before pouring into the spray tank, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides.
Observe recommended label pre-harvest intervals before picking commercial crops.
- Morning application: Spray on sunny mornings to accelerate photochemical activation on leaf surfaces
- Underside wetting: Use hollow cone nozzles to thoroughly coat lower leaf surfaces where whitefly nymphs cluster
- Safety gear: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and a dust respirator during mixing and spraying
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active chemical in Syngenta Pegasus?
Pegasus contains Diafenthiuron 50% WP, a thiourea pro-insecticide and acaricide.
Why is Pegasus described as a pro-insecticide?
It is applied in an inactive form that converts into its bioactive carbodiimide form on plant foliage under sunlight.
Does Pegasus control whiteflies in cotton?
Yes, Pegasus is one of the leading registered products for controlling both nymph and adult whitefly populations in cotton.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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