Chemical Class and Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibition
Tolfenpyrad 15% EC belongs to the pyrazole carboxamide chemical class. It functions as a Mitochondrial Electron Transport Inhibitor (METI) by selectively blocking NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) in insect respiratory chains.
Deprived of cellular ATP energy generation, target pests cease feeding within minutes, experience rapid motor failure, and die. Because of its distinct mode of action, Tolfenpyrad shows zero cross-resistance with neonicotinoids or organophosphates.
- Active ingredient: Tolfenpyrad 15 percent w/w EC
- Insecticide group: IRAC Group 21A (Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors)
- Mode of action: Contact toxicity, strong ingestion action, and translaminar mobility
- Target spectrum: Broad-spectrum control covering sucking pests, caterpillars, and coleopteran beetles
CIBRC Approved Target Crops and Pest Complex
The Central Insecticides Board registers Tolfenpyrad 15% EC for tough-to-manage pest complexes across intensive vegetable cropping systems.
Its translaminar action penetrates leaf surfaces to reach cryptic pests like thrips sheltering within tight terminal shoots, floral structures, and lower leaf surfaces.
- Chilli: Chilli thrips (*Scirtothrips dorsalis*) and aphids
- Cabbage & Cauliflower: Diamondback moth (DBM - *Plutella xylostella*) and cabbage caterpillars
- Okra / Bhendi: Jassids, whiteflies, and shoot and fruit borers
- Cumin & Mango: Hopper and thrips management during vegetative and flowering stages
Application Guidelines and Resistance Stewardship
Apply Tolfenpyrad at early pest appearance before larval populations reach advanced instars. Use clean, neutral water and calibrated spray equipment delivering uniform canopy wetting.
To prolong the efficacy of this METI chemistry, restrict usage to recommended seasonal limits and rotate with alternate chemical classes such as diamides or spinosyns.
- Spraying window: Apply at economic threshold onset targeting young nymphs and early larval instars
- Water volume: 500 liters per hectare for knapsack manual spray equipment
- Resistance management: Do not apply consecutively; rotate with alternate IRAC groups
- Safety measures: Wear protective chemical gloves, eyewear, and long-sleeved work clothing
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why is Tolfenpyrad effective against insecticide-resistant thrips?
Tolfenpyrad inhibits mitochondrial electron transport complex I (IRAC Group 21A), a mode of action entirely different from neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and organophosphates.
Does Tolfenpyrad have ovicidal activity against insect eggs?
Yes, Tolfenpyrad exhibits documented ovicidal action, inhibiting embryo respiration and preventing egg hatching across multiple lepidopteran and sucking pest species.
Is Tolfenpyrad rainfast after spraying?
Tolfenpyrad penetrates the waxy leaf cuticle within 2 hours of application, providing good rainfastness under moderate weather conditions.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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