Dual active chemistry and systemic root uptake
Virtako combines an anthranilic diamide with a systemic neonicotinoid in a dust-free sand-core granular formulation.
Chlorantraniliprole activates insect ryanodine receptors, triggering muscular paralysis in caterpillars, while Thiamethoxam blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, eliminating sucking insects. Applied to moist soil, both active ingredients dissolve and are absorbed by crop roots, translocating acropetally to protect all growing vegetative tissues.
- Chlorantraniliprole (0.5% GR): Systemic diamide providing continuous internal protection against internal stem boring caterpillars.
- Thiamethoxam (1.0% GR): Neonicotinoid providing root uptake and foliar protection against sucking insect pests.
- Phyto-tonic vigor: Known to stimulate robust root elongation, productive tillering, and enhanced crop greening.
Target crops and approved pest spectrum
Virtako is registered in India for broad-spectrum granular insect management in wetland rice and commercial sugarcane crops.
Its root-absorbed protection shields crops during vulnerable early tillering phases without requiring repeated foliar spraying.
- Paddy (Rice): Yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) preventing 'dead hearts' at vegetative stage and 'white ears' at heading, along with leaf folders and early whorl maggots.
- Sugarcane: Early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) and top borer.
- Residual longevity: A single broadcast application provides up to 3 to 4 weeks of continuous internal plant protection.
Broadcast application techniques and water management
In paddy cultivation, apply Virtako granules at 15 to 25 days after transplanting or sowing when stem borer moths begin egg-laying.
Broadcast uniformly by hand or mixed with dry sand or urea, maintaining 3 to 5 cm of standing water in the field for at least 4 to 5 days after application.
In sugarcane, broadcast along the cane furrow during earthing-up under moist soil conditions.
- Standing water in paddy: Essential to maintain shallow standing water for 4 to 5 days to facilitate complete granule dissolution and root uptake.
- Personal protective equipment: Wear rubber gloves and protective clothing during broadcasting; wash thoroughly with soap after handling.
- Safety profile: Shows a favorable environmental profile for beneficial aquatic spiders and predators when used according to label instructions.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What active ingredients are in Syngenta Virtako?
Virtako contains Chlorantraniliprole 0.5% and Thiamethoxam 1% in a granular (GR) formulation.
Which insect pests does Virtako control in paddy?
It specifically controls yellow stem borer (preventing dead hearts and white ears), leaf folder, and early sucking pests.
How should Virtako be applied in rice fields?
Broadcast granules evenly across the field at 15-25 days after transplanting, maintaining 3 to 5 cm standing water for 4 to 5 days.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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