Thiamethoxam Insecticide: A comprehensive guide for thiamethoxam insecticide in 2024 -

Hello everyone, In this article we will know about Thiamethoxam and its important factors like its chemical composition, trade names of different companies, its mode of action, its recommendation, about against which insect it works, precautions for spraying and about its weather and time for best result for this insecticide.

Table of Contents

Chemical composition of thiamethoxam

Thiamethoxam is available in different composition in market to target the different kinds of insects. some of the important chemical compositions are listed below:

1. Granules (GR):

Thiamethoxam 0.25% GR
Thiamethoxam 1% GR

2. Water-Dispersible Granules (WG):

Thiamethoxam 25% WG

3. Suspension Concentrate (SC):

Thiamethoxam 30% SC

4. Wettable Powder (WP):

Thiamethoxam 25% WP

5. Flowable Concentrate for Seed Treatment (FS):

Thiamethoxam 350 FS
Thiamethoxam 480 FS

Trade name of thiamethoxam given by various company or manufacturers

Generally thiamethoxam is marketed by various trade names and in various compositions by different companies. Some of the common trade name and related companies are given below:

1. Granules (GR)

Thiamethoxam 0.25% GR: Actara GR (Syngenta)
Thiamethoxam 1% GR: Cruiser G (Syngenta)

2. Water-Dispersible Granules (WG):

Thiamethoxam 25% WG: Actara WG (Syngenta)

3. Suspension Concentrate (SC):

Thiamethoxam 30% SC: Engeo Pleno SC (Syngenta)

Mode of action of Thiamethoxam

1. Granules

Mode of action: These are applied to the soil and then these granules are absorbed by the plant roots and translocated through the entire plant. They protect against the soil dwelling and root feeding insects by disrupting the nervous system of the insects that leads to paralysis and death.

2. Water-Dispersible Granules (WG):

Mode of action: These are mixed with water and then spray on foliage, water dispersible granules are absorbed by crop’s leave and then translocated throughout the crop. they work against the sucking and chewing insects by blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Typical Use: Foliar applications for crops like fruits, grains, vegetables to control aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.

3. Suspension Concentrate (SC)

Mode of action: AS a liquid formulation, applied as a spray on foliage, active ingredients are are absorbed by the plant and disrupts the insect’s nervous system when digested.
Typical use: These are used in crops like rice, sugarcane, and ornamentals for controlling planthoppers, leaf hoppers, and other pests.

4. Wettable Powder (WP):

Mode of action: These gradient are mixed with water and spray on plants, then the wettable powder is absorbed by the plant tissue. Its affect on insect is seen by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing overstimulation of the nervous system.
Typical Use: These are effective against pests like aphids, leaf miners and mealybugs in various horticultural crops.

5. Flowable concentrate for seed Treatments(FS):

Mode of action: These are applied directly to seeds before planting, this type of formulation provids systemic protection to seedlings. As the plant grows, thiamethoxam is taken up by the roots and distributed throughout the plants.
Typical Use: These are used for seed treatment for crops like corn, soyabeans, and cotton to control seed and early- season pests such as wireworms, seed corn maggots and early season aphids.

6. Water soluble Granules (SG)

Mode of Action: These are dissolved in water and sprayed on plants, the granules are absorbed systemically, thiamethoxam works on the nervous system of insect by binding to acetylcholine receptors.
Typical Use: These gradient are used for controlling pests like aphids, leafhoppers and whiteflies in crops such a vegetable, fruits and flowers.

7. Seed treatment (ST)

Mode of Action: These formulation as similar The FS formulation, this is also applied to seeds to protect emerging seedlings by systemic action, disrupting the nerve impulses of pests.
Typical Use: These provides early season protection against soil and foliar pests in crops like wheat, barley and maize.

8. Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC):

Mode of Action: These are applied as a foliar spray and this type of formulation is absorbed by the plants and disrupts insect nerve functions by binding nicotinic receptors.
Typical Use: Used for various crops for foliar pests like aphids, leaf miners and caterpillars.

General mode of action:

Generally thiamethoxam works by mimicking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in insects, it binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system of insects, which may causes continuous stimulation of the nerves. This leads to paralysis and eventually death due to the disruption of nerve signaling. and also its systemic properties allow it to protect plants from the within, providing long-lasting protection against a wide range of pests.

The specific dosage per acre depends on the formulation, crop, and target pests.

Here are some general guidelines for different thiamethoxam compositions:

1. Thiamethoxam 25 WG (Water Dispersible Granules)

General Dosage: 2.0 – 3.0 ounces per acre
Target Crops: Cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, vegetables, and fruit crops
Target Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, thrips

2. Thiamethoxam 30 FS (Flowable Concentrate for Seed Treatment)

General Dosage: 1.6 – 3.2 fluid ounces per 100 pounds of seed
Target Crops: Corn, wheat, barley, soybeans
Target Pests: Seed and soil-borne insects such as wireworms, seedcorn maggots, and aphids

3. Thiamethoxam 350 SC (Suspension Concentrate)

General Dosage: 1.0 – 2.5 fluid ounces per acre
Target Crops: Potatoes, vegetables, cotton, rice
Target Pests: Leafhoppers, whiteflies, and other sucking insects

4. Thiamethoxam 240 SC (Suspension Concentrate)

General Dosage: 1.0 – 2.0 fluid ounces per acre
Target Crops: Vegetables, cotton, rice, fruits
Target Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and thrips

5. Thiamethoxam 10 GR (Granules)

General Dosage: 10 – 15 pounds per acre
Target Crops: Rice, corn, vegetables
Target Pests: Soil-dwelling pests such as wireworms, white grubs, and rootworms

6. Thiamethoxam 70 WS (Water Soluble)

General Dosage: 0.5 – 1.0 ounce per acre
Target Crops: Vegetables, cotton, soybean
Target Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and other sap-sucking insects

Application Notes:

Seed Treatment: Thiamethoxam can be also used as a seed treatment to protect seedlings from early-season pests.
Foliar Spray: When thiamethoxam used as a foliar spray, thorough coverage is essential for effective pest control.
Soil Application: For soil-dwelling pests, ensure the active granules are evenly distributed and incorporated into the soil.

Safety and Environmental Considerations:

We should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and their local regulations regarding the use of thiamethoxam.
Always Be aware of impact on pollinators and beneficial insects, and also avoid application during blooming periods.
We should always Use personal protective equipment during application to ensure safety.

Here are some specific compositions of the thiamethoxam and the targeted insects

1. Thiamethoxam 25% WG

Target Insects: Aphid, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and thrips.
Crops: Cotton, vegetables, fruits (such as citrus and apples), and also ornamental plants.

2. Thiamethoxam 30% FS (Flowable Concentrate for Seed Treatment)

Target Insects: Soil-borne insects, early-season pests like wireworms, seed maggots, flea beetles.
Crops: Corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, and other field crops.

3. Thiamethoxam 70% WS (Water-Soluble Powder for Seed Treatment):

Target Insects: Early-season pests, seed and soil-borne insects.
Crops: Maize, wheat, barley, and other cereal grains.

4. Thiamethoxam 25% WG + Lambda-cyhalothrin 10% WG (Combined formulation):

Target Insects: Aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, thrips, beetles, and other chewing and sucking insects.
Crops: Various crops including vegetables, cotton, and fruits.

5. Thiamethoxam 50% WG:

Target Insects: A wide range of sucking and chewing insects such as aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and some caterpillars.
Crops: A variety of crops including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

6. Thiamethoxam 10% + Imidacloprid 10% WG (Combined formulation):

Target Insects: A wide range of pests including aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and leafhoppers.
Crops: Rice, cotton, vegetables, and fruits.

Specific Insect Targets by Type:

1. Aphids:

All compositions of thiamethoxam are well effective against aphids, commonly affecting crops like cotton, vegetables, and fruits.

2. Whiteflies:

Thiamethoxam 25% WG, 50% WG, and combined formulations with lambda-cyhalothrin or imidacloprid are particularly more effective.

3. Leafhoppers:

Thiamethoxam 25% WG and combined formulations are strong effective.

4. Thrips:

Thiamethoxam 25% WG and 50% WG compositions are effective.

5. Soil-borne pests (eg. wireworms, seed maggots):

Thiamethoxam 30% FS and 70% WS are used for seed treatment to protect against these pests.

6. Beetles:

Combined formulations (thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin) are effective.

7. Mealybugs:

Thiamethoxam 50% WG is effective.

Application Methods:

Foliar Spray: For compositions like 25% WG and 50% WG, used directly on crops.
Seed Treatment: For compositions like 30% FS and 70% WS, used to protect seeds and seedlings.
Soil Treatment: Applied to soil to protect roots and early-stage crops from soil-dwelling insects.

Notes:

The effectiveness of thiamethoxam can vary from the specific pest and environmental conditions.
It is very important to follow local guidelines and regulations regarding the use of thiamethoxam to minimize environmental impact and resistance development.

Personal Safety

Wear Protective Clothing: while spraying always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, eye protection (goggles or face shield).
Avoid Skin Contact: We should Prevent the insecticide from coming into direct contact with our skin. Wash hands and skin thoroughly after handling insecticides.
Respiratory Protection: We should Use a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling the spray mist, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Eye Protection: For eye protection wear goggles or a face shield to prevent insecticides from getting into your eyes.
Hygiene Practices: We should never eat eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying insecticides. Wash your hands and face thoroughly before eating or drinking.