Buprofezin 25% SC Insecticide Uses

Buprofezin 25% SC is an insect growth regulator (IGR) insecticide (IRAC Group 16, chitin biosynthesis inhibitor — type 1), registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968, formulated as a suspension concentrate (SC). It is used as a foliar spray specifically against nymphal (immature) stages of sap-sucking pests such as whitefly, plant hoppers and mealybugs in field crops including cotton, paddy, chilli and grapes. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the complete crop-wise recommended dosage as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) official list of approved insecticide uses.

Which Problem Is This For? (Symptom Guide)

Not sure whether what you're seeing in the field matches this insecticide's use case? This guide helps match pest damage symptoms to this insecticide's approved crop-wise uses.

Mode of Action

Buprofezin belongs to the insect growth regulator (IGR) class of insecticides (IRAC Group 16, chitin biosynthesis inhibitors, type 1). Unlike conventional insecticides that act on the nervous system, buprofezin interferes with the formation of chitin — the main structural component of an insect's exoskeleton — during the moulting process. This means it is most effective against immature (nymphal) stages of sap-sucking pests such as whitefly, plant hoppers and mealybugs: treated nymphs are unable to moult successfully into the next stage and die, while adult insects that are already fully formed are less affected. Buprofezin also has some effect on adult fecundity, reducing the number of viable eggs laid. Because of this specific mode of action, it works best when applied at the early nymphal stage of a pest outbreak, before large numbers of adults have already established.

Features & Benefits

• Insect growth regulator (IGR) mode of action targets the nymphal stage specifically, giving effective long-term suppression of whitefly, hopper and mealybug populations.
• Selective activity that spares many predatory and parasitic natural enemies relative to broad-spectrum contact insecticides, supporting integrated pest management.
• Also reduces adult fecundity, lowering the number of eggs laid by surviving adults and helping slow population rebound.
• Suspension concentrate (SC) formulation that mixes readily with water for uniform tank application.

Recommended Usage of Buprofezin 25% SC Insecticide

The table below gives the recommended dose and water volume per acre for each crop and target pest, based on the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) official list of approved insecticide uses (Government of India) — see the note below the table for the per-hectare-to-per-acre conversion. Always spray in the recommended water volume for uniform coverage, and confirm against the current product label before use.

Doses above are converted from the official rate published in the CIB&RC's list of approved insecticide uses (Government of India), which states the rate in grams/ml a.i./formulation per hectare; converted here to a practical per-acre spray-tank quantity (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres) and rounded. The same CIB&RC list also approves Buprofezin 25% SC for hopper control in mango at 1–2 ml per litre of water (per-tree solution strength, 5–15 litres per tree depending on tree size) — this per-tree dose is not directly comparable to the per-acre field-crop doses above; confirm the current product label if using on mango. Always confirm the current product label and consult your local agricultural extension office before use.

How to Use

1. Identify your crop and target pest from the table above, and confirm the correct dose per acre and water volume.
2. Measure the required quantity of Buprofezin 25% SC and mix it thoroughly into the spray tank water, agitating well before and during spraying so the suspension stays evenly mixed.
3. Scout the crop first and time the spray for when pest populations are mostly at the young nymphal stage, since Buprofezin works best against nymphs rather than fully formed adults.
4. Apply as a fine, uniform spray covering the entire crop canopy, giving special attention to the underside of leaves and, for mealybugs, to shoot axils and bunch stalks where colonies cluster.
5. Spray during the early morning or late evening when pest activity and pollinator activity are both lower, and avoid spraying in hot, windy conditions or ahead of expected rain.
6. Repeat only if pest pressure resumes, allowing at least 15–20 days between sprays, and do not exceed 2 applications per season on the same crop to help manage resistance.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask/respirator, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying.
• Buprofezin is relatively safe to many beneficial insects compared with broad-spectrum insecticides, but is still toxic to some aquatic organisms; avoid drift or runoff into ponds, canals or water bodies.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose or spray frequency; repeated, back-to-back use of the same insecticide class can lead to resistance development in target pest populations, so rotate with insecticides from a different mode-of-action (IRAC) group where possible.
• Respect the waiting period (PHI) given in the table above before harvesting the treated crop.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.