Buprofezin: An Insect Growth Regulator for Planthoppers and Whiteflies

Technical Introduction

Buprofezin (IUPAC name: 2-tert-butylimino-3-isopropyl-5-phenyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinan-4-one) is a thiadiazine-class insect growth regulator (IGR) that targets sap-feeding insect pests such as planthoppers, leafhoppers, scales, and whiteflies. Unlike conventional neurotoxic insecticides, Buprofezin interferes with the chitin synthesis and molting process of insects, leading to malformed development, failed ecdysis, and eventual death.

• Mode of Action: Chitin synthesis inhibitor – prevents proper cuticle formation during molting.

• Target Life Stages: Effective primarily on nymphs and larvae, with strong ovicidal effects on certain pests.

• Selectivity: Safe to most beneficial insects and natural enemies, making it suitable for IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs.

Applications

• Rice and Other Cereals:

  • Controls brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), key pests in Asian rice cultivation.

• Vegetables:

  • Tomato, cucumber, eggplant, peppers: Controls whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum).

• Fruit Crops:

  • Used in citrus, mango, grapes, apples, and pears to manage scales, mealybugs, and whiteflies.

• Tea and Cotton:

  • Helps suppress leafhoppers and whiteflies.

• Greenhouse Crops:

  • Widely used in protected cultivation for whitefly management.

Advantages

• Novel Mode of Action: Works by inhibiting insect molting and development instead of directly attacking the nervous system.

• Target Specificity: Selective against sap-feeding pests, sparing beneficial predators (ladybirds, lacewings, predatory mites).

• Ovicidal & Nymphicidal Effect: Strong activity against early life stages reduces future pest pressure.

• Resistance Management Tool: Effective against populations resistant to organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids.

• Long Residual Activity: Provides extended control on foliage and soil.

• Low Mammalian Toxicity: Safer profile compared to older broad-spectrum insecticides.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: Does Buprofezin kill adult insects?
A: No, Buprofezin mainly targets immature stages (nymphs, larvae). Adults may survive but fail to reproduce effectively.

Q2: Is Buprofezin systemic?
A: It is not fully systemic, but it has good residual and contact activity, with some translaminar effect.

Q3: How does Buprofezin help in resistance management?
A: Because of its unique molting inhibition mode of action, it is effective against pests resistant to conventional insecticides and can be rotated in IPM programs.

Q4: Is it safe for beneficial insects?
A: Yes, Buprofezin is selective and generally safe for predators and parasitoids, making it highly compatible with IPM.

Q5: Can it be used in rice IPM programs against planthoppers?
A: Yes, Buprofezin is widely used in Asian rice production as part of resistance management strategies against brown planthoppers.