Acetamiprid: A Versatile Neonicotinoid Insecticide

Technical Introduction

Acetamiprid (IUPAC: N-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-N'-cyano-N-methyl-acetamidine) is a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide widely used for the control of sucking insect pests in agricultural and horticultural crops.

• Mode of Action: Acetamiprid acts as an agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in insect nerve cells, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system, paralysis, and death.

• Systemicity: Highly systemic and translaminar, it protects new growth and is absorbed through both roots and foliage.

• Target Spectrum: Particularly effective against aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, and thrips, while also controlling some lepidopteran pests in their early stages.

Applications

• Field Crops: Used in cotton, rice, maize, soybean, and wheat to control aphids, jassids, and whiteflies.

• Fruit Crops: Protects citrus, apple, pear, grape, and peach from sap-sucking insects.

• Vegetables: Applied on tomato, pepper, cucumber, and potato for whiteflies and thrips.

• Ornamentals & Tea: Commonly used in tea plantations and greenhouse ornamentals.

Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Controls a wide range of sucking pests and some chewing insects.

• Systemic Action: Moves inside the plant for long-lasting protection of new leaves and shoots.

• Low Use Rates: Effective even at low application doses.

• Reduced Mammalian Toxicity: Compared to other neonicotinoids, Acetamiprid has relatively low toxicity to humans and animals.

• Better Bee Safety: While still toxic, it is considered less hazardous to bees compared to imidacloprid or clothianidin, especially after spray residues dry.

• Resistance Management: Useful as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs, particularly where resistance to older insecticides exists.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: How does Acetamiprid differ from Imidacloprid?
A: Both are neonicotinoids, but Acetamiprid has lower bee toxicity and a somewhat broader application range, especially in vegetables and fruit crops.

Q2: Can Acetamiprid be used during flowering?
A: It is less toxic to pollinators than other neonicotinoids, but application during peak pollinator activity is still discouraged.

Q3: Does Acetamiprid have resistance concerns?
A: Yes. Resistance has been observed in some aphid and whitefly populations. It should be rotated with other insecticides of different IRAC groups.

Q4: What makes Acetamiprid popular in tea plantations?
A: Its systemic nature and low mammalian toxicity make it ideal for tea, where residues are a concern for human consumption.

Q5: Is Acetamiprid effective against lepidopteran pests?
A: It can control early instar caterpillars, but is not highly effective against advanced stages. It is mainly used for sucking pests.