Fenvalerate: A Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticide
Technical Introduction
Fenvalerate (IUPAC: α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutanoate) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used globally in agriculture, horticulture, and public health pest management.
It acts as a sodium channel modulator, prolonging sodium influx in insect nerve cells, leading to continuous excitation, paralysis, and death.
Mode of Action: Sodium channel modulator (IRAC Group 3A).
Systemicity: Non-systemic; acts via contact and ingestion.
Target Spectrum: Broad-spectrum control of chewing and sucking insects including caterpillars, beetles, thrips, leafhoppers, aphids, and moths.
Applications
Agriculture:
Used on cotton, maize, soybeans, wheat, and rice against bollworms, borers, leafhoppers, and beetles.
Fruits & Vegetables:
Applied to tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, citrus, grapes, and apples for caterpillar and thrip control.
Public Health:
Occasionally used in household insect control (flies, cockroaches, and mosquitoes).
Stored Products:
Sometimes used to protect stored grains from beetles and moths.
Advantages
Broad-Spectrum Insect Control: Effective against a wide range of agricultural pests.
Fast Knockdown Effect: Rapid pest mortality after application.
Moderate Residual Activity: Protects crops for several days after spraying.
Resistance Management Tool: Can be rotated with insecticides of different classes to delay resistance.
Cost-Effective: Widely available and affordable compared to some newer insecticides.
Specifications (Typical Parameters)
| Parameter | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Fenvalerate | |
| Chemical Class | Synthetic Pyrethroid (IRAC 3A) | |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₅H₂₂ClNO₃ | |
| Molecular Weight | ~419.9 g/mol | |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to brown viscous liquid | |
| Purity (TC) | ≥ 90% | |
| Common Formulations | Emulsifiable concentrate (EC), wettable powder (WP), suspension concentrate (SC) | 20% EC, 30% EC, 10% WP |
| Mode of Action | Sodium channel modulator; contact and stomach poison | |
| Target Pests | Bollworms, beet armyworms, aphids, thrips, beetles, moths, leafhoppers | |
| Residual Activity | 4–10 days depending on environment and crop | |
| Toxicity | Moderate mammalian toxicity (oral LD₅₀ in rats ~451 mg/kg); toxic to bees, fish, and aquatic organisms |
FAQ
Q1: How does Fenvalerate kill insects?
A: It prolongs sodium channel opening in insect neurons, causing hyperexcitation, paralysis, and death.
Q2: Is Fenvalerate systemic?
A: No. It is non-systemic and acts primarily through contact and ingestion.
Q3: How long does Fenvalerate protect crops?
A: Typically 4–10 days, depending on weather, crop type, and pest pressure.
Q4: Is Fenvalerate safe for beneficial insects?
A: No. It is highly toxic to bees, fish, and aquatic organisms, so caution is needed near flowering crops and water sources.
Q5: What is the difference between Fenvalerate and Fenpropathrin?
A: Both are pyrethroids, but Fenpropathrin also has strong acaricidal activity, whereas Fenvalerate is mainly insecticidal.
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