Bifenthrin (Dhanuka Markar)

Bifenthrin is a Type-I synthetic pyrethroid insecticide marketed in India as Dhanuka Markar 10% EC and other generic brands. It is a broad-spectrum contact insecticide registered for cotton, paddy and sugarcane.

Composition / Active ingredient

Active ingredient: Bifenthrin
Formulation: 10% EC (emulsifiable concentrate)
Chemical class: Type-I pyrethroid

Mode of action

Bifenthrin is a sodium-channel modulator (IRAC Group 3A) acting on the insect peripheral and central nervous system. It binds the voltage-gated sodium channel, prolonging the open state and producing repetitive nerve firing, tremors and paralysis. As a Type-I pyrethroid it lacks the α-cyano group, giving a slightly faster knockdown but shorter excitatory phase than Type-II compounds such as cypermethrin.

Target use and dose

Action is by contact and stomach uptake; the molecule is non-systemic. Registered targets include cotton bollworms and whitefly, paddy stem borer, leaf folder and green leaf hopper, and sugarcane termites. Field doses are typically 200-400 ml/acre depending on crop and pest. Bifenthrin is also a partner in the flupyradifurone combo Flupyradifurone Gracia (Dhanuka Lanevo).

Safety and regulatory status

Pyrethroids are highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates and harmful to bees. Repeated use in cotton is associated with whitefly and mite resurgence due to suppression of natural enemies; rotation with non-pyrethroid modes of action is encouraged. Common combinations include Chlorpyrifos Cypermethrin (OP + pyrethroid) for broad cover.

References

Markar — Bifenthrin 10% EC. Dhanuka Agritech.
Dhanuka Markar Insecticide. Cultree.