Fipronil
Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide developed by Rhône-Poulenc (now part of Bayer / BASF) in the late 1980s. In India it is sold under brands including Bayer Regent, Dhanuka Fax, Coromandel Jump and Garuda Jaan in a range of 5% SC, 18.87% SC, 80% WG and granule formulations.
Composition / Active ingredient
- Active ingredient: Fipronil
- Formulations in India: 5% SC, 18.87% SC, 80% WG, GR (granule)
- Chemical class: Phenylpyrazole (N-phenylpyrazole)
Mode of action
Fipronil blocks insect GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels, preventing the inhibitory chloride influx that normally dampens nerve signalling. The result is uncontrolled nervous-system excitation, paralysis and death. It is the lead molecule of IRAC Group 2B. Insect GABA receptors bind fipronil far more tightly than mammalian receptors, giving relatively low acute mammalian toxicity but significant honeybee toxicity.
Target use and dose
Fipronil is broadly registered against:
- Rice: stem borer, leaf folder, gall midge, plant hoppers
- Chilli: thrips and mites — the 18.87% SC (Garuda Jaan) at 100 ml/acre is widely used
- Cabbage / cauliflower: diamondback moth, leaf webber
- Sugarcane: termites and shoot borer
Granule formulations are broadcast in standing water in paddy; foliar SC forms are sprayed at booting or first damage symptoms.
Safety and regulatory status
Fipronil is highly toxic to bees, aquatic invertebrates and many bird species; EU has restricted seed treatments. India retains its registration for agricultural use but several state agricultural universities advise against application during flowering. To delay resistance, fipronil should be rotated with non-Group-2B chemistry such as Chlorantraniliprole Coragen Ferterra (28), Triflumezopyrim Pexalon (4E) or Cartap Hydrochloride (14).
Related entries
See also: Input Fipronil 5Sc, Broflanilide Exponus, Cartap Hydrochloride, Chlorantraniliprole Coragen Ferterra.
References
- Regent SC — Fipronil 5 SC. Bayer India / BigHaat.
- Fipronil. Wikipedia.