Flonicamid (UPL Ulala)

Flonicamid is a pyridinecarboxamide insecticide marketed in India as UPL Ulala 50% WG. It is a selective feeding-blocker for sucking-pest control, with very low impact on beneficial insects and pollinators.

Composition / Active ingredient

Active ingredient: Flonicamid
Formulation: 50% WG (water-dispersible granule)
Chemical class: Pyridinecarboxamide

Mode of action

Flonicamid modulates the chordotonal organ TRPV (transient receptor potential vanilloid) channel in insect mechanoreceptors, abolishing the insect's perception of body position and food location. It is classified under IRAC Group 29. Sap-feeding stops within 30 minutes, even though the insect may remain alive for hours; secondary effects include disruption of hormone signalling. The molecule is systemic and translaminar, penetrating plant tissue and giving residual protection of 10-14 days.

Target use and dose

CIBRC-labelled crops include cotton, paddy, chilli and vegetables. Targets are:

Aphids, jassids, leafhoppers
Whitefly nymphs and adults
Thrips (suppressive activity rather than full kill)

Standard rate is around 60 g/acre on most crops; consult label for specific crop dose. The selectivity for sucking pests makes Ulala a key rotation partner for neonicotinoids (Acetamiprid, Thiamethoxam Actara) and butenolides (Flupyradifurone Gracia) in cotton sucking-pest programmes.

Safety and regulatory status

Flonicamid carries a green "Caution" label and is one of the safer chemistries for honeybees, parasitoids and predatory mites, making it widely used in IPM. It complements rather than replaces hard-kill chemistry — caterpillar/borer sprays should use diamides (Chlorantraniliprole) or Emamectin Benzoate.

References

Ulala — Flonicamid 50% WG. UPL India.
UPL Ulala Insecticide. BigHaat.