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Propargite

Propargite is a sulphite-ester acaricide registered globally for over 36 mite species across 72 countries. In India it is sold as Dhanuka Omite 57% EC, Willowood Willomite, Hilomite and other brands; it is the workhorse mite-killer in tea, cotton, chilli and citrus.

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Active ingredient: Propargite
  • Formulations in India: 57% EC (also 42% EC); WP variants
  • Chemical class: Sulphite ester acaricide

Mode of action

Propargite inhibits mite mitochondrial ATP synthase (complex V) on the inner mitochondrial membrane, classified under IRAC Group 12C. It acts through three pathways:

  • Contact — direct cuticular penetration on motile stages
  • Residual — surface deposit kills mites that walk across treated leaves
  • Fumigant (vapour) — limited vapour action under warm conditions, helping reach mites in protected leaf folds

All motile stages — larvae, protonymph, deutonymph and adult — are controlled; eggs are largely unaffected, so timing on the active feeding generation is important.

Target use and dose

Indian targets include:

  • Cotton, chilli: two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), red mite, pink mite, purple mite
  • Tea: red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae), scarlet mite
  • Citrus, paddy: panicle mite

Willomite (propargite 57% EC) is sprayed in chilli for red mite at 400 ml/acre. Tea standard is 1-2 ml/L. Sulphur compatibility should be checked; some tank-mixes with sulphur are phytotoxic in citrus.

Safety and regulatory status

Propargite has a label "Warning" toxicity classification and a notable skin / eye irritation profile; full protective equipment is required. It is compatible with most IPM programmes because it is mite-specific and largely spares predatory mite Amblyseius species and other natural enemies. Resistance management: rotate with Spiromesifen Oberon (IRAC 23), Spirotetramat Movento (23) and Diafenthiuron Pegasus (12A).

See also: Spiromesifen Oberon, Spirotetramat Movento, Diafenthiuron Pegasus, Tolfenpyrad Tychi.

References

  1. Omite. Dhanuka Agritech.
  2. Omite — Propargite 57% EC Insecticide. BigHaat.