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Spinosad and spinetoram

Spinosad and spinetoram are fermentation-derived spinosyn macrolide insecticides from the soil actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. They are the sole members of IRAC Group 5 and among the safer chemistry tools in Indian IPM for caterpillar and thrips management.

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Spinosad: a 17:3 mixture of spinosyns A and D
  • Spinetoram: a chemically modified second-generation derivative of spinosyn J and L, with broader spectrum and longer residual
  • Indian formulations:
  • Corteva Delegate: Spinetoram 11.7% SC
  • Corteva Tracer / Success: Spinosad
  • Bayer Fame: Spinetoram (in India)
  • Brand updates: Corteva is migrating spinosad to Qalcova active and spinetoram to Jemvelva active

Mode of action

Spinosyns are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators acting at a distinct binding site I — separate from neonicotinoids. IRAC Group 5. Binding causes uninhibited firing of motor neurons, hyperactivity, paralysis and death within 1-3 days. Activity is by ingestion and contact, with strong translaminar movement into the leaf.

Target use and dose

Spinosyns target:

  • Lepidoptera: Spodoptera (armyworm, fall armyworm), Helicoverpa (fruit and pod borer), leaf folder, diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)
  • Thysanoptera: chilli thrips, onion thrips

Indian uses span chilli, paddy, cabbage, onion, cotton and vegetables. Delegate spinetoram 11.7% SC is sprayed at label-specified rates (typically 100-150 ml/acre depending on crop and pest).

Safety and regulatory status

Spinosyns are approved for organic agriculture in most countries (the natural microbial origin) and are among the safer chemistries for parasitoids and predators in IPM. Direct spray is toxic to bees; sprays after sunset reduce pollinator exposure. To preserve Group 5 chemistry, alternate with Emamectin Benzoate (Group 6), Chlorantraniliprole (Group 28) and Broflanilide Exponus (Group 30) — spinosyn resistance has been documented in Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera in several Asian regions.

See also: Emamectin Benzoate, Chlorantraniliprole, Broflanilide Exponus, Cyantraniliprole Benevia, Neem Oil.

References

  1. Spinosad active ingredient profile. IRAC.
  2. Delegate WG — Spinetoram. Corteva.