Indoxacarb (IUPAC: methyl(E)-7-chloro-2,5-dihydro-2-[[(methoxycarbonyl)[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]indeno[1,2-e][1,3,4]oxadiazine-4a(3H)-carboxylate) is a novel oxadiazine insecticide with contact and ingestion activity against a wide range of chewing pests. It works by blocking sodium ion channels in the insect nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
Mode of Action: Sodium channel blocker (IRAC Group 22A), leading to nervous system failure in target pests.
Systemicity: Primarily a contact and ingestion insecticide, with some translaminar activity.
Target Spectrum: Effective against caterpillars, bollworms, armyworms, leafrollers, and certain Lepidopteran larvae.
Field Crops:
Controls Helicoverpa spp., Spodoptera spp., and other caterpillars in cotton, maize, and soybean.
Vegetables:
Applied on tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, and eggplants to manage leaf-eating caterpillars.
Ornamental Plants:
Protects greenhouse crops from chewing pests like caterpillars and leaf miners.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
Compatible with beneficial insects due to selective action against Lepidopteran pests.
Selective Toxicity: Targets chewing pests while being safe for pollinators and natural enemies.
Fast Knockdown: Causes rapid paralysis and mortality in larvae.
Translaminar Activity: Provides protection for new leaves after application.
IPM Compatible: Can be rotated with other insecticides to prevent resistance development.
Flexible Formulations: Available in water-dispersible granules, suspension concentrates, and emulsifiable concentrates.
| Parameter | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Indoxacarb | |
| Chemical Class | Oxadiazine insecticide (IRAC 22A) | |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₂H₁₈ClF₃N₃O₇ | |
| Molecular Weight | ~527.0 g/mol | |
| Appearance | White to light brown crystalline powder | |
| Purity (TC) | ≥ 95% | |
| Common Formulations | Water-dispersible granules (WG), suspension concentrate (SC), emulsifiable concentrate (EC) | 15% WG, 30% SC |
| Mode of Action | Sodium channel blocker; contact and ingestion activity | |
| Target Pests | Caterpillars, bollworms, armyworms, leafrollers | |
| Residual Activity | 7–14 days depending on crop and pest pressure | |
| Toxicity | Low mammalian toxicity (oral LD₅₀ in rats >5000 mg/kg); safe for bees when applied properly |
Q1: How does Indoxacarb kill pests?
A: It blocks sodium channels in insect nerves, causing paralysis and death.
Q2: Is Indoxacarb effective against sucking pests?
A: No. It is primarily effective against chewing pests like caterpillars and bollworms.
Q3: Can Indoxacarb be used in IPM programs?
A: Yes. Its selective toxicity and low impact on beneficial insects make it IPM-friendly.
Q4: Is Indoxacarb fast-acting?
A: Yes. It causes rapid paralysis, but full colony-level effects may take several days.
Q5: Can Indoxacarb be mixed with other pesticides?
A: Yes, but always check label compatibility to avoid reduced efficacy or phytotoxicity.