1. General Information
In the face of unpredictable environmental conditions, pests are becoming increasingly complex and resistant to pesticides. Diafenthiuron is a trusted, effective, and cost-saving insecticide that farmers widely use.
Diafenthiuron, a thiourea-based chemical, was introduced to the market in 1990 and serves as an ATP synthesis inhibitor, effectively controlling aphids, fireflies, mites, moths, and other pests on a variety of crops and ornamental plants.
Characteristics:
- Classified as toxicity level 3 (moderate toxicity).
- Chemical formula: C₂₃H₃₂N₂OS
2. Mechanism of Action
Diafenthiuron eradicates pests through contact, ingestion, fumigation, and residual effects. Upon contact, it interferes with the insect’s energy metabolism and disrupts nervous system functions by inhibiting chitin synthesis. It takes effect rapidly, paralyzing the insect’s nervous system within 2–4 hours after spraying.
3. Advantages
- Broad-spectrum control: Effective against a wide range of pests such as aphids, mites, caterpillars, red mites, and larvae across diverse crops.
- Rapid action: Causes insect paralysis within 2–4 hours of exposure.
- Long-lasting effect: Effectively controls pupae, nymphs, and larvae, with a residual effect lasting up to 20 days.
- Effective in high temperatures: Works well above 25°C and mixes easily with other pesticides like Abamectin, Emamectin, Pyridaben, and Etoxazole.
4. Applications
- Diafenthiuron is highly effective against pests such as velvet mites on litchi, mites on rice, rice leaf rollers, green caterpillars, and aphids.
- Red mites on citrus trees: The best treatment time is when nymph eggs are hatching. Spray twice, with a 10-day interval between applications, to completely eliminate adults, eggs, and larvae, with an efficacy lasting 15–20 days.
- Cabbage worms on cauliflower: Apply with Emamectin during peak pest seasons. Spray twice with a 7-day interval for optimal control.
