The Diamide group represents one of the most advanced generations of insecticides, characterized by:
High and long-lasting efficacy.
Safety to pollinators, natural enemies, and the environment.
Effective control of pests resistant to older chemistries.
Mode of Action: All Diamides act as ryanodine receptor activators, disrupting intracellular calcium release. This leads to pest paralysis – feeding cessation – and eventual death..
Comparison of Key Active Ingredients.
Chlorantraniliprole
• 
Broad spectrum, excellent against Lepidopteran pests (armyworms, stem borers, fall armyworm).
• Long residual activity: 10–14 days.
• 
Higher cost, but consistent performance.
• 
Widely used in rice, vegetables, and fruit crops in Vietnam.
Cyantraniliprole
• Broader spectrum than Chlorantraniliprole → also controls sucking pests (thrips, aphids).
• Strong efficacy in early infestation stages.
• Shorter residual activity; best integrated into IPM programs.
• Commonly applied in vegetables and industrial crops.
Flubendiamide
• Very effective against Lepidoptera (diamondback moth, cabbage looper, fruit borers).
• Safe to natural enemies, environmentally friendly.
• Narrow spectrum, resistance develops quickly if overused.
• Well-suited for intensive vegetable cultivation areas.
Tetraniliprole
• New-generation molecule, highly effective against rice pests (leaf folder, stem borer).
• Strong residual activity, resistant to wash-off.
• High cost, limited commercial availability.
• Considered promising for sustainable rice production.
Cyclaniliprole
• Latest molecule, combines broad activity: chewing + sucking pests.
• Strong potential as resistance management tool when older Diamides lose efficacy.
• Expensive, few commercial products currently available in Vietnam.
• Potential for vegetables, industrial crops, and export-oriented fruit crops.
Practical Applications.
• Rice: leaf folder, stem borer, fall armyworm, caseworm.
• Vegetables: diamondback moth, cabbage looper, fruit borer, thrips, aphids, leafminers.
• Fruit & industrial crops: citrus, mango, longan, tea, coffee, pepper, etc.
Resistance Management Guidelines
• Do not apply the same Diamide active ingredient consecutively within a season.
• Rotate with at least 3–4 other insecticide groups (e.g., Avermectins, Spinosyns, IGRs, Oxadiazines).
• Target early larval instars (1st–2nd instar) for maximum cost-efficiency and control.
• Integrate with biological methods: natural enemies, pheromone traps, light traps.
Conclusion: Diamides are a powerful tool in modern pest management. Each active ingredient has its own strengths and limitations; therefore, choosing the right molecule – right timing – right dose is critical to achieve optimal control while prolonging the lifespan of these valuable chemistries.
