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Pesticide guide

Thiamethoxam

Insecticide Thiamethoxam

Description

Thiamethoxam is a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide that provides excellent long-lasting protection against sucking and chewing insects. The word 'systemic' means that when you apply it, the product gets absorbed into the plant and moves throughout all parts - leaves, stems, roots, and even new growth. This is very effective because it protects the entire plant from the inside out, so insects that feed on any part of the plant will be affected. It works especially well against sucking insects like aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and leafhoppers - these pests pierce your plants and suck out the sap, causing leaves to curl, turn yellow, or die. Thiamethoxam also works against some chewing insects like beetles and caterpillars. You can apply it in several ways: by spraying it on the leaves, by mixing it into the soil around plant roots, or by treating seeds before planting. When applied to the soil or seeds, it provides protection for several weeks, sometimes up to 4-6 weeks, which means you don't have to spray as often. This makes it very convenient and cost-effective for farmers. However, it's very important to know that thiamethoxam is highly toxic to bees and other pollinators. You must never spray it when your plants are flowering, as this will kill the bees that are essential for pollinating your crops. Also, you need to wait 21 to 30 days after the last application before you can safely harvest your crops. It's a professional-grade product that works very well, but it requires careful handling and following all safety instructions.

Application rates

General

0.1-0.3 kg per hectare

Application method

Foliar spray Soil application Seed treatment

Target pests

Aphids Whiteflies Thrips Leafhoppers Beetles Caterpillars

Application timing

At planting or when pests first appear, avoid during flowering

Safety period

21-30 days before harvest

Precautions

Highly toxic to bees. Do not apply during flowering. Restricted in some regions. Wear full protective equipment. Follow re-entry period.

Crop compatibility

Vegetables Fruits Field crops

Benefits

  • Systemic action protects entire plant from inside out
  • Long residual activity - up to 4-6 weeks protection
  • Multiple application methods: foliar, soil, or seed treatment
  • Effective against both sucking and chewing insects
  • Low application rates reduce handling and storage needs
  • Excellent for early season protection

Best for

  • Cotton and field crops with heavy pest pressure
  • Vegetable crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants)
  • Fruit trees (citrus, date palm, mango)
  • Seed treatment for early season protection
  • Crops requiring long-lasting pest control

Usage tips

  • Apply as soil drench or seed treatment for longest protection
  • Avoid application during flowering to protect pollinators
  • Use lower rates for preventive applications
  • Rotate with other insecticide classes to prevent resistance
  • Follow local regulations regarding bee protection
  • Excellent for early season pest prevention

Storage instructions

Store in original container in cool, dry place. Keep away from food, feed, and water sources. Protect from freezing.

Mixing compatibility

Compatible with most fungicides. Do not mix with alkaline products. Check compatibility before tank mixing.