What Is Pymetrozine?

What Is Pymetrozine?

Pymetrozine is a selective insecticide specifically designed to target piercing-sucking pests such as aphids, whiteflies, planthoppers, and psyllids. It belongs to the chemical class pyridine azomethines, a group known for their unique non-neurotoxic mode of action. Unlike most conventional insecticides, pymetrozine does not kill insects through direct poisoning or paralysis. Instead, it interferes with their feeding behavior, leading to starvation and eventual death.

Developed as a solution to resistance-prone pest populations, pymetrozine is now widely used in high-value crop systems where pest control precision and minimal disruption to beneficial insects are critical. Its selective action makes it highly suitable for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, especially where pollinator safety is a concern.

Commercially, pymetrozine is most commonly formulated as a 50% WG (Water Dispersible Granule), which allows for easy mixing, consistent dispersion, and convenient application via foliar spray. This formulation ensures good leaf coverage and residual control across a broad spectrum of crops.

Chemical Structure and Classification of Pymetrozine

Pymetrozine’s insecticidal properties are rooted in its distinct pyridine azomethine structure, a class of chemicals known for targeting highly specific physiological pathways in insects. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₁N₅, and the IUPAC name is 6-methyl-4-[(3-pyridylmethylene)amino]-2(1H)-pyridazinone.

Unlike neurotoxic insecticides that affect the insect’s central nervous system, pymetrozine’s non-neurotoxic mode of action is enabled by the molecule’s design—specifically its interaction with the insect’s chordotonal organs, which are responsible for regulating feeding behavior. The compound’s unique geometry allows it to bind selectively to sensory mechanisms without affecting muscular or nervous functions, making it both highly targeted and low-risk to beneficial species.

Pymetrozine is classified under Group 9B in the IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) classification, meaning it has no known cross-resistance with neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, or organophosphates. This makes it a valuable rotation tool in resistance management programs and an attractive choice for IPM-compatible pest control.

Mode of Action: How Pymetrozine Controls Insects

Pymetrozine operates through a unique mode of action that sets it apart from conventional insecticides. Rather than acting on the nervous system, pymetrozine targets the feeding regulation centers of piercing-sucking insects. It interferes with the insect’s stylet insertion and salivation behavior, effectively halting their ability to feed within minutes of contact or ingestion.

Once applied, pymetrozine causes the insect to cease feeding almost immediately—yet the pest may remain alive for several hours or days before ultimately dying from starvation. This delayed mortality is not a sign of reduced effectiveness, but rather a strategic feature: the insect’s phloem-sucking activity is halted right away, minimizing the risk of disease transmission and crop damage.

This mode of action makes pymetrozine especially effective against pests such as:

• Aphids in potatoes, vegetables, and citrus

• Brown planthoppers in rice

• Whiteflies in cotton, tomato, and cucumber

• Psyllids in orchards and forestry systems

Furthermore, pymetrozine belongs to IRAC Group 9B, and is not cross-resistant with other commonly used insecticides like neonicotinoids (Group 4A) or pyrethroids (Group 3A). This makes it a critical tool in resistance management strategies, allowing safe rotation within a comprehensive pest control program.

Systemic Behavior and Translocation in Plants

One of the key advantages of pymetrozine is its systemic activity, which enables it to move within the plant and protect both treated and new growth. After foliar application, pymetrozine is absorbed through the leaves and translocated primarily via the xylem, distributing the active ingredient throughout the plant's vascular system.

This systemic movement allows pymetrozine to:

• Protect newly emerging leaves that were not present at the time of spraying

• Maintain residual activity over multiple days, even under moderate rainfall conditions

• Reach hidden pest colonies located in the underside of leaves, stems, or folded canopies

Although it primarily moves upward in the plant, pymetrozine’s systemic effect ensures effective whole-plant protection, especially in crops with dense foliage or where pests target new growth. This makes it particularly useful in crops like rice, tomato, cotton, and cucurbits, where fast-growing tissues are vulnerable to repeated pest attacks.

Furthermore, the compound exhibits low phytotoxicity, making it safe to use across a broad range of crops without the risk of damaging sensitive plant tissues.

Major Agricultural Uses of Pymetrozine

Pymetrozine is widely adopted across various field, vegetable, and fruit crops due to its specificity against piercing-sucking pests and its safety profile for non-target organisms. Its application spans temperate and tropical regions, particularly where pest-borne viral transmission or feeding damage causes significant crop losses.

Common Target Crops:

• Rice: Control of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), a major pest causing hopperburn and virus transmission

• Potatoes and vegetables (e.g. cucumber, chili, tomato): Effective against green peach aphid, whiteflies, and psyllids

• Cotton: Protection against whiteflies and aphids while minimizing residue issues

• Fruit trees (e.g. citrus, apple): Suppresses psyllid and aphid infestations with low impact on pollinators

Key Pest Targets:

• Aphids (Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii): Common across multiple crops; major virus vectors

• Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum): Responsible for leaf damage and viral diseases

• Planthoppers: Especially critical in rice-growing regions of Asia

• Psyllids (Bactericera cockerelli): Notorious in potatoes and fruit crops for disease spread

With its feeding-blocking mechanism, pymetrozine is particularly valuable in crops where disease transmission by pests is a critical concern. Even in low pest densities, it prevents feeding damage and viral introduction—supporting early-season and mid-season protection strategies.

Its compatibility with IPM and resistance management plans, combined with the flexibility of 50% WG formulation, makes pymetrozine a reliable option for high-value crops in both conventional and sustainable farming systems.

Formulations and Field Performance

Pymetrozine is most commonly available in the 50% WG (Water Dispersible Granule) formulation, offering high solubility, ease of handling, and excellent dispersion in spray solutions. This format is especially valued in commercial farming due to its storage stability, uniform particle size, and low dust content, which contribute to both operator safety and effective field application.

Key Performance Characteristics:

• Fast Feeding Cessation: Within 1–2 hours of application, pests like aphids and whiteflies stop feeding, minimizing plant damage and virus spread.

• Long-Lasting Residual Activity: Depending on environmental conditions, pymetrozine provides 7–14 days of effective control under typical field usage rates.

• Rainfastness: Once dried (usually within 2 hours), pymetrozine is resistant to light to moderate rainfall, maintaining efficacy even after weather events.

• Tank-Mix Compatibility: Pymetrozine WG is compatible with most commonly used fungicides and insecticides, making it easy to incorporate into standard spray schedules.

In multi-season trials conducted across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, pymetrozine 50% WG consistently demonstrated high efficacy against resistant aphid populations and whitefly outbreaks, particularly in greenhouse vegetables and open-field rice systems.

It is typically applied as a foliar spray at low rates (e.g., 100–200 g/ha depending on crop and pest pressure), making it a cost-effective option with low environmental load and minimal non-target impact.

Safety, Environmental Impact, and Resistance Management

Pymetrozine is widely regarded as a selective, environmentally safe insecticide with a favorable toxicological and ecological profile. Its targeted mode of action allows for precise pest control without adversely affecting beneficial arthropods such as lady beetles, lacewings, parasitoids, and honeybees, making it a strong fit for both conventional and organic-integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

Toxicological Profile:

• Low mammalian toxicity (oral LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg in rats)

• Non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic

• No adverse effects on birds, earthworms, or aquatic invertebrates at field application rates

Environmental Characteristics:

• Low persistence in soil and water due to rapid degradation

• Minimal bioaccumulation risk

• Does not interfere with pollination, soil microbiota, or natural enemies

From a resistance management standpoint, pymetrozine is a Group 9B compound under the IRAC classification. Its distinct feeding inhibition mechanism means it does not exhibit cross-resistance with neonicotinoids, organophosphates, or pyrethroids, and is effective even where resistance to these classes has developed.

For best practices, pymetrozine should be:

• Rotated with insecticides of different IRAC groups

• Applied based on pest monitoring and threshold levels

• Integrated with non-chemical practices to reduce selection pressure

Its inclusion in global resistance management guidelines (e.g. in rice IPM and vegetable aphid control protocols) further demonstrates its credibility and acceptance across diverse production systems.

Why Choose Pymetrozine for Modern Agriculture?

In an era where precision, sustainability, and resistance management are key to crop protection, pymetrozine stands out as a smart, future-ready choice. Whether you're managing aphid pressure in vegetables or tackling planthoppers in rice, this molecule offers a balanced combination of efficacy, selectivity, and environmental responsibility.

Strategic Benefits:

• Unique Non-Neurotoxic Mode of Action
  Reduces virus transmission risk and maintains compatibility with biological control agents.

• Systemic Protection
  Ensures both direct and indirect pest exposure—even in hidden plant tissues.

• Low Impact on Beneficials
  Preserves pollinators and natural predators, facilitating IPM adoption.

• Resistance Management Tool
  Effective against resistant pest populations; ideal for rotation in IRAC Group 9B.

• Flexible and Easy to Use
  Water-dispersible granule format offers convenient handling, stable storage, and safe mixing.

By choosing pymetrozine, you're not only investing in effective insect control, but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agroecosystem. This makes it a particularly valuable option for progressive growers, agronomists, and pesticide distributors focused on long-term pest management success.

Regulatory Status and Global Market Adoption

Pymetrozine has secured regulatory approvals in a wide range of agricultural markets, supported by its favorable toxicological profile and targeted pest control characteristics. It is currently registered and actively used in over 60 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

Notable Market Approvals:

• China: Widely registered for rice, vegetables, and cotton; locally produced 50% WG formulations dominate the market.

• India: Approved for use on chili, cotton, brinjal, and other key crops under IPM programs.

• Brazil & Argentina: Registered for aphids and whiteflies in soybean, vegetables, and fruits.

• European Union: Approved under specific MRL and environmental restrictions; primarily used in protected cropping systems.

• East Africa & Middle East: Registered for regional vegetable and flower production with support for IPM compatibility.

Pymetrozine's acceptance is driven by:

• Alignment with low-residue and eco-friendly regulations

• Demand from high-value export-oriented crops

• Compatibility with residue management and MRL compliance programs

In regions where insecticide resistance is a major concern, such as Southeast Asia and parts of Latin America, pymetrozine is often recommended as a rotation partner in public and private pest control programs. Its selective mode of action makes it easier to pass stringent import residue tests—especially for fresh vegetables and fruit exports to Europe or Japan.

Packaging Options & OEM Services

To meet the diverse needs of agricultural distributors, brand owners, and national formulators, pymetrozine 50% WG can be supplied in a variety of customizable packaging formats. Our production and export capabilities ensure both regulatory compliance and market-ready presentation, no matter your target country or channel.

Available Packaging Specifications:

• Small Packs: 10g, 50g, 100g, 250g sachets for retail markets

• Bulk Packs: 500g, 1kg, 5kg foil bags or jars for commercial and distributor repackaging

• Drum Packaging: 25kg fiber drums or plastic drums for industrial repack or formulation

OEM & Private Label Services:

• Custom Label Design: Multilingual print, crop/pest-specific registration info, QR code traceability

• Flexible Packaging Types: Foil bags, bottles, jars, zipper pouches

• Documentation Support: COA, MSDS, Registration Dossier Preparation

• Third-party Testing & Batch Traceability: SGS, CIQ, and other required inspection support

We support full-label OEM services, enabling you to launch or expand your brand with regulatory-ready packaging, tailored to your target markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Eastern Europe. Whether you need a retail-ready presentation or technical bulk supply, we help streamline the entire process from design to delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pymetrozine

Q1: What pests does pymetrozine control?

A: Pymetrozine is primarily used to control piercing-sucking insects such as aphids, whiteflies, planthoppers, and leafhoppers. It is especially effective against pests in vegetables, rice, cotton, potatoes, and ornamentals, particularly when resistance to other insecticides has developed.

Q2: How does pymetrozine work?

A: Pymetrozine inhibits feeding behavior by targeting the chordotonal organs of insects, leading to rapid feeding cessation within hours. This unique non-neurotoxic mode of action helps minimize virus transmission and crop damage.

Q3: Is pymetrozine systemic or contact-based?

A: Pymetrozine exhibits systemic activity. It can move upward through the plant’s vascular system, offering internal protection even to newly emerged tissues, making it effective against pests feeding on hidden or hard-to-reach parts of the plant.

Q4: Is pymetrozine safe for bees and beneficial insects?

A: Yes. Pymetrozine has a low impact on pollinators, parasitoids, and predatory insects, making it suitable for use in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs. It does not disrupt natural enemy populations when applied at recommended doses.

Q5: What is the recommended dosage of pymetrozine 50% WG?

A: Application rates vary by crop and pest pressure, but typical foliar spray recommendations are 100–200 grams per hectare. Always follow local label guidelines and perform small-scale compatibility testing when tank mixing.

Q6: Is pymetrozine compatible with other insecticides or fungicides?

A: Yes, pymetrozine 50% WG is compatible with most standard fungicides and insecticides. However, avoid mixing with strongly acidic or alkaline products without prior jar testing.

Q7: Can pymetrozine be used in organic farming?

A: While pymetrozine has a favorable environmental and toxicological profile, it is not certified for organic agriculture in most jurisdictions. It is best suited for low-residue conventional systems that aim to meet strict export MRL standards.

Take the Next Step with Pymetrozine

Whether you're an agrochemical distributor seeking reliable bulk supply, a brand owner planning your next insecticide launch, or a technical team evaluating new active ingredients for resistance rotation—pymetrozine offers a smart, versatile, and sustainable solution.

At POMAIS, we support your success with:

• Full-spectrum OEM services: custom label, packaging, formulation options

• Regulatory support: documentation, registration dossier, MRL guidance

• Global delivery capability: compliance with EU, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia markets

• Technical expertise: from field trials to formulation compatibility

If you’re ready to explore pymetrozine 50% WG as your next-generation solution for aphids, whiteflies, or planthoppers, contact our technical sales team today for pricing, documentation, or product samples.