Chemical Category

• Common Name: Imidacloprid
• Chemical Name (IUPAC): 1-(6-Chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylideneamine
• Chemical Formula: C₉H₁₀ClN₅O₂
• CAS No.: 138261-41-3
• Chemical Family: Neonicotinoid Insecticide
• Type: Systemic, contact, and stomach insecticide

Mode of Action

• Imidacloprid acts on the central nervous system of insects.
• It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in nerve synapses, causing overstimulation and eventual paralysis and death of the insect.
• Works effectively through contact and ingestion and is translocated within the plant, protecting new growth.

Applications

• Used widely in:
• Agricultural crops:
• Cotton Paddy (rice)
• Sugarcane Vegetables (tomato, cabbage, okra, brinjal) Fruits (mango, citrus, apple) Tea, coffee, pulses, cereals, tobacco, and ornamental plants

Targets:

• Aphids Jassids Thrips Whiteflies Brown planthopper (BPH) Leafhoppers Termites Beetles

Non-agricultural uses:

• Termite and ant control in buildings and wood
• Public health pest control (cockroaches, mosquitoes)
• Seed treatment and soil drenching formulations

Weeds Controlled

• Not applicable — Imidacloprid is an insecticide, not a herbicide. (It targets sucking and soil insects, not weeds.)

Technical Overview

Main Uses

• Agriculture: Controls a broad spectrum of sucking pests in major crops.
• Suitable for foliar spray, soil application, and seed treatment.
• Horticulture: Effective on fruit and vegetable pests, providing long-lasting protection.
• Public Health & Termite Control:

Storage and Stability

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Keep in sealed containers away from food, feed, and alkaline materials.
• Stable for at least 2 years under normal ambient conditions.