Syngenta Pegasus® Insecticide (Diafenthiuron 50% WP)
The "Vapor Action" Specialist for Resistant Mites, Whiteflies, and Diamondback Moths.
Syngenta Pegasus® is a powerful, broad-spectrum insecticide and acaricide designed for high-value crops like Cotton, Chilli, and Vegetables. Unlike standard sprays, Pegasus works through a unique "Vapor Action" mechanism. This allows the medicine to penetrate leaf tissues (translaminar) and reach pests hiding on the underside of leaves or deep within the crop canopy.
Best For: Controlling pests that have developed resistance to older chemicals like pyrethroids. It acts as a "Circuit Breaker" in your pest management strategy.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Immediate "Stop-Feeding" Effect: Pests are paralyzed immediately after contact. Although they may stay alive for 2-3 days, they stop damaging your crop instantly.
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Controls Resistant Pests: Highly effective against the Diamondback Moth (DBM) in cabbage and Whiteflies in cotton that no longer respond to other poisons.
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Long-Lasting Vapor Action: The chemical turns into a gas (fumigant effect) inside the crop canopy, reaching hidden pests in curled leaves and flower buds.
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Excellent Rainfastness: Once the spray dries and binds to the leaf (approx. 6 hours), it is not easily washed away by rain.
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Export-Friendly (If used correctly): Specific Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) allow use on export crops like Chilli and Tomato without exceeding residue limits.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Pegasus® |
| Technical Name | Diafenthiuron 50% WP |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 12A (Mitochondrial Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Thiourea |
| Formulation | Wettable Powder (WP) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Pegasus works differently than common nerve poisons. It targets the energy center (mitochondria) of the insect.
[Image of mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibition mechanism]- Sunlight Activation: The chemical is a "Pro-insecticide." After spraying, it reacts with sunlight (UV) and turns into its active, toxic form on the leaf.
- Energy Blockade: It enters the pest via contact or stomach (eating). It blocks the production of ATP (energy).
- Total Paralysis: Without energy, the insect cannot move or feed. It stops damaging the crop immediately and dies within a few days.
Note: Because it is activated by light, it works best when allowed to dry overnight and activate with the next morning's sun.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Whiteflies, Aphids, Thrips, Jassids |
| Cabbage & Cauliflower | Diamondback Moth (DBM), Aphids |
| Chilli, Brinjal, Tomato | Mites (Yellow/Red), Whiteflies, Thrips |
| Cardamom | Thrips, Capsule Borer |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not under-dose.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 240 g | 200 - 400 L | 1.2 g | 21 Days |
| Cabbage / Cauliflower | 240 g | 200 - 400 L | 1.2 g | 7 Days |
| Chilli / Brinjal | 240 g | 200 - 400 L | 1.2 g | 3 - 6 Days |
| Cardamom | 320 g | 500 L | 0.65 g | 7 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting to ensure food safety.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply in the Late Afternoon / Evening. This avoids killing honeybees (which forage during the day) and allows the chemical to dry and activate with the next morning's sun.
- Mixing: Premix the powder in a small amount of water to make a slurry before adding it to the main tank. Stir well.
- Coverage: Use high water volume (minimum 200L/acre). Use Hollow Cone Nozzles to create a fine mist that covers both sides of the leaves.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Inhalation Warning: Do not breathe in the spray mist. Spray with the wind at your back, never against it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I mix Pegasus with other pesticides?
It is generally compatible with most common insecticides and fungicides. However, avoid mixing with highly alkaline substances (like Bordeaux mixture) as this reduces efficacy.
2. Does it kill pests instantly?
No. You might see pests alive for 1-3 days after spraying. However, they are paralyzed and stop feeding immediately, so your crop is safe from the moment you spray.
3. Is it safe for Honeybees?
It is toxic to bees if sprayed directly on them. To protect bees, spray in the evening when bees are back in the hive. Once dried on the leaf, it is much safer for them.
4. What is the pack size and form?
It comes as a White Wettable Powder (WP). Common pack sizes are 25g, 250g, and 500g.
5. Why is the water volume so high (200L)?
Pegasus relies on "Translaminar" action (moving through the leaf). To work, the leaf surface needs thorough wetting. Low water volume results in poor control of whiteflies.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. Avoid inhalation of spray mist and direct contact with skin and eyes. Not for use in aquatic environments.
