Syngenta Chess® Insecticide (Pymetrozine 50% WG)
The Specialist for Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) and Sucking Pests
Are your paddy fields suffering from "Hopper Burn"? Syngenta Chess® is a premium systemic insecticide designed specifically to control the Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) in rice and sucking pests in other crops. Unlike older poisons that just paralyze insects, Chess® works on a unique "starvation" mechanism.
Best For: Farmers seeking long-term protection without harming friendly insects like spiders and bees.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
-
⏱️
Immediate Feeding Stop: Pests stop sucking sap within 1 hour of contact, preventing further crop damage instantly.
-
🛡️
Safe for Friends: Does not harm beneficial predators (spiders) or pollinators (bees), making it perfect for Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
-
⏳
Long-Lasting Control: Provides protection for 10 to 14 days, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying.
-
🌧️
Excellent Rainfastness: Absorbs into the plant quickly; effective even if it rains 2 hours after spraying.
-
🌿
Stops Viral Diseases: By stopping the hoppers from feeding, it prevents the transmission of viral diseases like Rice Grassy Stunt Virus.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Chess® Insecticide |
| Technical Name | Pymetrozine 50% WG |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 9B (Chordotonal Organ Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Pyridine Azomethine |
| Formulation | Water Dispersible Granules (WG) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Chess® works differently from common pesticides. It targets the insect's nervous system responsible for feeding awareness.
- Systemic Absorption: Upon spraying, the granules dissolve and penetrate the leaf, moving to the underside (translaminar action) where pests hide.
- Feeding Blockage: When the pest touches or ingests the chemical, its "mouth needle" (stylet) is paralyzed. The insect loses the ability to penetrate the plant.
- Starvation: Although the pest remains alive and visible on the plant for 2-4 days, it cannot eat. It eventually dies of starvation without causing further damage.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), Green Leaf Hopper (GLH), White Backed Plant Hopper (WBPH) |
| Mango | Mango Hoppers |
| Vegetables & Cotton | Aphids and Whiteflies |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Using less water than recommended leads to failure in BPH control.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | 120 g | 200 L | 0.6 g | 19 - 21 |
| Vegetables | 100 - 150 g | 150 - 200 L | 0.5 - 0.75 g | 14 |
| Mango | Varies by tree size | 10-15 L / Tree | 0.6 g | - |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply immediately when you see 5-10 hoppers per hill (Economic Threshold Level). Do not wait for severe damage.
- Mixing: The granules are dust-free. Dissolve them fully in a bucket before adding to the knapsack sprayer tank.
- Coverage: For BPH, direct the spray nozzle toward the base of the plant (the culm) where the hoppers live. Maintain 2-3 inches of standing water if possible, but spray the plant base.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I sprayed Chess, but the insects are still moving. Is it working?
Yes. Chess works by starvation, not instant paralysis. The insects stop feeding within 1 hour, so crop damage stops immediately. They will die naturally in 2 to 4 days.
2. Can I use Chess for fish farming (Paddy-Fish culture)?
No. Pymetrozine is toxic to aquatic life. Do not use it in fields where fish are reared or near water bodies containing fish.
3. How many times can I spray Chess in one season?
To prevent resistance, do not spray more than twice per season. Rotate with a different chemical class like Triflumezopyrim (Pexalon) or Dinotefuran (Osheen).
4. Is it safe for bees during Mango flowering?
Yes, Chess is much safer for bees compared to older chemicals. However, avoid spraying when bees are actively foraging (spray in the late evening).
5. What is the shelf life of the product?
When stored in a cool, dry place in its original unopened packaging, it has a shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture.
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. Pregnant women should avoid contact with this product.
