Delegate Insecticide by Corteva (Spinetoram 11.7% SC)
The Award-Winning "Green Chemistry" Solution for Tough Thrips and Caterpillars.
Delegate® Insecticide is a revolutionary pest control solution that bridges the gap between safety and power. Developed by Corteva Agriscience, it uses Spinetoram, a semi-synthetic active ingredient derived from nature but enhanced for modern farming. It is specifically designed to tackle pests that have developed resistance to older chemicals.
Winner of the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, Delegate offers long-lasting control against Thrips, Spotted Bollworms, and Fall Armyworms while remaining gentle on beneficial insects and the environment.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Fast Knockdown Action: Pests stop feeding within minutes of exposure, preventing further crop damage immediately.
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Translaminar Protection: The medicine penetrates the leaf tissue, killing pests like thrips and leafminers hiding on the underside or inside the leaf.
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Long-Lasting Control: Provides extended protection (up to 12-14 days), reducing the need for frequent spraying and saving labor costs.
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Excellent Rainfastness: Becomes rainproof just 2 hours after application, making it ideal for the monsoon season.
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Green Chemistry Profile: Low toxicity to humans and mammals. It degrades rapidly in soil, leaving no harmful residues for future crops.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Delegate® Insecticide (Corteva) |
| Technical Name | Spinetoram 11.7% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 5 (Spinosyns) |
| Chemical Group | Macrocyclic Lactone |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Green/Blue (Low Mammalian Toxicity) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Delegate works by targeting the insect's nervous system in a unique way that is different from older chemicals.
- Ingestion & Contact: The pest absorbs the chemical by touching the leaf or eating treated foliage.
- Nervous System Overload: Spinetoram binds to a specific site (allosteric site) in the insect's nervous system, causing uncontrolled firing of nerves.
- Paralysis & Elimination: This hyperexcitation leads to muscle spasms, immediate paralysis, and the death of the insect within hours.
*Because it attacks a different site than neonicotinoids or organophosphates, it kills pests that are resistant to other sprays.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Thrips, Spotted Bollworm, Tobacco Caterpillar, Pink Bollworm |
| Chilli [Image of thrips damage on chilli] | Thrips (including Black Thrips), Fruit Borers |
| Maize (Corn) | Fall Armyworm (FAW) [Image of fall armyworm on maize] , Thrips |
| Soybean | Green Semilooper, Girdle Beetle, Tobacco Caterpillar |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 180 ml | 200 L | 0.9 ml | 30 Days |
| Chilli | 180 ml | 200 L | 0.9 ml | 7 Days |
| Maize | 180 ml | 200 L | 0.9 ml | - |
| Soybean | 180 ml | 200 L | 0.9 ml | 30 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply at the Economic Threshold Level (ETL)—when you first see pest damage. For worms, spray when larvae are small (instar 1-3) for best results.
- Mixing: Delegate mixes easily. Fill the tank half with water, add the dose, and finish filling. It is generally compatible with other fungicides.
- Coverage: Ensure full coverage of the foliage. For Maize, direct the nozzle into the whorl (funnel).
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid spraying when bees are actively foraging (spray in the evening).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Delegate kill mites?
Delegate is primarily an insecticide for Thrips and Caterpillars. While it suppresses some pests, it is not a dedicated miticide. For heavy mite infestation, mix with a specific miticide.
2. Is it safe for flowers and bees?
Delegate is safe for crops during flowering if applied correctly. However, it is toxic to bees when wet. Apply in the late evening when bees are not active; once dried (3 hours), it is safe for pollinators.
3. Can I use Delegate for Fall Armyworm in Corn?
Yes, Delegate is highly effective against Fall Armyworm. Direct the spray into the whorl of the plant where the larvae hide.
4. What if it rains after spraying?
Delegate has excellent rainfastness. It becomes resistant to wash-off within 2 hours of application.
5. How does it help with resistance?
Delegate belongs to Group 5 (Spinosyns). It controls pests that have become resistant to older chemicals like pyrethroids and organophosphates, making it an essential rotation spray.
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.
