Tracer Green Insecticide: Spinosad 45% SC (Corteva) | Complete Guide
Unlock the power of "Green Chemistry" with Tracer Green, the premium biological insecticide for resisting pests like Bollworms and Thrips.
Tracer Green (formally known as Tracer Insect Control) is a revolutionary "Naturalyte" insecticide from Corteva Agriscience. Derived from the fermentation of natural soil bacteria, it offers the rapid knockdown power of synthetic chemicals with a safety profile that respects the environment. It is the gold standard for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in high-value crops like Cotton and Chilli.
Best For: Controlling resistant caterpillars, thrips, and borers in export-quality crops.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
-
⏱️
Rapid "Stop-Feeding" Action: Pests stop eating your crop within minutes of exposure, preventing further damage even if they die hours later.
-
🛡️
Beneficial Insect Safe: Won the "Green Chemistry Award." It is tough on pests but gentle on predatory mites, ladybugs, and lacewings.
-
⏳
Long-Lasting Protection: Provides residual control for 7 to 10 days, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying compared to generic chemicals.
-
🌧️
Translaminar Movement: The medicine penetrates leaf tissues to kill hidden pests like leafminers and thrips hiding on the underside of leaves.
-
🌿
Export-Quality Yields: With a very short Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI), it is ideal for crops like Chilli intended for export markets.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Tracer Green (Corteva Agriscience) |
| Technical Name | Spinosad 45% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 5 (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Spinosyns (Naturalyte Class) |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) or Yellow (Depending on batch) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Tracer works differently than older poisons. It attacks the pest's nervous system in a unique way:
- Contact & Ingestion: The pest absorbs the chemical by walking on treated leaves or eating them. Eating is 5-10 times more deadly.
- Nervous Overload: Spinosad binds to specific nerve receptors (nAChR), causing the insect's nerves to fire uncontrollably.
- Paralysis & Death: The pest becomes paralyzed, shakes (tremors), and stops feeding immediately. Death follows in 24-72 hours.
Note: Because it works differently, it kills pests that have become immune (resistant) to other chemicals.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) |
| Chilli | Thrips (Leaf curl), Fruit Borers |
| Red Gram (Tur) | Pod Borer (Helicoverpa, Maruca) |
| Cabbage/Cauliflower | Diamondback Moth (DBM) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Never under-dose, as this causes resistance.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 66 - 88 ml | 200 L | 0.3 - 0.4 ml | 10 Days |
| Chilli | 64 - 80 ml | 200 L | 0.3 - 0.4 ml | 3 Days |
| Red Gram | 50 - 65 ml | 200 - 300 L | 0.25 ml | 47 Days |
| Cabbage | 80 - 100 ml | 200 L | 0.4 - 0.5 ml | 3 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. Essential for export crops.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply at egg-hatching stage or early instar (young larvae). Large worms are harder to kill.
- Mixing: Do not mix with highly alkaline products (like Bordeaux mixture) as this destroys the medicine. Shake the bottle well before measuring.
- Coverage: Use high water volume (200L/acre) and a Hollow Cone Nozzle to ensure the mist covers the undersides of leaves where thrips hide.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the toxicity label Blue/Yellow if it is "Green Chemistry"?
While Spinosad is natural, the Tracer formulation is very concentrated (45%). In India, this concentration level requires a "Moderate Toxic" (Blue) or sometimes Yellow label warning. Treat it with care.
2. Does Tracer kill honeybees?
It is toxic to bees when wet. However, once the spray dries (1-3 hours), it is safe. Always spray in the evening when bees are not active.
3. Can I use Tracer for Thrips?
Yes, it is excellent for Thrips, especially in Chilli and Onion. It breaks the lifecycle by killing larvae and adults.
4. Is it rainfast?
Tracer dries quickly. If it rains 2-4 hours after spraying, you generally do not need to re-spray.
5. How often should I spray?
Do not spray more than twice in a row (back-to-back) to prevent resistance. Rotate with other chemicals like Emamectin or Coragen.
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. Note that while marketed as Green Chemistry, the concentrated formulation may carry a Blue or Yellow toxicity triangle in India—always handle with caution.
