Exponus insecticide
Exponus is an advanced insecticide product from BASF India Limited powered by the active ingredient Broflanilide (300 g L⁻¹ SC). It was introduced in India with the aim to help farmers tackle pests that have developed resistance to conventional chemistries.
Table of Contents
Why is Exponus noteworthy?
- Novel Mode of Action: Exponus acts by targeting GABA-gated chloride channels in insects — a mechanism different from many older insecticides, thereby offering control over pests with existing resistance. (crop-protection.basf.in)
- Fast Knockdown & Broad Use: It’s designed to spread quickly through foliage and act fast, making it effective on chewing pests, certain thrips and leaf-miners in a variety of crops.
- Versatile Crop Use: Registered for use in oilseeds, pulses, vegetables and more, helping farmers across crop-types. (BASF)
Benefits Exponus insecticide for the Farmer
- Addresses Resistant Pests: Exponus works even when pests have developed resistance to multiple modes of action — making it a strong tool for integrated pest management.
- Reduced Application Rates: Because of the high potency of broflanilide in the formulation, relatively low doses are effective — potentially lowering cost of pesticide per acre and minimizing input volumes.
- Improved Crop Quality and Yield: By controlling pests early and effectively (such as borers in chilli, tomato, soybeans, etc.), the crop architecture remains healthier, fruit/pod retention improves and yields benefit.
- IPM Compatible: Given its novel mode of action and promising efficacy, it fits into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, helping delay resistance buildup.
Recommended Crops & Doses of Exponus insecticide
Here’s a brief overview of crop-specific usage (always refer to the label for full instructions):
| Crop | Target Pests | Recommended Dose (approx) | Waiting Period (PHI) |
| Soybean | Helicoverpa, Spodoptera, semi‐looper | ~ 17 ml/acre in ~200 L water | 37 days (as per one label) |
| Red Gram | Maruca, Helicoverpa | ~ 17 ml/acre | 25 days (crop-protection.basf.in) |
| Chilli | Thrips, fruit & shoot borers | ~ 34 ml/acre | 1 day (very short PHI) |
| Tomato | Lepidoptera, borers | ~ 25 ml/acre | 1 day |
| Brinjal | Shoot & fruit borer, some thrips | ~ 25 ml/acre (crop-protection.basf.in) | 1 day |
Note: These doses are indicative. Always follow the official label, adjust for local conditions (pest intensity, crop stage, water volume) and observe safety intervals.
Alternate Products to Consider of Exponus insecticide
If you are looking for alternatives or complementing tools in your pest management plan:
- Consider insecticides with different modes of action than broflanilide (for resistance-management).
- Use biological or mechanical controls alongside chemical tools to reduce dependency.
- Always rotate insecticide classes — Exponus (IRAC Group 30) should be part of a rotation, not the only tool.
FAQs
Q: Is Exponus safe for beneficial insects and pollinators?
A: While Exponus is designed for targeted pest control, as with all insecticides you should follow label precautions, apply at times that minimize exposure of pollinators, and ensure adherence to IPM guidelines.
Q: Can I use Exponus on all crops?
A: It is registered for many key crops (oilseeds, pulses, vegetables), but you must check that your specific crop-pest combination and local regulatory status is valid before use.
Q: How many sprays can I apply per crop season?
A: The label will specify maximum sprays and intervals. It’s important not to overuse, as resistance could build. Rotate modes of action and follow recommended intervals.
Q: Will it work if pests are already resistant to other insecticides?
A: Yes — one of its strengths is that Exponus uses a novel mode of action with no known cross-resistance to many existing products. (BASF)
Final Thoughts
For farmers seeking a high-performance insecticide that meets the demands of modern pest challenges, Exponus presents a strong option. Its novel chemistry, fast action and broad crop suitability make it a valuable addition in the toolbox of crop protection. That said, success depends on timely application, correct dosage, good coverage, and — critically — its incorporation into a wider IPM strategy. It is not a “silver bullet” but rather a strategic tool: use it smartly, rotate it wisely, and always follow label instructions.
