ABSTRACT

Although flonicamid is structurally similar to nicotine and several neonicotinoids, it has been mistakenly classified with the neonicotinoid insecticides. Whereas nicotine and the neonicotinoids, as a group, function as agonistics of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, flonicamid's mode of action is dissimilar. This unique mode of action confers on flonicamid the lack of cross-resistance with not only neonicotinoids but also the major insecticide classes including the organophosphates (OP), carbamates and pyrethroids, among others. Therefore, classification of flonicamid as a neonicotinoid functionally is, in our opinion, erroneous.

Flonicamid is a superlative aphicide. In the mounting field efficacy database, a wide range of species has demonstrated susceptibility to low application rates. This is significant not only in the direct injurious effects of aphids but also in the reduction of spread of plant pathogens by aphid vectors. Promising results continue to build for non-aphid species as well. Plant bugs (Lygus spp.) appear well controlled by flonicamid and early work indicates that other agronomically important Hemiptera may well be susceptible. Very favorable toxicological and environmental profiles round out what will become a very effective, useful and safe pest management tool for cotton and other growers.