Imidacloprid (code name: BAY NTN 33893; Chemical Abstract Name: 1-[(6Chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine) is a highly effective insecticide being developed in the U.S. by Miles Inc. and by Bayer AG worldwide. Imidacloprid is a systemic and contact insecticide exhibiting low mammalian toxicity, with primary activity on sucking insects such as aphids, leafhoppers and planthoppers, thrips and whiteflies, including strains resistant to conventional chemistries. It is also effective against some Coleoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera. Imidactoprid has a novel mode of action, and no cross resistance from any resistant species has been detected via oral ingestion of imidacloprid in worldwide field and laboratory testing. With excellent systemic and good residual characteristics, imidacloprid is especially appropriate for seed treatment and soil application. Effective early season control with long-lasting protection is achieved in crops such as cereals, corn, cotton, potatoes, rice, sorghum and many vegetables. Pests attacking later in the season can be controlled by folia-r applications in the above-mentioned crops, as well as in citrus, deciduous fruits, grapes and other crops. General characteristics of imidacloprid and results of sweetpotato whitefly control studies in cotton are discussed.