UPL Akito Insecticide – Beta-Cypermethrin EC for Contact and Ingestion Control of Key Pests in Soybean, Corn and Cotton
22 May 2026, New Delhi: Akito is an insecticide manufactured by UPL do Brasil, formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) containing beta-cypermethrin at 100 g/L. Beta-cypermethrin is a type II pyrethroid classified under IRAC Group 3A (sodium channel modulators). The product acts by contact and ingestion.
Active Ingredient and Mode of Action
Beta-cypermethrin binds to voltage-gated sodium channels in insect nerve axons, holding them in an open state and preventing normal channel closing. This results in repetitive nerve firing, paralysis and death. The effect is rapid following exposure. Pyrethroids are generally less active at higher temperatures, a factor relevant to tropical application timing.
Registered Crops and Target Pests
- Soybean – caterpillars (Spodoptera frugiperda, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Helicoverpa armigera), stink bugs (Nezara viridula, Euschistus heros), aphids, thrips
- Corn – fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), aphids, stink bugs
- Cotton – cotton leafworm (Alabama argillaceae), caterpillars, stink bugs
- Sugarcane – registered pests as per label
- Pasture – spittlebugs (Mahanarva spp.)
Application Guidelines
- Apply by ground or aerial spraying
- Use flat fan nozzles; follow label-specified volume and pressure
- Avoid applications during the hottest part of the day; pyrethroids degrade faster under high temperature and UV exposure
- Observe pre-harvest intervals as specified on the label per crop
- Use PPE as indicated on the label
Resistance Management
IRAC Group 3A pyrethroids are associated with a moderate-to-high resistance risk in several pest species in Brazil, including Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera. IRAC-BR recommends:
- Rotate Akito with insecticides from different IRAC mode-of-action groups
- Do not exceed the maximum number of applications per season indicated on the label
- Avoid sequential applications covering more than one pest generation with the same mode-of-action group
- Use within an integrated pest management (IPM) framework
Manufacturer
UPL do Brasil Ltda. Ituverava, São Paulo, Brazil. MAPA-registered product.
Notice: For agricultural use only. Sale requires an Agronomic Prescription issued by a licensed Agronomist. Read the full label and safety data sheet before use.
Also Read: Insecticides (India) Limited Launches New Paddy Insecticide ‘Granuvia’
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