Arrow Insecticide (Thiamethoxam 25% WG) by Insecticides India Ltd – Systemic Control for Sucking Pests

Arrow Insecticide is a broad-spectrum systemic insecticide manufactured by Insecticides (India) Limited. It contains Thiamethoxam 25% WG (Water Dispersible Granules), a second-generation neonicotinoid active ingredient. Arrow is designed to provide effective and long-duration control of sucking pests in a wide range of crops including Rice, Cotton, Tomato, Brinjal, Okra, Mango, Citrus, Tea, Wheat, Mustard, Potato, and Cumin.

Arrow works by being quickly absorbed by the plant and moving through its system. This allows it to reach pests hiding on the underside of leaves and inside stems. It has both contact and stomach action, meaning pests die when they touch the spray or when they feed on treated plant parts. The product also has translaminar activity, which helps it penetrate leaf tissues to control pests that are not directly sprayed. Arrow is known for its long residual effect, providing protection for days after application. It is also effective against insects that have developed resistance to commonly used insecticides.

Arrow is compatible with most commonly used insecticides and fungicides. It is suited for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs because it is safe for beneficial insects when used as directed. The product carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label, indicating moderate toxicity. It is available in pack sizes of 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg.

Key Benefits

• Quick stop-feed action – Pests stop feeding almost immediately after contact or ingestion, reducing crop damage and preventing virus spread.
• Long-lasting protection – One spray provides control for 14 to 21 days, covering new shoot growth that emerges after application.
• Systemic + translaminar action – The chemical moves inside the plant and penetrates leaf layers, killing pests hiding on the lower side of leaves and inside stems.
• Rainfast in 2-3 hours – Once absorbed by the plant, rain or irrigation shortly after spraying does not wash it away.
• Controls resistant pests – Effective against insects that have become resistant to older, commonly used insecticides.
• Phytotonic "vigor" effect – Helps plants grow greener and stronger, improves photosynthesis, and supports better stress tolerance.
• Low dose requirement – Effective at small quantities (40-80 g per acre), making it economical and environmentally considerate.
• IPM compatible – Safe for beneficial insects when used as per recommendations, making it suitable for integrated pest management programs.

How It Works

Arrow contains Thiamethoxam, which belongs to the neonicotinoid chemical group (IRAC Mode of Action Group 4A). It works by targeting the nervous system of insects. When sprayed on the crop, the active ingredient is rapidly absorbed by the leaves and roots and enters the plant's sap stream. This makes it systemic — the chemical moves upward through the plant's vascular system, reaching new growth and areas that were not directly sprayed.

Arrow also has translaminar activity, meaning it penetrates from the upper leaf surface to the lower surface. This is important because many sucking pests like aphids, jassids, and whiteflies feed on the underside of leaves where spray droplets may not reach directly.

Once inside the plant, the chemical is ingested by sucking pests when they pierce the plant tissue and feed on the sap. Thiamethoxam acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulator. It mimics a natural neurotransmitter in the insect's nervous system but cannot be broken down by the insect's enzymes. This causes continuous nerve stimulation, leading to hyperexcitability, paralysis, and finally death within 24-48 hours. Importantly, pests stop feeding almost immediately after ingestion, which prevents further crop damage and reduces the spread of viral diseases carried by these insects.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Arrow (Insecticides India Ltd)
Technical Name	Thiamethoxam 25% WG
Active Ingredient	Thiamethoxam 25% w/w (250 g/kg)
Formulation Type	WG – Water Dispersible Granules (Solvent-Free)
Chemical Group	Neonicotinoid (Second Generation)
IRAC MoA Code	Group 4A (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulator)
Mode of Action	Systemic, Contact & Stomach
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
Pack Sizes Available	100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg
Manufacturer	Insecticides (India) Limited
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Dose (g/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (g/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Rice (Paddy)	40 – 80 g	200 L	0.2 – 0.4 g	14 days
Cotton	40 – 80 g	200 L	0.2 – 0.4 g	21 days
Vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal, Okra)	40 – 80 g	200 L	0.2 – 0.4 g	5 days
Tea	40 g	200 L	—	—
Mango & Citrus	4 g per 15 L of water	—	—	—

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval – the minimum number of days between the last spray and harvesting. Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.

When to Use

Apply Arrow Insecticide as soon as you notice the first signs of sucking pest infestation. For best results, spray when pest populations cross the Economic Threshold Level — for example, when you see 5-10 hoppers per hill in Rice or when aphids, jassids, or whiteflies begin to appear on leaves. Early application prevents the pest population from building up and reduces the risk of virus transmission.

Arrow is most effective when applied during the early stages of pest infestation. For crops like Rice, apply when Brown Plant Hoppers (BPH) or Green Leaf Hoppers (GLH) are first observed. In Cotton, apply at the first sign of jassids, thrips, or whiteflies. For vegetables like Tomato and Okra, spray when whiteflies or jassids appear on the lower leaf surface.

Avoid spraying during active bee-foraging hours. Apply in the late evening to protect pollinators. Arrow is rainfast within 2-3 hours after application, so light rain after this period will not reduce effectiveness.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check pest levels: Inspect your crop regularly. Apply Arrow only when pest numbers cross the threshold level.
2. Calculate the dose: Measure the required amount of Arrow granules based on your crop and acreage. For most field crops, use 40-80 g per acre.
3. Premix the granules: Take the measured quantity of Arrow granules in a small mug or bucket. Add a little water and stir well to make a smooth slurry. This ensures the granules dissolve completely.
4. Fill the spray tank: Fill your spray tank with half the required water (about 100 litres for a 200-litre tank).
5. Add the slurry: Pour the premixed slurry into the tank while stirring continuously.
6. Top up with water: Add the remaining water to reach the final volume (200 litres per acre). Mix well.
7. Spray evenly: Use a hollow cone nozzle for best coverage. Ensure the spray reaches the base of the stems and the underside of leaves. For Rice, make sure the spray penetrates the canopy to reach the stem base where BPH hide.
8. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly wash all spray equipment with clean water. Do not dispose of wash water near water bodies.

Compatibility

Arrow is generally compatible with most commonly used neutral insecticides and fungicides. However, do not mix Arrow with highly alkaline solutions such as Bordeaux mixture, Lime Sulphur, or other alkaline products. If mixing with other products for the first time, always perform a small jar test to check for physical compatibility before preparing the full tank mix.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal protection: Always wear gloves, a mask, goggles, and full-sleeve clothes while handling and spraying Arrow.
• During spraying: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product. Avoid inhalation of spray mist.
• Protect pollinators: Arrow is toxic to bees. Do not spray during active bee-foraging hours. Apply only in the late evening on flowering crops.
• After spraying: Wash hands, face, and all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash contaminated clothes separately before reuse.
• Storage: Store Arrow in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers for any purpose. Dispose of them safely as per local regulations.
• Environmental care: Avoid spray drift to water bodies, non-target crops, and grazing areas.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

When used at the recommended dose and as per instructions, Arrow is safe for the target crops. Do not exceed the recommended dosage as over-application may cause crop stress. Avoid spraying under extreme heat or when the crop is already under moisture stress. Arrow is toxic to honeybees and other pollinators, so take necessary precautions during application on flowering crops.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Rice	14 days
Cotton	21 days
Vegetables (Tomato, Okra, Brinjal)	5 days

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Shelf life is as per the manufacturer's label on the product.