Clearly defined targets
Each product is recommended for specific pests and crops, at the label rate.
Insecticides range
Insecticides: protecting your crops' potential
Caterpillars, sucking pests, leaf miners, fruit flies, mites: targeted solutions to build into an integrated pest management strategy.
The basics
What is an insecticide?
An insecticide is a product that protects crops against insect pests. Depending on the active ingredient, it works by contact, by ingestion or systemically, and targets a specific group of pests (caterpillars, sucking insects…) or a broader spectrum.
Acaricides, which control mites, and baits, which attract insects to a small amount of product, complete the range. The right choice depends on the pest, its stage of development and the crop stage: scouting the field is the first step of any treatment.
Benefits
Why choose our insecticides
Complementary modes of action
Several IRAC groups to rotate treatments and keep them effective over time.
More selective options
Baits and targeted active ingredients to limit the impact on beneficial insects where possible.
Catalogue
Our insecticides in Tanzania
Filter by crop to show the products suited to your situation.
Insecticide
BonLambda 25 EC
Lambda-cyhalothrin 25 g/L · EC
Fast-acting pyrethroid against caterpillars, bugs, borers and thrips in field crops, cashew, coffee and vegetables.
Technical sheet
BonLambda 25 EC contains 25 g/L lambda-cyhalothrin, a pyrethroid that acts on the insect nervous system by contact and ingestion. Its knockdown effect stops feeding damage within hours and its repellent action adds to the protection. To preserve its efficacy, rotate it with insecticides from other IRAC groups and do not use it against whiteflies or mites.
- Active ingredient
- Lambda-cyhalothrin 25 g/L
- Formulation
- EC — Emulsifiable concentrate
- Mode of action
- Contact and stomach action, fast knockdown
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 3A
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 1 L
Key benefits
- Rapid knockdown: feeding damage stops within hours
- Broad spectrum: caterpillars, bugs, borers and thrips
- Very low active-ingredient rate per hectare
- Rainfast two hours after application
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | African bollworm, Leaf-eating caterpillars | 0.6 – 0.8 L/ha | From flowering to boll formation, as soon as the action threshold is reached, alternating with other IRAC groups.Max. applications: 3Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Maize | Stem borers | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | At the first borer damage in the whorl (4- to 8-leaf stage), directing the spray into the whorl.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Cowpea | Pod borers, Thrips | 0.6 – 0.8 L/ha | At flower-bud stage, then at flowering and pod formation; 2–3 sprays 7–10 days apart.Max. applications: 3Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Sesame | Leaf-eating caterpillars | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | As soon as caterpillars appear in the young shoots; repeat after 10–14 days if needed.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Cashew | Cashew bugs | 0.75 – 1 L/ha | At flushing and early flowering, at the first feeding lesions on young shoots; spray early in the morning or late in the day, outside bee foraging hours.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Coffee | Coffee berry borer | 0.6 – 0.8 L/ha | During the female flight period, 90–120 days after the main flowering, when 2–5% of berries are bored; alongside sanitary harvesting and trapping.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Tomato | African bollworm, Leaf-eating caterpillars | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | At the first eggs or young larvae on flowers and fruit; observe the pre-harvest interval stated on the label.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonEma 19 EC
Emamectin benzoate 19.2 g/L · EC
Low-rate translaminar insecticide against fall armyworm, Helicoverpa, Tuta absoluta and diamondback moth.
Technical sheet
BonEma 19 EC contains 19.2 g/L emamectin benzoate, an avermectin that paralyses caterpillars after ingestion: they stop feeding within hours. Thanks to translaminar movement, the active ingredient forms a reservoir within the leaf, protected from sunlight and wash-off, and reaches larvae hidden under leaves or inside mines.
- Active ingredient
- Emamectin benzoate 19.2 g/L
- Formulation
- EC — Emulsifiable concentrate
- Mode of action
- Stomach action, translaminar
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 6
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L
Key benefits
- Caterpillars stop feeding within hours
- Reaches hidden larvae through translaminar action
- Very low rate: about 8–12 g of active ingredient per hectare
- A key tool for rotating modes of action against caterpillars
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | Fall armyworm | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | When 10–20% of plants show fresh whorl damage, on young larvae; spray into the whorl, preferably late in the day.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Sorghum | Fall armyworm | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | When 10–20% of plants show fresh whorl damage, on young larvae; spray into the whorl, preferably late in the day.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Cotton | African bollworm, Leaf-eating caterpillars | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | From flowering to boll formation, as soon as the action threshold is reached, alternating with other IRAC groups.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Tomato | Tomato leafminer (Tuta), African bollworm | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | At the first Tuta mines or the first larvae on fruit; 2 applications 7 days apart, then switch to another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Cabbage | Diamondback moth, Leaf-eating caterpillars | 0.4 – 0.6 L/ha | At the first young larvae; wet the cabbage hearts thoroughly and alternate with another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonAceta 20 SP
Acetamiprid 200 g/kg · SP
Systemic neonicotinoid against sucking pests: aphids, whiteflies, jassids and cocoa mirids.
Technical sheet
BonAceta 20 SP contains 200 g/kg acetamiprid as a soluble powder that is easy to measure and dissolve. Quickly absorbed and redistributed within the plant, it also protects shoots formed after spraying and acts by contact and ingestion on sucking insects. Do not spray flowering crops while bees are foraging.
- Active ingredient
- Acetamiprid 200 g/kg
- Formulation
- SP — Water soluble powder
- Mode of action
- Systemic, contact and stomach action
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 4A
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 100 g, 250 g, 1 kg
Key benefits
- Systemic action: also protects new growth
- Effective on both nymphs and adults of sucking pests
- Soluble powder: precise dosing, solvent-free
- Residual activity of one to two weeks depending on pest pressure
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Aphids, Jassids (leafhoppers), Whiteflies | 100 – 150 g/ha | As soon as aphid colonies settle or at the first jassid symptoms (yellowing leaf margins); repeat after 14 days if needed.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Cocoa | Cocoa mirids (capsids) | 100 – 150 g/ha | During the mirid build-up period (from July or August to January depending on the region), 2–4 rounds 4 weeks apart; spray the trunk, branches and pods.Max. applications: 4Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Cowpea | Aphids, Thrips | 100 – 125 g/ha | As soon as aphids appear on young plants or thrips at the flower-bud stage.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Tomato | Whiteflies, Aphids | 125 – 250 g/ha | At the first whitefly adults, from the nursery to early flowering; alternate with a product from another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Pepper & chilli | Whiteflies, Aphids | 125 – 250 g/ha | At the first whitefly adults, from the nursery to early flowering; alternate with a product from another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Cabbage | Aphids | 100 – 125 g/ha | As soon as the first aphid colonies appear, wetting the cabbage hearts thoroughly.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonImida 200 SL
Imidacloprid 200 g/L · SL
Systemic neonicotinoid against cocoa mirids, cashew bugs, sucking pests and termites.
Technical sheet
BonImida 200 SL contains 200 g/L imidacloprid, absorbed by leaves and roots and carried by the sap to growing parts. At very low rates it acts on the nervous system of sucking pests and, applied at the plant collar, protects young plants against termites. Highly toxic to bees: never spray flowering crops or flowering weeds.
- Active ingredient
- Imidacloprid 200 g/L
- Formulation
- SL — Soluble concentrate
- Mode of action
- Systemic (xylem-mobile), contact and stomach action
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 4A
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 100 mL, 250 mL, 1 L
Key benefits
- Upward systemic movement protects new growth
- Effective on cocoa mirids and cashew bugs
- Dual use: foliar spray or collar drench
- SL formulation mixes readily, no tank residue
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa | Cocoa mirids (capsids) | 150 – 200 mL/ha | During the mirid build-up period (from July or August to January depending on the region), 2–4 rounds 4 weeks apart; spray the trunk, branches and pods.Max. applications: 4Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Cashew | Cashew bugs | 150 – 250 mL/ha | At flushing (new shoots), before the flowers open, at the first feeding lesions.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Cashew | Termites | 0.5 – 1 mL/tree | Young plants: collar drench at planting, diluted in 2–4 L of water per plant; can be repeated at the start of the rainy season.Max. applications: 2 |
| Cotton | Aphids, Jassids (leafhoppers), Whiteflies | 125 – 250 mL/ha | Early in the season, as soon as aphids or jassids settle; no more than two applications per season.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Tomato | Whiteflies, Aphids | 150 – 250 mL/ha | At the first whitefly adults, from the nursery to early flowering; alternate with a product from another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Pepper & chilli | Whiteflies, Aphids | 150 – 250 mL/ha | At the first whitefly adults, from the nursery to early flowering; alternate with a product from another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonChloran 200 SC
Chlorantraniliprole 200 g/L · SC
Long-lasting diamide against fall armyworm, borers, Helicoverpa, Tuta absoluta and the Maruca pod borer.
Technical sheet
BonChloran 200 SC contains 200 g/L chlorantraniliprole, an anthranilic diamide that paralyses caterpillar muscles: feeding stops very quickly after ingestion. Its 2–3 week residual activity, systemic movement and ovi-larvicidal action make it a cornerstone of integrated pest management programmes. It spares most beneficial insects.
- Active ingredient
- Chlorantraniliprole 200 g/L
- Formulation
- SC — Suspension concentrate
- Mode of action
- Stomach action, translaminar and systemic, long-lasting
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 28
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 100 mL, 250 mL, 1 L
Key benefits
- Very rapid feeding cessation after ingestion
- Long residual activity: longer spray intervals
- Ovi-larvicidal action on early stages
- Fits integrated pest management
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | Fall armyworm, Stem borers | 100 – 150 mL/ha | When 10–20% of plants show fresh whorl damage, on young larvae; spray into the whorl, preferably late in the day.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Rice | Stem borers | 100 – 150 mL/ha | At tillering and panicle initiation, as soon as the first dead hearts appear.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 250 L/ha |
| Cotton | African bollworm, Leaf-eating caterpillars | 100 – 150 mL/ha | From flowering to boll formation, at the action threshold; a single window of 2 applications per season.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Cowpea | Pod borers | 100 – 150 mL/ha | At flower-bud stage and again at full flowering, against young Maruca larvae.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Tomato | Tomato leafminer (Tuta), African bollworm | 150 – 200 mL/ha | At the first mines or eggs; 2 applications 10–14 days apart, then alternate with another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Cabbage | Diamondback moth, Leaf-eating caterpillars | 100 – 150 mL/ha | At the first young larvae, wetting the cabbage hearts thoroughly; alternate with another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonCoton Plus 35 EC
Acetamiprid 20 g/L + Lambda-cyhalothrin 15 g/L · EC
Acetamiprid + lambda-cyhalothrin combination that protects cotton against caterpillars and sucking pests in a single pass.
Technical sheet
BonCoton Plus 35 EC combines 20 g/L acetamiprid, a systemic neonicotinoid active on sucking pests, with 15 g/L lambda-cyhalothrin, a fast-acting pyrethroid against caterpillars and bugs. This dual action covers most of the cotton pest complex during flowering and boll development. Use it within the recommended spray programme, alternating with products from other groups.
- Active ingredients
- Acetamiprid 20 g/L
Lambda-cyhalothrin 15 g/L - Formulation
- EC — Emulsifiable concentrate
- Mode of action
- Systemic and contact, dual mode of action
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 4A + 3A
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 500 mL, 1 L, 5 L
Key benefits
- Two complementary modes of action in one pack
- Controls caterpillars and sucking pests at the same time
- Fast knockdown plus systemic persistence
- Fewer passes, less labour
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | African bollworm, Leaf-eating caterpillars, Jassids (leafhoppers), Aphids, Whiteflies | 0.75 – 1 L/ha | From flowering (about 45 days after emergence) to boll formation, every 14 days according to the spray programme, alternating with other IRAC groups.Max. applications: 3Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
| Cowpea | Pod borers, Thrips, Aphids | 0.5 – 0.75 L/ha | At flower-bud stage, then at flowering; 2 sprays 10 days apart.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Sesame | Leaf-eating caterpillars, Whiteflies | 0.5 – 0.75 L/ha | At the first caterpillar damage or whitefly build-up, before flowering.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonAbam 18 EC
Abamectin 18 g/L · EC
Translaminar miticide-insecticide against mites, Tuta absoluta, leaf miners, thrips and diamondback moth.
Technical sheet
BonAbam 18 EC contains 18 g/L abamectin, an avermectin of natural origin produced by fermentation of Streptomyces avermitilis. It quickly penetrates the leaf, forming an active reservoir against pests that feed there, especially mites and leaf-mining larvae. Use enough spray volume to cover leaf undersides thoroughly.
- Active ingredient
- Abamectin 18 g/L
- Formulation
- EC — Emulsifiable concentrate
- Mode of action
- Translaminar, contact and stomach action; insecticide and miticide
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 6
- Rainfast period
- 2 h
- Pack sizes
- 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L
Key benefits
- Dual action: miticide and insecticide
- Reaches pests hidden inside leaves (leaf miners, Tuta)
- Active on all mobile mite stages
- Naturally derived active, effective at very low rates
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Tomato leafminer (Tuta), Mites, Leaf miners | 0.5 – 0.75 L/ha | At the first mines or mite colonies; 2 applications 7 days apart, then switch to another IRAC group.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Pepper & chilli | Mites, Thrips | 0.5 – 0.75 L/ha | At the first symptoms (curled or bronzed leaves); cover leaf undersides well.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Onion | Thrips | 0.5 – 0.75 L/ha | From 1–3 thrips per leaf; spray late in the day with a wetter to cover the waxy foliage well.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Cabbage | Diamondback moth | 0.5 – 0.6 L/ha | At the first young larvae; alternate with other IRAC groups, as diamondback moth quickly develops resistance.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Citrus | Mites, Leaf miners | 0.5 – 0.75 L/ha | On new flushes (citrus leafminer) or as soon as mites appear, wetting all the foliage thoroughly.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Insecticide
BonSpino Appât CB
Spinosad 240 mg/L · CB
Spinosad bait concentrate for fruit fly control in mango and citrus orchards.
Technical sheet
BonSpino Appât CB combines a food attractant with a very low dose of spinosad, a naturally derived active produced by fermentation of a soil bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Applied as large droplets to a small part of the foliage, it attracts adult flies, which die after feeding on it. It fits into area-wide control, alongside collecting and destroying fallen fruit.
- Active ingredient
- Spinosad 240 mg/L
- Formulation
- CB — Bait concentrate
- Mode of action
- Attract-and-kill bait, stomach action
- Mode-of-action group
- IRAC 5
- Pack sizes
- 1 L, 5 L
Key benefits
- Spot treatment: no need to cover the whole tree
- No fruit treatment: the bait goes on the foliage
- Very little active ingredient per hectare
- Suited to area-wide control across a production basin
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango | Fruit flies | 1 – 1.5 L/ha | Dilute 1 part bait in 4 parts water; apply as large droplets to about 1 m² of foliage per tree every 7 days, from 6–8 weeks before harvest until the end of harvest; repeat after heavy rain.Spray volume: 5 L/ha |
| Citrus | Fruit flies | 1 – 1.5 L/ha | Dilute 1 part bait in 4 parts water; apply as large droplets to about 1 m² of foliage per tree every 7 days, from colour break until harvest; repeat after heavy rain.Spray volume: 5 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
No product in this range is listed for this crop. Contact our advisers for an alternative.
Talk to an adviserAlways read the label before use. Product information is given for guidance only; the label of the product authorised in your country always prevails.
Selection guide
Which insecticide should I choose?
Find your field situation to identify the right BonAgro solution, then check the authorised uses on the label.
| Field situation | Timing | BonAgro solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on maize | At the first fresh whorl damage, on young larvae | BonEma 19 ECEmamectin benzoate 19.2 g/L |
| Rice stem borers, cowpea Maruca pod borer and Tuta absoluta in tomato | At the first damage, on young larvae | BonChloran 200 SCChlorantraniliprole 200 g/L |
| Cotton bollworms and sucking pests | Following the recommended cotton spray calendar | BonCoton Plus 35 ECAcetamiprid 20 g/L + Lambda-cyhalothrin 15 g/L |
| Aphids, whiteflies and jassids on cotton and vegetables | As soon as colonies establish | BonAceta 20 SPAcetamiprid 200 g/kg |
| Cocoa mirids, cashew bugs and whiteflies in vegetables | At the recommended periods, at the label rate | BonImida 200 SLImidacloprid 200 g/L |
| Mixed pests needing fast action (caterpillars, beetles, bugs) | On pests present, outside bee foraging hours | BonLambda 25 ECLambda-cyhalothrin 25 g/L |
| Mites, leaf miners and Tuta absoluta in vegetables | At the first symptoms, wetting the foliage thoroughly | BonAbam 18 ECAbamectin 18 g/L |
| Fruit flies in mango and citrus orchards | Bait spot treatment before and during fruit ripening | BonSpino Appât CBSpinosad 240 mg/L |
Good practice
Application tips
Scout your fields regularly and spray according to recommended thresholds rather than by routine.
Target young larvae: older caterpillars are harder to control and have already caused damage.
Spray early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when temperatures are moderate and bees are less active.
Ensure good coverage, including the underside of leaves for sucking pests.
Respect the pre-harvest interval and the maximum number of applications on the label.
Sustainability
Resistance management
Pests with short life cycles and large populations, such as whiteflies, cotton bollworms and fall armyworm, quickly become resistant when the same mode of action is used again and again. IRAC groups make it possible to plan rotations.
- Do not use the same IRAC group on two successive generations of the same pest.
- Think in treatment windows: one mode of action for a period of about 30 days, then switch group.
- Follow rates strictly: under-dosing speeds up the selection of resistance.
- Protect natural enemies (ladybirds, parasitoids) by choosing selective products where possible.
- Combine cultural methods: residue destruction, synchronised planting, suitable varieties.
Modes of action in the range
- IRAC 3A Pyrethroids (lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin) BonLambda 25 EC BonCoton Plus 35 EC
- IRAC 4A Neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid) BonAceta 20 SP BonImida 200 SL BonCoton Plus 35 EC
- IRAC 5 Spinosyns (spinosad) BonSpino Appât CB
- IRAC 6 Avermectins (abamectin, emamectin benzoate) BonAbam 18 EC BonEma 19 EC
- IRAC 28 Diamides (chlorantraniliprole) BonChloran 200 SC
The mode-of-action group is shown on each product's technical sheet.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about insecticides
Our advisers will point you to the right solution for your crop.
Talk to an adviserHow do I know whether to spray?
Check plants across the whole field and compare the damage or pest numbers with the thresholds recommended by extension services. Spraying without scouting is costly and encourages resistance.
Why spray in the morning or evening?
Cooler conditions limit droplet evaporation, the wind is often lighter and bees are less active. Many pests, such as caterpillars, are also more exposed at those times.
Can I mix two insecticides in the same tank?
Only if both labels allow it and after a compatibility test. A mixture does not replace rotating modes of action. If in doubt, ask our technical team.
What should I do if a treatment seems ineffective?
First check the pest identification, the rate, the spray quality and the weather. If the problem persists, switch to another IRAC group and let our advisers know.
How can I protect bees?
Avoid spraying flowering crops during foraging hours, follow the bee-related instructions on the label and warn neighbouring beekeepers before spraying.
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Our advisers will recommend the right product, rate and timing for your field.