Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (Coragen) – A Complete Guide

Introduction

Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, commercially known as Coragen, is a highly effective insecticide belonging to the anthranilic diamide class. It is widely used in agriculture to control lepidopteran pests (moths and butterflies) in crops like rice, cotton, maize, vegetables, and fruits.

Developed by DuPont (now Corteva Agriscience), Coragen is renowned for its long-lasting residual effect, low toxicity to non-target organisms, and systemic action.

Key Features of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (Coragen)

Property	Details
Chemical Class	Anthranilic Diamide
Mode of Action	Ryanodine Receptor (RyR) Modulator
Formulation	Suspension Concentrate (SC)
Target Pests	Lepidopteran larvae (borers, caterpillars)
Crops	Rice, Cotton, Maize, Vegetables, Fruits
Residual Effect	15-20 days
Toxicity (WHO Class)	U (Unlikely to be hazardous)

Mode of Action

Chlorantraniliprole works by activating the ryanodine receptors (RyR) in insect muscles, leading to:
✔ Uncontrolled calcium release in muscle cells.
✔ Muscle paralysis and feeding cessation.
✔ Death of larvae within 24-72 hours.

Unlike conventional insecticides, it does not affect adult moths but disrupts larval stages, preventing crop damage.

Target Pests Controlled by Coragen

1. Rice Pests

Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)
Leaf Folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis)

2. Cotton Pests

American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)
Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella)

3. Vegetable Pests

Tomato Fruit Borer (Helicoverpa armigera)
Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella)

4. Fruit Pests

Mango Fruit Borer (Citripestis eutraphera)
Apple Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)

Application & Dosage Recommendations

1. Recommended Crops & Dosage

Crop	Pest	Dosage (ml/acre)	Application Method
Rice	Stem Borer	60-80	Foliar Spray
Cotton	Bollworms	80-100	Foliar Spray
Maize	Fall Armyworm	50-60	Soil Drench/Spray
Tomato	Fruit Borer	40-60	Foliar Spray
Mango	Fruit Borer	80-100	Trunk Injection

2. Best Practices for Application

✔ Apply during early larval stages for best results.
✔ Use knapsack sprayer or tractor-mounted sprayer.
✔ Avoid spraying during peak sunlight (early morning/late evening preferred).
✔ Maintain proper water pH (6.0-7.0) for optimal efficacy.

Advantages of Using Coragen

1. Highly Effective Against Resistant Pests

Works on insects resistant to pyrethroids and organophosphates.

2. Long Residual Activity

Provides 15-20 days of protection after application.

3. Safe for Beneficial Insects

Low toxicity to bees, earthworms, and natural predators.

4. Rainfastness

Absorbs quickly into plant tissues, reducing wash-off risk.

5. Systemic & Translaminar Movement

Protects new growth after application.

Disadvantages & Limitations

1. Narrow Pest Spectrum

Only effective against lepidopteran larvae (not sucking pests).

2. Slow Knockdown Effect

Takes 24-72 hours to kill pests (not immediate).

3. Cost Factor

More expensive than traditional insecticides.

Safety & Environmental Impact

1. Toxicity Profile

WHO Class: U (Unlikely hazardous).
Safe for mammals, birds, and aquatic life at recommended doses.

2. Resistance Management

Rotate with different MoA insecticides (e.g., neonicotinoids, spinosyns).

3. Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)

7-14 days depending on the crop.

Comparison with Other Lepidopteran Insecticides

Insecticide	Mode of Action	Residual Effect	Toxicity
Chlorantraniliprole	Ryanodine Receptor Modulator	15-20 days	Low
Emamectin Benzoate	GABA Agonist	10-12 days	Moderate
Flubendiamide	Ryanodine Receptor Modulator	14-18 days	Low
Indoxacarb	Sodium Channel Blocker	7-10 days	Moderate

Farmer Feedback & Case Studies

1. Success in Cotton Fields (Andhra Pradesh, India)

Reduction in bollworm damage by 80% compared to conventional sprays.

2. Rice Farmers in Vietnam

Increased yield by 15% due to effective stem borer control.

3. Tomato Growers in Brazil

Lower pesticide usage with Coragen’s long-lasting effect.

Conclusion: Is Coragen Worth Using?

✔ Yes, for lepidopteran pest control in multiple crops.
✔ No, for sucking pests or quick-knockdown needs.

Best Used In:

IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs.
Resistance management rotations.

FAQs

Q1. Can Coragen be mixed with other pesticides?
A: Yes, but check compatibility (avoid alkaline solutions).

Q2. How often should Coragen be applied?
A: Every 15-20 days depending on pest pressure.

Q3. Is Coragen safe for organic farming?
A: No, it’s a synthetic chemical.

Q4. What’s the shelf life of Coragen?
A: 2-3 years if stored properly.

For expert pest management advice, consult an agronomist!

Author Profile

Sourashis Chanda

Author (Intern) at Bitlance Tech Hub Private Limited | [email protected]

Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.