What is the mode of action of Flagship?
Flagship contains thiamethoxam as its active ingredient, which is in the neonicotinoid class of chemistry listed in the MOA Group 4. Thiamethoxam has contact and ingestion activity on all stages of insect development, except the egg stage. A type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been identified as the target site for neonicotinoids. Soon after ingestion, feeding stops and insect mortality occurs in one to two days. Thiamethoxam has a low molecular weight, low octanol-water partition coefficient, and relatively high water solubility, all of which favor rapid and efficient uptake and xylem transport in plants. Following uptake by plant roots, stems, and leaves, thiamethoxam is transported in the xylem in an acropetal direction. This systemic activity protects plant tissue at and above the point of absorption. Slow metabolism of thiamethoxam in the plant, coupled with moderate soli persistence results in pest control over an extended period of time.
