Caterpillars are among the most costly pests in Indian farming. A few larvae in a young crop can multiply into a heavy infestation in days. They eat leaves, bore into stems and pods, and spoil fruit. Because caterpillars hide inside plant parts, grow quickly and develop resistance to repeated sprays, farmers need a plan and a product they can rely on.

This guide explains the main caterpillar pests, what to look for in a caterpillar insecticide, and how NOVAZIDE (Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin Benzoate 0.9% SC) from JU Agri Sciences is used for caterpillar control in rice, chilli, red gram and cabbage.

Common caterpillar pests and the damage they cause

Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and scientists group them as lepidopteran pests. NOVAZIDE’s product page lists these:

• Stem borer (rice): the larva tunnels inside the stem. It causes dead hearts in young plants and white ears at flowering.
• Gram pod borer (chilli and red gram): the larva feeds on flowers, pods and fruits, and bores into them. Damaged fruit is unmarketable, and pod damage in red gram lowers grain yield.
• Tobacco caterpillar (chilli and cabbage): the larvae feed on leaves in groups and later spread, leaving ragged, skeletonised leaves.
• Diamondback moth, or DBM (cabbage): the small green larvae scrape and chew leaves, leaving holes and windows, and heavy attacks can stop heads from forming.

Why caterpillars are hard to control

1. Hidden feeding. Borers feed inside stems, pods and fruit, where sprays often fail to reach once they have entered.
2. Fast breeding. Many generations occur in a season, so populations rebuild quickly.
3. Overlapping stages. Eggs, small larvae and large larvae can all be present together.
4. Resistance. DBM and gram pod borer are well known for developing resistance when the same chemical is used repeatedly.

This is why caterpillar control works best with early scouting, correct timing and rotation between modes of action.

What to look for in the best insecticide for caterpillars

No product is “best” in every field. Still, a good caterpillar insecticide should offer:

• Activity on a range of caterpillars, since several species often occur together
• Quick knockdown to stop feeding damage
• Residual activity, so protection continues after the spray
• A different mode of action from what you used recently
• Good crop safety when used as per the label

A combination of two active ingredients with different actions, as in NOVAZIDE, meets several of these points.

NOVAZIDE: Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin Benzoate 0.9% SC

NOVAZIDE is an SC (suspension concentrate), a liquid formulation that mixes in water. The product page describes it as a solution for mixed lepidopteran pests with a quick knockdown effect and long-duration control. It works by ingestion, contact and stomach action.

Novaluron belongs to the benzoylurea group, which are insect growth regulators. It interferes with chitin formation, the material insects use to build their outer skin. Larvae that eat or touch it cannot moult properly and die. It works mainly on young larval stages, and it is not a fast knockdown by itself.

Emamectin benzoate is a member of the avermectin group. It acts on the insect’s nervous system. Caterpillars stop feeding soon after exposure, which limits damage even before they die. It is known for strong activity on caterpillars at low doses.

• Speed plus staying power. Emamectin stops feeding quickly, and novaluron disrupts development.
• Two modes of action, which supports resistance management.
• Wider coverage of larval stages than a single active might offer.

• Controls mixed lepidopteran pests in rice, chilli, red gram and cabbage
• Quick knockdown to stop feeding damage
• Long-duration control, as per the product page
• Ingestion, contact and stomach action
• Good crop safety when used as per label, with a phytotonic effect reported by the company
• Two modes of action, which makes it useful in rotation

NOVAZIDE dose per acre

CropTarget pestsDose per acreRiceStem borer600 mlChilliGram pod borer, tobacco caterpillar400 mlRed gramGram pod borer400 mlCabbageDBM, tobacco caterpillar400 ml

Always check the label for water volume, timing, spray interval, number of sprays and pre-harvest interval for your crop.

Crop-wise notes

Rice. Stem borer is the main target, with a listed dose of 600 ml per acre. Protect the crop in the early stages and watch for dead hearts and egg masses. For another stem borer option, see our guides to LAMBDA CS and CARTAP GR. For plant hopper, which is a sucking pest, a different product such as JU-CLAIM is needed.

Chilli. Gram pod borer and tobacco caterpillar attack flowers, fruit and leaves. Chilli is a heavy-pest crop, and the chilli pest list also includes whitefly, aphids and thrips, which NOVAZIDE does not target. For whitefly and aphids, see our guide to JU-PLANO. For thrips, see LAMBDA CS.

Red gram. Gram pod borer is the major problem at flowering and pod formation. Scout flowers and young pods, and act when larvae first appear, before they enter the pods.

Cabbage. DBM and tobacco caterpillar attack from the early stages. Frequent monitoring matters because DBM populations grow quickly, and rotation across insecticide groups is especially important.

How to get the best results

1. Scout weekly. Check leaves, flowers, pods and fruit for eggs and small larvae. Early detection makes control easier and cheaper.
2. Spray at the early larval stage. Young caterpillars are easier to control than large ones, and insect growth regulators work best on young larvae.
3. Cover the plant well. The product acts by ingestion and contact, so the larvae must meet the spray. Wet leaf undersides, flowers and pods.
4. Spray in good conditions. Early morning or late afternoon, and avoid strong wind or rain right after spraying.
5. Rotate modes of action. Do not use the same group repeatedly. Alternate with products from different chemical classes.
6. Combine with IPM practices. Use pheromone traps, clean field borders, remove crop residue and avoid excess nitrogen, which attracts egg-laying.
7. Follow the label. Dose, waiting period and number of sprays vary by crop.

Using NOVAZIDE among other pest control chemicals

Good pest control chemicals are matched to the pest, not used for everything. This chart shows how the products covered in our guides fit together:

ProblemPest typeProduct to read aboutCaterpillars (borers, DBM, tobacco caterpillar)ChewingNOVAZIDEStem borer and leaf folder in rice (granule)BoringCARTAP GRBorers, thrips and bollworms (spray)Chewing and suckingLAMBDA CSWhitefly in cotton and chilliSuckingJU-PLANORice plant hopperSuckingJU-CLAIM

Do not mix products in the same tank unless the label allows it. The NOVAZIDE product page gives no compatibility data, so check the label or ask the JU Agri Sciences team first.

Safety and responsible use

Wear gloves, a mask and protective clothing while mixing and spraying, and wash thoroughly afterwards. Emamectin benzoate and many other insecticides can be harmful to bees and fish. Avoid spraying when bees are active in flowering crops, and keep spray and washings away from ponds, canals and water sources. Do not eat, drink or smoke during application. Keep the product in its original pack, away from children, animals and food, and dispose of empty containers safely. Observe the waiting period before harvest stated on the label.

About JU Agri Sciences

JU Agri Sciences is an agrochemical company with more than 130 products across insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, biological fertilizers, biological pesticides and bio-stimulants. With more than 5,500 trade partners, 25,000 retailers and over 1,000 trained people supporting farmers in the field, its solutions reach growers across India.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best insecticide for caterpillars?

It depends on the species, crop stage and what you have used before. A product with two modes of action, used early and in rotation, is a sound choice. NOVAZIDE combines novaluron and emamectin benzoate for lepidopteran pests.

Which caterpillars does NOVAZIDE target?

Stem borer in rice, gram pod borer and tobacco caterpillar in chilli, gram pod borer in red gram, and DBM and tobacco caterpillar in cabbage, as per the product page.

What is the dose of NOVAZIDE per acre?

600 ml for rice, and 400 ml for chilli, red gram and cabbage, as per the product page.

Is NOVAZIDE the best insecticide for stem borer?

It is one option for rice stem borer at 600 ml per acre. The right choice depends on crop stage, pest pressure and rotation, and other options include CARTAP GR and LAMBDA CS.

Does NOVAZIDE control sucking pests like whitefly?

No. It targets lepidopteran pests (caterpillars). Whitefly, aphids and thrips need other products.

What does SC mean?

SC means suspension concentrate, a liquid formulation in which the active ingredients are suspended in water.

Can I spray it with other products?

The product page does not give compatibility data. Check the label or ask our team before mixing.

Get in touch

For product availability, pack sizes, dose guidance, dealer information or advice on caterpillar control, call 0120 – 4328671 or use the form on our Contact Us page.