Tropical Agro launches patented insecticide to tackle stem borer and leaf folder in paddy
Branded as Tag Stem Lee, the insecticide is a first-of-its-kind product powered by three active ingredients
Chennai-based Tropical Agro, one of the pioneering companies in agri-input innovation, has unveiled a patented and game-changing granular insecticide that can combat stem borer and leaf folder, two of the most devastating pests in paddy.
Branded as Tag Stem Lee, the insecticide is a first-of-its-kind product powered by three active ingredients. The stem borer and leaf folder significantly impact rice productivity across India, a company statement said.
Rice stem borer infestations cause substantial economic losses, with yield reductions ranging from 10 to 40 per cent. Their damage is most severe in the form of “Dead Heart” during the vegetative stage and “white earhead” during the reproductive stage.
Findings of study
Studies indicate that just 1 per cent Dead Heart can lead to a 0.3 per cent yield loss (approx. 12 kg/hectare), while 1 per cent white earhead can result in a 4.2 per cent yield loss (around 183 kg/hectare).
Similarly, rice leaf folder infestations can reduce yields by 30 to 80 per cent, posing a serious threat to productivity. These challenges highlight the urgent need for effective and long-lasting pest control solutions to safeguard food security and protect farmer livelihoods, the statement said.
Tag Stem Lee addresses this need with a dual-action, triple-protection formula. It eliminates key symptoms such as Dead Heart and White Earhead, ensuring long-lasting protection and sustainable results with minimal environmental impact. The product can be mixed with farmyard manure or sand and broadcast, making it ideal for widespread adoption in the kharif and rabi seasons.
More to follow
VK Jhaver, Founder, Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt Ltd, said: “This patented innovation is only the beginning — many more transformative solutions are in the pipeline.”
He said the name Tag Stem Lee was envisioned to reflect the product’s powerful dual action against Stem Borer and Leaf Folder — a name that captures both its purpose and impact
R Shanmuga Sai, Vice President – Sales, Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt Ltd, said the product holds immense promise for improving farmer outcomes in rice-producing states.
Published on May 5, 2025
