Kryptonite

Kryptonite is a very powerful essence that originates on one of Duron's moons, Krypton. Its power is almost unlimited once one can access it. It is not a solid, nor liquid, nor gas, yet it is an essence that can flow about a solid, or liquid or gas. The object that the Kryptonite is inside is called its host. When exposed to living organisms, Kryptonite can make those organisms insane. If channeled right, Kryptonite can be controlled and the host can be an organism.

History
Kryptonite was created soon after Pikmin: Global Breakdown by many mutated organisms that migrated from Distant Planet. One of the organisms was the microscopic organism that controls Mitites. These organisms became mutated when they were exposed to a volatile compound. Due to the controlling nature of the organisms, they took in the compound and began to encase any object that they touch in Kryptonite. Soon the organisms became one with the Kryptonite, retaining the controlling nature by becoming an essence and engulfing anything it comes in contact with.

The first time Kryptonite was encountered by Olimar and friends was in Pikmin: Ultimate Doom. The Kryptonite made every kind of Pikmin insane, and no matter how much Olimar whistled at the Pikmin-hosted Kryptonite, they wouldn't listen. Then the Kryptonic Pikmin spread their Kryptonite to as much Pikmin as they could. Soon Olimar's despair is over when he finds Gray Pikmin in Dark Moon's dungeon, Kryptonite Crater. The Grey Pikmin are impervious to Kryptonite and they can cure Kryptonic Pikmin and captains.

Effect on Pikmin
When Pikmin come in contact with Kryptonite, they begin to glow lime green and run around frantically. After ten seconds of panicking, the Kryptonic Pikmin settle down and track down the non-infected Pikmin and enemies. Kryptonic Pikmin spread Kryptonite to all non-infected Pikmin.

Effect on Captains
If a Kryptonic Pikmin or Kryptonite touches a captain, that captain is under control by Kryptonite and will try to infect all non-infected enemies, Pikmin and captains. If every captain is infected, the words GAME OVER appear on the screen and the game is reverted to before the day started.