Active Ingredient Profile and Mode of Action
Acephate belongs to the organophosphorus chemical family, formulated as a seventy-five percent soluble powder (75% SP).
It works by irreversibly inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme in the insect central nervous system, causing continuous nerve firing, tremors, paralysis, and death.
Its systemic vascular absorption allows it to penetrate plant tissues and control concealed sucking insects feeding on lower leaf surfaces.
- Formulation: 75 percent Soluble Powder (SP)
- Dual action: Combines contact knockdown with systemic vascular absorption
- Rapid dissolution: Dissolves completely in water without leaving gritty tank residues
Target Pests and Approved Crop Applications
Acephate is registered across cotton, paddy, vegetables, and commercial crops for managing multi-pest infestations.
It delivers simultaneous suppression of foliar caterpillars, stem borers, and destructive sap-sucking insects.
- Cotton: Controls aphids, jassids, whiteflies, and bollworm complexes
- Paddy: Suppresses yellow stem borer, leaf folder, and plant hopper outbreaks
- Vegetables and chilies: Controls fruit borers, thrips, and foliage-feeding larvae
Application Guidelines, Mixing, and Safety
Dissolve the required soluble powder in clean water with continuous agitation and apply using high-volume knapsack sprayers.
Spray during morning or evening hours with hollow cone nozzles, ensuring thorough coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces.
Observe label pre-harvest intervals before picking commercial crops.
- Powder dissolution: Dissolve powder completely in clean water before spraying
- Foliar coverage: Spray both upper and lower canopy surfaces until leaves are evenly coated
- Personal protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and eye goggles during preparation
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active constituent of Acephate 75 SP?
It contains Acephate 75% SP, a systemic organophosphate insecticide with contact and stomach poison activity.
Does Acephate control both sucking and chewing pests?
Yes, Acephate controls chewing caterpillars and borers, while translocating systemically to eliminate sap-sucking insects.
What is the medical antidote for organophosphate poisoning?
Atropine sulphate, often accompanied by Pralidoxime (PAM), is the specific medical antidote administered under professional supervision.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.