Chemical Class and Synaptic Transmission Blockade
Caldan contains the active molecule Cartap Hydrochloride, a synthetic analogue of the natural marine toxin nereistoxin. It acts as an antagonist on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in insect nervous systems.
Upon ingestion or contact, Cartap blocks synaptic transmission along cholinergic pathways, causing immediate feeding cessation, flaccid paralysis, and pest death without triggering severe tremors.
- Active ingredient: Cartap Hydrochloride (50 percent SP foliar powder or 4 percent Granules)
- Insecticide group: IRAC Group 14 (Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel blockers)
- Action modes: Systemic xylem absorption, contact toxicity, and stomach action
- Safety advantage: Low toxicity to beneficial predatory spiders and aquatic fish
CIBRC Approved Target Pests and Crops
The Central Insecticides Board registers Cartap Hydrochloride formulations for major lepidopteran and dipteran boring pests across wetland rice and commercial sugarcane.
When applied as a soil granule or foliar spray, the active ingredient is absorbed by root systems and vascular foliage, delivering systemic protection against internal stem-boring larvae.
- Paddy (Rice): Yellow stem borer (*Scirpophaga incertulas*), leaf folder (*Cnaphalocrocis medinalis*), and whorl maggot
- Sugarcane: Early shoot borer (*Chilo infuscatellus*) and top borer
- Granular application: Caldan 4G applied into shallow standing water during early tillering
- Foliar application: Caldan 50 SP mixed in water and sprayed during egg hatching peaks
Field Application Guidelines and Water Management
For Caldan 4G granular application in paddy fields, maintain 2 to 3 cm of standing water for 48 to 72 hours following application to ensure complete systemic root uptake.
Do not drain standing water immediately after broadcast. When spraying Caldan 50 SP, ensure fine spray coverage over the upper and lower canopy using clean, neutral spray water.
- Paddy water level: Retain 2-3 cm standing water in the field for 2-3 days post granular broadcast
- Broadcast method: Mix granules with clean dry sand or fertilizer for uniform distribution
- Spray timing: Foliar spray at first signs of moth activity or dead-heart symptoms
- PPE guidelines: Wear rubber gloves and boots; avoid bare-hand broadcasting of granules
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary difference between Caldan 4G and Caldan 50 SP?
Caldan 4G is a soil-applied granule broadcast into shallow standing paddy water for root uptake, whereas Caldan 50 SP is a soluble powder dissolved in water for foliar spraying.
How does Cartap Hydrochloride prevent stem borer damage?
Cartap enters the vascular sap stream of the rice plant; boring larvae feeding on internal tillers ingest the chemical, causing immediate paralysis and mortality before they sever the central shoot.
Can Caldan be mixed with chemical fertilizers during broadcasting?
Yes, Caldan 4G granules are frequently mixed with dry urea or basal NPK fertilizer for simultaneous uniform broadcasting in paddy fields.
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.