Chemical Profile & Mode of Action
Chlorpyrifos belongs to the organophosphate class of insecticides (IRAC Group 1B). Its dual action through contact and vapor makes it effective in soil environments where subterranean pests operate.
In Indian agriculture, Chlorpyrifos 20% EC is registered under the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) for specific labeled uses in field crops, plantations, and building foundation termite treatment.
- Active Ingredient: Chlorpyrifos 20% w/w EC formulation
- IRAC Classification: Group 1B (Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor)
- Action Spectrum: Termites, root grubs, stem borers, and foliar pests as per label
- Toxicity Class: Moderately hazardous (Blue triangle label per CIBRC)
Approved Target Pests & Application Safety
Application must strictly adhere to the approved label claims of the CIBRC. Overdosing or off-label foliar application during flowering can disrupt beneficial pollinators and honeybees.
Always dilute the formulation according to the manufacturer container label and calibrate sprayers to ensure uniform soil drenching or crop coverage without runoff.
- Soil Application: Thorough soil drenching around root zones for subterranean termites and white grubs
- Foliar Sprays: Apply during early morning or late afternoon when pollinator activity is low
- Safety Gear: Mandatory use of chemical-resistant gloves, eye goggles, and vapor respirators
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Observe statutory waiting periods specified on the product packaging
Environmental Caution & Stewardship
Chlorpyrifos carries high aquatic toxicity. Spray drifts and equipment washing must never enter farm ponds, irrigation canals, or open water bodies.
Follow resistance management protocols by rotating with non-organophosphate molecules from different IRAC groups to prevent pest tolerance buildup.
- Water Protection: Maintain minimum 5-meter buffer zones away from watercourses
- Container Disposal: Triple-rinse empty containers, puncture them, and dispose via approved waste protocols
- Storage: Store securely under lock and key, away from cattle feed, seeds, and human dwellings
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 (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
- Crop Protection Hub →
- Integrated Pest Management →
- Insecticide Types Guide →
- Pesticide calculator →
- Ask Sakhi AI →
- NPK 20-20-0-13 Fertilizer: Composition, Uses, and Crop Application →
- 19 19 19 Fertilizer Uses: Complete Cultivation Guide for Indian Farmers →
- 20 20 13 Fertilizer: Complete Cultivation Guide →
Common questions
What is the primary agricultural use of Chlorpyrifos 20% EC?
It is predominantly utilized as a contact and vapor-acting insecticide for managing subterranean termites, white grubs in sugarcane and groundnut, and select chewing foliar pests per CIBRC label recommendations.
Can Chlorpyrifos 20% EC be applied during crop flowering?
No, spraying during peak flowering is strongly discouraged because chlorpyrifos is toxic to honeybees and other vital agricultural pollinators.
Where can farmers check approved dosage and crop label claims?
Farmers can verify statutory approved crops, dosages, and waiting periods directly on the official Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (PPQS) portal at ppqs.gov.in.
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.