Chemical Class and Neurotoxic Mode of Action
Cypermethrin delivers rapid insect knockdown through advanced synthetic pyrethroid chemistry.
Key biochemical attributes:
- Active ingredient: Cypermethrin formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate at 10% EC and 25% EC concentrations.
- Type II synthetic pyrethroid: Features an alpha-cyano group that prolongs sodium channel opening in insect nerve axons.
- Rapid knockdown action: Induces rapid repetitive nerve firing, muscular convulsions, paralysis, and pest death.
- Contact and stomach activity: Effectively controls insects through direct spray contact or ingestion of treated plant foliage.
Registered Crop Applications and Target Pests
Cypermethrin is approved across major agricultural crops facing aggressive caterpillar infestations.
Major registered crop uses:
- Cotton: Controls bollworm complexes including spotted bollworm (Earias spp.) and American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).
- Brinjal and Tomato: Controls shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) and fruit borer caterpillars.
- Cabbage and Cauliflower: Manages diamondback moth (DBM) and leaf-eating caterpillars.
- Oilseeds and Pulses: Controls pod borers, semiloopers, and leaf-feeding pests in chickpea and mustard.
Safe Handling, Spraying Rules and Harvest Intervals
Disciplined chemical management ensures applicator safety and prevents beneficial pollinator harm.
Safe handling guidelines:
- Label dose compliance: Measure strictly per manufacturer package instructions; use clean water and hollow cone nozzles for thorough canopy coverage.
- Pollinator protection: Avoid spraying during peak honeybee foraging hours in the morning to prevent non-target pollinator toxicity.
- Aquatic safety: Highly toxic to fish; never rinse spray equipment near canals, ponds, or open agricultural waterways.
- Pre-harvest intervals: Observe statutory waiting periods (PHI) between chemical spraying and produce harvest.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What chemical class does Cypermethrin belong to?
Cypermethrin belongs to the Type II synthetic pyrethroid class of contact and stomach insecticides.
What pests are primarily controlled by cypermethrin?
It controls chewing caterpillar pests including bollworms, fruit and shoot borers, diamondback moths, and semiloopers.
Is Cypermethrin safe for honeybees?
No, cypermethrin is toxic to honeybees; spraying should be avoided during active crop blooming and peak morning pollination.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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