Chemical Profile & Dual Insecticide-Acaricide Activity
Ethion is a non-systemic organophosphorus molecule (IRAC Group 1B) exhibiting strong contact action and excellent ovicidal activity against certain mite eggs.
Unlike standard insecticides that have no effect on arachnid mites, Ethion delivers dual-action control across both insect pests and phytophagous mites in commercial crops and plantations.
- Active Ingredient: Ethion 50% w/w EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate)
- IRAC Classification: Group 1B (Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors)
- Dual Action: Functions both as an insecticide against insects and an acaricide against agricultural mites
- Contact Efficacy: Provides fast contact knockdown and ovicidal suppression against winter mite eggs
Approved Target Crops & Key Field Pests
In India, Ethion 50% EC is registered under the CIBRC for labeled applications in tea plantations, cotton, chillies, pulses, and oilseeds.
It is a cornerstone management tool in tea plantations for controlling red spider mites, purple mites, pink mites, and tea mosquito bugs (Helopeltis theivora).
- Tea Plantations: Red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae), pink mite, scarlet mite, and tea mosquito bug
- Cotton: Whiteflies, thrips, and bollworm complexes per CIBRC label approvals
- Chillies: Yellow mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) causing downward leaf curling and stunted terminal growth
- Soybean & Pulses: Defoliator caterpillars, pod borers, and leaf-feeding mite complexes
Application Guidelines & Safety Protocols
Because Ethion is a contact poison with no vascular systemic translocation, achieving complete spray coverage on the undersides of leaves where mites colony-feed is mandatory.
Ethion carries a Red or Yellow statutory hazard label depending on concentration. Operators must observe rigorous personal protective practices, avoiding spray inhalation or skin absorption.
- Foliar Spraying: Use fine-droplet hollow-cone nozzles operating under adequate pressure for dense mist coverage
- Water Volume: 400 to 500 liters per acre in plantation tea and dense cotton canopies
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Comply with strict statutory waiting periods (especially for harvested tea leaf flushes)
- Safety Gear: Wear rubber gloves, protective goggles, long trousers, and a chemical cartridge respirator
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
Common questions
Is Ethion an insecticide or an acaricide (miticide)?
Ethion functions as both: an insecticide against chewing/sucking insects and an effective acaricide against red spider mites and yellow mites.
Why is thorough leaf coverage critical when spraying Ethion?
Ethion is non-systemic and works purely on contact; because mites shelter and lay eggs on leaf undersides, spray droplets must directly contact the pests.
What is the mode of action of Ethion 50% EC?
It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to toxic acetylcholine accumulation at insect nerve synapses, causing rapid paralysis and death.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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