Chemical Class and Cholinesterase Inhibition
Ethion 50% EC belongs to the aliphatic organophosphorus family of agrochemicals. It acts as an irreversible inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme in insect and mite nervous systems.
By blocking AChE, Ethion prevents the hydrolysis of acetylcholine at neural junctions, leading to continuous synaptic transmission, uncontrollable muscular tremors, flaccid paralysis, and rapid mortality.
- Active ingredient: Ethion 50 percent w/w EC
- Chemical group: IRAC Group 1B (Organophosphates - Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors)
- Mode of action: Contact, stomach poison, and high non-systemic vapor penetration
- Acaricidal efficacy: Controls mobile nymphal and adult stages of phytophagous mites
CIBRC Approved Target Crops and Pests
The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) registers Ethion 50% EC for high-pressure mite and lepidopteran pest complexes across plantation and agronomic crops.
Foliar coverage is critical because Ethion is a non-systemic contact compound; thorough wetting of leaf undersides where mites hide is necessary for complete control.
- Tea: Red spider mite (*Oligonychus coffeae*), purple mite, and pink mite
- Cotton: American bollworm, spotted bollworm, and whitefly nymph suppression
- Chilli: Yellow mites (*Polyphagotarsonemus latus*) causing leaf downward curling
- Soybean: Pod borers and leaf-eating defoliators
Application Precautions and Operator Safety
Due to its organophosphate chemistry, applicators must handle Ethion with disciplined safety measures, avoiding skin contact, eye contamination, and spray mist inhalation.
Ethion is hazardous to aquatic organisms and insect pollinators. Strictly avoid application when honeybees are actively foraging and maintain buffer margins near natural water courses.
- Personal protection: Wear nitrile rubber gloves, face shield, and chemical coveralls
- Pollinator safety: Avoid spraying during peak daylight flowering and bee flight hours
- Waterway buffers: Do not discharge spray residue or washings into fish ponds or canals
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Comply with statutory waiting periods specified on the product label
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What makes Ethion effective against both mites and caterpillars?
Ethion possesses high contact toxicity and lipophilic penetration that breaks down cell functions in both phytophagous mites and chewing lepidopteran caterpillars.
Is Ethion systemic in plant tissue?
No, Ethion is a non-systemic contact and stomach poison with strong surface persistence and vapor action; it does not move via plant xylem or phloem.
What is the recommended sprayer setup for Ethion?
Use high-pressure hollow-cone nozzles calibrated to deliver fine mist droplets that penetrate dense foliage and coat the undersides of leaves.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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