Chemical active ingredient and seed systemic action
- Active ingredient: Imidacloprid, a pioneer neonicotinoid (IRAC Group 4A) neurotoxin acting as an agonist at insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
- Root-to-shoot translocation: Absorbed by the seed coat and translocated upward through emerging rootlets and xylem vessels into cotyledons and early vegetative foliage.
- Early pest shield: Protects tender seedlings during the critical 30 to 40-day window after germination, when plants are most vulnerable to sap-sucking pests.
- Formulation types: 70% WS (Water Dispersible Powder for Slurry Seed Treatment) and 600 FS (Flowable Concentrate for Seed Treatment).
CIBRC approved crops and target insect pests
Approved in Indian agriculture for seed treatment in cotton (controlling jassids, aphids, and thrips); wheat (preventing subterranean termite attack and aphid colonization); okra and sunflower (controlling jassids and whiteflies); and maize (controlling shoot flies). Treating seeds eliminates the need for early foliar chemical sprays.
Proper seed dressing procedure and safety
- Mix the recommended label quantity of Gaucho with a small volume of water to make a smooth slurry; coat certified seeds uniformly in a seed dressing drum or clean plastic container.
- Spread treated seeds on a tarpaulin sheet in the shade to dry thoroughly before sowing; never dry in direct sunlight.
- Wear rubber gloves during seed mixing; never handle treated seeds with bare hands or feed leftover treated seeds to birds, livestock, or humans.
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 (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary purpose of treating seeds with Gaucho?
Gaucho protects germinating seedlings from early sap-sucking pests (aphids, jassids, thrips) and soil termites for 30 to 40 days after germination.
What is the active chemical ingredient in Gaucho?
The active ingredient in Gaucho is Imidacloprid, formulated as 70% WS or 600 FS for seed treatment.
Can seeds treated with Gaucho be stored for the next planting season?
It is best to treat seeds shortly before sowing; prolonged storage of treated seeds under humid conditions can reduce seed germination viability.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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