Major chemical and biological classes
- Organophosphates (e.g., Chlorpyrifos, Profenofos): Inhibit acetylcholinesterase in nerve synapses; contact and stomach poisons.
- Synthetic Pyrethroids (e.g., Cypermethrin, Lambda-cyhalothrin): Voltage-gated sodium channel modulators providing rapid knockdown.
- Neonicotinoids (e.g., Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam): Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists; systemic control of sucking pests.
- Diamides (e.g., Chlorantraniliprole, Flubendiamide): Ryanodine receptor activators causing muscle paralysis in caterpillars.
- Botanicals and Biologicals (e.g., Azadirachtin, Spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis): Naturally derived insect growth regulators and bio-toxins.
Modes of entry into target insect pests
- Contact insecticides: Penetrate directly through the insect cuticle upon direct spray or surface walking.
- Stomach poisons: Toxic when ingested by chewing or sucking mouthparts during feeding on treated leaves.
- Systemic insecticides: Absorbed through roots or foliage, translocating throughout plant tissues to poison sap-feeders.
- Fumigants: Enter insect respiratory spiracles as volatile toxic vapors in enclosed grain godowns.
Statutory regulation and toxicity labels in India
All agricultural insecticides are evaluated and registered by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC). Containers must display statutory toxicity color triangles: Red (Extremely Toxic), Yellow (Highly Toxic), Blue (Moderately Toxic), and Green (Slightly Toxic).
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 is the statutory definition of an insecticide in India?
An insecticide is any chemical or biological substance included in the schedule of the Insecticides Act, 1968, used to manage insect pests.
What is the difference between contact and systemic insecticides?
Contact insecticides kill upon touching the insect cuticle, while systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and kill pests as they feed.
Which government body registers agricultural insecticides in India?
The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) under the Ministry of Agriculture registers and regulates insecticides.
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.