Chemical Class and Triple Mode of Action
Chlorpyrifos belongs to the organophosphate chemical class (IRAC Group 1B - Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). It acts by inhibiting the vital enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in insect nerve junctions.
This inhibition leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses, causing uncontrolled nerve firing, tremors, paralysis, and insect death. Its vapor action provides fumigant knockdown within dense soil pores and crop foliage.
- Triple Action Defense: Operates simultaneously through contact knockdown, ingestion, and respiratory vapor action.
- Broad Soil & Foliar Spectrum: Highly effective against subterranean termites, cutworms, and foliage caterpillars.
- Emulsifiable Concentrate (20% EC): Mixes cleanly in water for soil drenching, spraying, or termite barrier creation.
Agricultural and Pre-Construction Termite Control
Lethal 20 EC is officially registered under CIBRC standards for controlling critical agricultural pests in paddy, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, and oilseeds, as well as structural termite management.
In field crops, it manages paddy stem borers, gall midges, sugarcane shoot borers, and pulse pod borers. In building construction, it is applied along foundation trenches to create a continuous chemical barrier preventing subterranean termite entry.
- Paddy & Cane Protection: Controls stem borers, leaf folders, and early shoot borer complexes.
- Soil Termite Management: Protects germinating sugarcane setts and groundnut crops from subterranean termites.
- Structural Anti-Termite Treatment: Conforms to BIS standards for pre- and post-construction soil treatment.
Application Guidelines and Safety Precautions
For foliar application, spray Lethal 20 EC at the first appearance of pests using calibrated knapsack sprayers fitted with hollow cone nozzles. For soil drenching or termite treatment, apply per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
Operators must wear full personal protective equipment including respirators, goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing. Store strictly in original sealed containers away from food and animal fodder.
- Foliar Spraying: Apply during early morning or late afternoon when wind speeds are low.
- Termite Soil Barrier: Ensure continuous saturation along foundation plinth walls.
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Observe statutory harvest waiting intervals indicated on the registered product packaging.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the technical ingredient in Lethal 20 EC?
Lethal 20 EC contains Chlorpyrifos 20% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate), an organophosphate insecticide and termiticide.
How does Chlorpyrifos eliminate target insect pests?
It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, disrupting the insect nervous system through contact, stomach, and fumigant vapor action.
Can Lethal 20 EC be used for termite protection in buildings?
Yes, it is widely utilized for both pre-construction and post-construction anti-termite soil barrier treatments.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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