Active Ingredient and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition
Monocrotophos is an organophosphorus insecticide formulated as a thirty-six percent soluble liquid (36% SL).
It acts by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme in the central nervous system, leading to continuous neuromuscular firing, tremors, paralysis, and death in exposed insects.
Its high systemic mobility allows it to translocate rapidly through plant tissues, killing insects feeding on leaves and stems.
- Formulation: 36 percent Soluble Liquid (SL)
- Broad activity: Systemic and contact action against caterpillars, borers, and sap-sucking pests
- Rapid absorption: Absorbed through plant foliage, providing both contact and systemic stomach poison action
Strict Regulatory Restrictions and Banned Uses
Due to its high toxicity classification (Red triangle - Extremely Toxic), the Ministry of Agriculture and CIBRC have imposed stringent regulatory restrictions.
Monocrotophos is strictly prohibited for use on vegetables, fruits, tea, and oilseeds to prevent toxic dietary residues in consumer food products.
- Prohibited crops: Completely banned for application on all vegetables, fruits, tea, and sugarcane
- Permitted usage: Limited strictly to authorized non-vegetable field crops under specific label guidelines
- Wildlife risk: Highly toxic to foraging birds, bees, and aquatic life; runoff into water bodies is strictly prohibited
Personal Safety, Handling Protocols, and Antidotes
Applicators must never handle Monocrotophos without full personal protective gear including chemical respirators and rubber boots.
Atropine sulphate is the specific medical antidote that must be administered under qualified medical supervision in cases of acute organophosphate poisoning.
- Medical antidote: Atropine sulphate and PAM (Pralidoxime) administered under doctor supervision
- Protective equipment: Impermeable rubber gloves, respirator mask, chemical goggles, and apron
- Storage: Store under secure lock and key away from food grains, livestock, and domestic quarters
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 ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Is Monocrotophos permitted for use on vegetables in India?
No, Monocrotophos is strictly prohibited for use on all vegetables and fruits in India due to high mammalian toxicity.
What is the toxicity color triangle on Monocrotophos packages?
Monocrotophos carries a bright Red toxicity triangle denoting an Extremely Toxic classification.
What is the clinical antidote for organophosphate poisoning?
Atropine sulphate, often combined with Pralidoxime (PAM), is the specific clinical antidote administered by medical professionals.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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