Active Ingredients and Dual Modes of Action
This synergistic formulation pairs Profenofos (40%) with Cypermethrin (4%) in an emulsifiable concentrate. Profenofos is an organophosphate insecticide (IRAC Group 1B) that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing continuous acetylcholine accumulation, nerve disruption, and paralysis.
Cypermethrin is a fast-acting synthetic pyrethroid (IRAC Group 3A) that modulates insect voltage-gated sodium channels, inducing immediate axonal membrane depolarization. The combination provides instant knockdown with strong translaminar leaf penetration and ovicidal properties that kill insect eggs upon contact.
- Profenofos 40%: Organophosphate acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with strong translaminar and ovicidal action.
- Cypermethrin 4%: Synthetic pyrethroid sodium channel modulator delivering instant contact knockdown.
- Ovicidal Action: Destroys freshly laid eggs of lepidopteran bollworms before caterpillars hatch.
- Translaminar Activity: Penetrates leaf tissue to eliminate caterpillars feeding on the underside of foliage.
Target Crops and Insect Pest Spectrum
The formulation is widely deployed in commercial cotton production to manage complex bollworm infestations, including the American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), and spotted bollworm.
It also provides excellent control against Spodoptera litura (tobacco caterpillar) and defoliators, while suppressing key sucking pests such as aphids, jassids, and thrips, preventing simultaneous damage to squares, flowers, and developing bolls.
- Bollworm Complex: Suppresses American, pink, and spotted bollworms across critical reproductive stages.
- Spodoptera Control: Destroys gregarious early-instar caterpillars and defoliating tobacco armyworms.
- Sucking Pest Suppression: Reduces active feeding by aphids, leafhoppers, and thrips on tender shoots.
- Square and Boll Protection: Prevents borer entry holes, premature shedding, and lint staining.
Application Protocols and Resistance Management
Apply Profenofos + Cypermethrin at economic threshold levels during active vegetative and boll development windows. Use calibrated knapsack or motorized power sprayers to ensure uniform, fine droplet distribution across all foliage layers.
Because continuous pyrethroid usage can select for pest resistance, rotate applications with alternative chemistry groups like anthranilic diamides, spinosyns, or insect growth regulators. Adhere strictly to CIBRC-registered pre-harvest intervals and wear personal protective equipment.
- Application Timing: Spray at egg hatching or early larval emergence before caterpillars bore into bolls.
- Sprayer Calibration: Maintain adequate spray volume per acre for thorough canopy penetration.
- Resistance Stewardship: Rotate with alternative non-pyrethroid, non-organophosphate chemistries.
- Protective Gear: Wear respirators, rubber gloves, and safety goggles during chemical handling.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What are the active ingredients in Profenofos + Cypermethrin EC?
The formulation contains Profenofos 40% (an organophosphate) and Cypermethrin 4% (a synthetic pyrethroid) as an emulsifiable concentrate.
How does the ovicidal action of Profenofos benefit cotton farmers?
Profenofos penetrates freshly laid insect eggshells, destroying the embryo before destructive caterpillars can hatch and bore into cotton squares and bolls.
Which major pests are controlled by Profenofos + Cypermethrin?
It controls the cotton bollworm complex (American, pink, and spotted bollworms), Spodoptera armyworms, and sucking pests including aphids and jassids.
Where can farmers verify official safety intervals and label rates?
Approved application rates, pre-harvest intervals, and safety instructions are provided on the container label and registered on the official CIBRC portal.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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