Chemical Class and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition
Dimethoate belongs to the organophosphate chemical family (IRAC Group 1B - Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). It acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in insect nerve synapses.
This inhibition prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to continuous nerve excitation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and death. Rapidly absorbed through green foliage, it translocates systemically via xylem vessels to protect growing vegetative terminals.
- IRAC Group 1B Mode of Action: Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, disrupting insect nervous system transmission.
- Dual Systemic & Contact Action: Kills surface pests on contact while protecting internal plant tissues systemically.
- Emulsifiable Concentrate (30% EC): Mixes cleanly in water for uniform foliar knapsack spraying.
Target Pests and Labeled Field Crops
Tafgor is officially registered under CIBRC standards for controlling critical sucking pest complexes and leaf-feeding larvae across cotton, chilli, brinjal, tomato, pulses, and mustard.
It effectively manages aphids, jassids (leafhoppers), thrips, and whiteflies in cotton and vegetables, while in mustard, it controls destructive mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi) during flowering and pod development.
- Cotton Sucking Complex: Rapid suppression of aphids, jassids, and thrips.
- Mustard Aphid Control: Protects inflorescences and siliquae from mustard aphid colonies.
- Miticidal Efficacy: Suppresses phytophagous spider mite populations on vegetables.
Application Guidelines and Safety Protocols
Apply Tafgor at early pest emergence when sucking insect populations cross economic threshold levels (ETL). Ensure uniform canopy wetting using calibrated hollow cone nozzles on knapsack sprayers.
Operators must wear protective masks, goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves during mixing and spraying. Avoid spraying during crop bloom to protect foraging honeybees and beneficial pollinators.
- Optimal Timing: Spray in early morning or evening when pests are active on foliage.
- Canopy Coverage: Ensure spray penetrates inner foliage where sucking insects cluster.
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Observe recommended harvest waiting windows as prescribed on the product label.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the technical ingredient in Tafgor insecticide?
Tafgor contains Dimethoate 30% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate), an organophosphate systemic insecticide manufactured by Rallis India.
How does Dimethoate kill target insect pests?
It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing nervous system overstimulation and paralysis through both systemic and contact action.
Which major pest does Tafgor control in mustard crops?
Tafgor is widely utilized for managing destructive mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi) during flowering and pod filling.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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