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Pesticide guide

Chlorpyrifos

Insecticide Chlorpyrifos

Description

Chlorpyrifos is a powerful organophosphate insecticide that controls a wide variety of harmful insects on your crops. It works by affecting the nervous system of insects, causing them to die quickly after contact or ingestion. This product is very effective against many common agricultural pests including soil-dwelling insects like grubs and wireworms, as well as above-ground pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and caterpillars. You can apply it in different ways - by spraying it on the leaves, by mixing it into the soil around plant roots, or by treating seeds before planting. When applied to the soil, it provides protection against root-feeding insects and can last for several weeks. It's particularly useful for controlling pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. However, it's important to know that chlorpyrifos is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects, so you should never spray it when your plants are flowering. Also, it can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life, so be very careful not to let it run off into streams or ponds. Always wear protective clothing when handling this product, and make sure to wait the required number of days (usually 14-21 days) after spraying before harvesting your crops to ensure they're safe to eat.

Application rates

General

1-2 liters per hectare

Application method

Foliar spray Soil application Seed treatment

Target pests

Aphids Thrips Whiteflies Caterpillars Grubs Wireworms Cutworms

Application timing

When pests are first detected or as preventive treatment

Safety period

14-21 days before harvest

Precautions

Highly toxic to bees. Do not apply during flowering. Toxic to fish and aquatic life. Wear full protective equipment. Follow re-entry period.

Crop compatibility

Vegetables Fruits Field crops

Benefits

  • Controls both soil-dwelling and above-ground pests
  • Fast-acting contact and systemic action
  • Multiple application methods for flexibility
  • Long residual activity in soil applications
  • Effective against resistant pest populations

Best for

  • Vegetable crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes)
  • Fruit trees (citrus, date palm, mango)
  • Field crops (corn, wheat, cotton)
  • Crops with soil pest problems

Usage tips

  • Apply early morning or late evening to avoid bee activity
  • For soil pests, apply as soil drench or at planting time
  • Ensure thorough coverage for foliar applications
  • Rotate with other insecticide classes to prevent resistance
  • Follow all safety guidelines and re-entry periods

Storage instructions

Store in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from food, feed, and water sources. Protect from freezing.

Mixing compatibility

Compatible with most fungicides. Do not mix with alkaline products. Check compatibility before tank mixing.