Classification of
insecticides, toxicity and
formulations
Introduction
Insecticide is any compound which is used to
kill the insect
Insecticides can be grouped in following ways:
[Link] of entry
[Link] of action
[Link] composition
[Link] on toxicity
[Link] on stage specificity
1. Mode of entry
• On the basis of mode of entry
I. Stomach poison
[Link] Poison
[Link]
[Link] poison
I. Stomach poisons
• These insecticides are applied on the leaves
and other parts of the plant and when the
treated plant is ingested by insect it acts in
digestive system and ultimately kill insect
• It is generally used for insects which have
chewing type mouthparts
• E.g. Malathion,Paris green
II. Contact Poisons
• These type of insecticides are applied either
directly onto the body of insect or to the
places frequented by them
• These poisons kill the insects either by
clogging spiracles and respiratory system or by
entering through the cuticle into the blood
and acting as nerve or general tissue poisons
• E.g. DDT, HCH, Carbaryl, Carbofuran,
Monocrotophos
III. Fumigants
• The toxicant enter in vapour form into the
tracheal system (respiratory poison) through
spiracles
• These are commonly used to control stored
grain pests
• E.g. Aluminium phosphide, Methyl bromide,
Hydrogen cyanide etc
IV. Systemic poison
• These chemicals when applied to plant or soil
are absorbed by foliage or roots and
translocated through vascular system and
cause death of insect which is feeding on plant
• Generally used for control of insects which
have piercing & sucking type mouthparts
• E.g. Dimethoate, Aldicarb, Phorate etc.
2. Mode of action
I. Physical poisons: These toxicants bring about kill of insects
by exerting a physical pressure
• They cause abrasions in the cuticle, resulting in excessive
loss of moisture and insect is killed due to desiccation
• E.g. Diatomaceous earth or inert dusts
II. Protoplasmic poisons: These chemicals kill the insect by
destruction of cellular protoplasm of the midgut
epithelium
• E.g. Arsenic compounds
III..Respiratory poisons: These chemicals block cellular
respiration
• These combine with enzymes like cytochrome oxidase and
other oxidases containing iron and inhibit their catalytic
action
• E.g. HCN, CO etc.
IV. Nerve poisons: These chemicals effect the nervous system
of the insect and leading to the dearth of the insect
• These chemicals are associated with their solubility in tissue
lipid and function actively by blocking acetyl cholinesterase
in insects and mammals
• E.g. Organophosphates and carbamates
V. Chitin inhibitors: These chemicals affect the enzyme, chitin
synthetase during chitin formation and inhibit the chitin
synthesis
• E.g. Diflubenzuron, Buperofezin etc.
VI. General Poisons: Compounds which include neurotoxic
symptoms after some period and do not belong to the
above categories
• [Link], Toxaphene etc.
3. Chemical composition
A. Inorganic insecticides: Comprise compounds of mineral
origin and elemental sulphur
• This group includes arsenate and fluorine compounds as
insecticides. Sulphur as acaricides and zinc phosphide as
rodenticides
B. Organic Insecticides:
1. Insecticides of animal origin: Nereistoxin isolated from
marine annelids, fish oil rosin soap from fishes etc.
2. Plant Origin insecticides or Botanical insecticides:
Nicotinoids, Pyrethroids, Rotenoids etc.
3. Synthetic organic insecticides: Organochlorines,
Organophosphates, Carbamates insecticide etc.
4. Hydrocarbon oils etc.
4. Based on toxicity
LD 50 in mg/kg body weight
5. Based on stage specificity
I. Ovicides:- A Substance or agent that kills eggs,
especially the eggs of insects, mites, or nematodes
II. Larvicides:- A larvicide is an insecticide that is
specifically targeted against the larval life stage of
an insect
III. Pupicides:- A pupicide is an insecticide that is
specifically targeted against the pupa of an insect
IV. Adulticides:- A pesticide designed to kill adult
insects rather than their larvae
Lecture 2
Formulations of Pesticide
• A pesticide formulation is the mixture of
active and inert (inactive) ingredients that
form a pesticide product.
• Active ingredients are the chemicals in a
pesticide product that control pests.
• Inert ingredients are the chemicals in a
pesticide product that are added to make
the product safer; more effective; easier to
measure, mix, and apply; and more
convenient to handle.
• An Adjuvant is a chemical added to the
pesticide mixture that helps an active
ingredient do a better job.
e.g. Wetting Agents, Emulsifiers,
Spreaders, Stickers etc.
Brand Name Abbreviations
• Often brand names include abbreviations that
describe something about the formulation
D – dust WSP – water soluble packet
G – granular ULV – ultra low volume
SP – soluble powder RTU – ready to use
S – solution GL – gel
WP – wettable powder LO – low odor
EC – emulsifiable concentrate
DF – dry flowable
WDG – water dispersible granule
Pesticide Formulation
active ingredient (Ai)
each Ai will be listed
+
inert ingredients
water, emulsifiers
solvents, dry carrier material
stabilizers, dye
surfactants: spreaders, stickers
wetting agents
Formulation
Formulation is the processing of a compound
by such methods that will improve its
properties of storage, handling, application,
effectiveness and safety to the applicator and
environment and profitability.
It is the final physical condition in which
insecticide is sold
A single insecticide is often sold in several
different formulations.
1. Dusts (D)
These are ready to use insecticides in powder
form.
In a dust formulation the toxicant is diluted
either by mixing with or by impregnation on a
suitable finely divided carrier which may be an
organic flour or pulverized mineral like lime,
gypsum, talc etc., or clay like attapulgite
bentonite etc.
The toxicant in a dust formulation ranges from 0.15 to
25% and the particle size in dust formulations is less
than 100 microns and with the decrease in particle size
the toxicity of the formulation increases.
Dusts are easy to apply, less labour is required and
water is not necessary.
However if wind is there, loss of chemical occurs due
to drift hence dusting should be done in calm weather
and also in the early morning hours when the plant is
wet with dew. Eg. HCH 10% dust; Endosulfan 4% D.
1. Dusts (D)
Most dust formulations are ready to use and contain a low percentage of active ingredient (usually
0.5% to 10%), plus a very fine dry inert carrier made from talc, chalk, clay, nut hulls, or volcanic
ash.
Composition: A.I.+ carrier+ solvent (optional)
Characteristics:
1. Free flowing fine powder which readily settle when added in water
2. Gritty to touch
3. Mesh size less than 325 μm
Uses:
• Dusting of crop
• Soil application e.g. termites
• Whorl application e.g. maize borer
• Mixed with stored seed to control stored grain pest
Advantages:
• Usually ready to use, with no mixing
• Effective where moisture from a spray might cause damage
• Require simple equipment
Disadvantages:
• Easily drift off target during application
For Composition, Characteristics and
• May irritate eyes, nose, throat, and skin
• Do not stick to surfaces as well as liquids
uses see manual
2. Granules or Pelleted insecticides(G)
In this formulation the particle is composed of a
base such as an inert material impregnated or
fused with the toxicant which released from the
formulation in its intact form or as it
disintegrates giving controlled release.
The particle size ranges from 0.25 to 2.38 mm, or
250 to 1250 microns and contains 1 to 10%
concentration of the toxicant.
The granules are applied in water or whorls of
plants or in soil.
Action may be by vapour or systemic.
In application of granules there is very little drift
and no undue lose of chemical.
Undesirable contamination is prevented.
Residue problem is less since granules do not
adhere to plant surface.
Release of toxicant is achieved over a long
period.
Easy for application as water is not required for
application.
Less harmful for natural enemies. Eg: Carbofuran
3G, Phorate10 G, Cartap hydrochloride 4G
2. Granules (G)
Granular formulations are similar to dust formulations except that granular particles are
larger and heavier. The coarse particles are made from an absorptive material such as
clay, corn cobs, or walnut shells. The active ingredient either coats the outside of the
granules or is absorbed into them.
Characteristics:
1. Free flowing discrete particles
2. Expressed in two mesh size sieve from 4 to 80 mesh
Uses:
• Soil application e.g. termites
• Whorl application e.g. maize borer
Advantages:
• Ready to use; no mixing
• Drift hazard is low, and particles settle quickly
• Simple application equipment
Disadvantages:
• Do not stick to foliage or other non level surfaces
• May need moisture to start pesticidal action
• May be hazardous to non-target species For Composition, Characteristics
and uses see manual
3. Wettable Powders (WP)
It is a powder formulation which is to be
diluted with water and applied.
It yields a stable suspension with water.
The active ingredient (toxicant) ranges from
15 to 95%.
It is formulated by blending the toxicant with
a diluent such as attapulgite, a surface active
agent and an auxiliary material.
3. Wettable Powders (WP or W)
Wettable powders are dry, finely ground formulations that look like dusts.
They usually must be mixed with water for application as a spray.
Characteristics:
• Free flowing fine powder, readily produce suspension when added in water
Uses:
• Spraying of crops
Advantages:
• Easy to store, transport, and handle
Disadvantages:
• Inhalation hazard to applicator while pouring and mixing the powder
• Require good and constant agitation in spray tank and quickly settle out if
agitation is turned off
• Difficult to mix in very hard or very alkaline water
• Often clog nozzles
For Composition, Characteristics and
uses see manual
4. Emulsifiable Concentrates(EC)
Here the formulation contains the toxicant, a solvent
for the toxicant and an emulsifying agent.
It is a clear solution and it yields an emulsion of oil-in
water type, when diluted with water.
The active ingredient (toxicant) ranges from 2.5 to 100
%.
When sprayed the solvent evaporates quickly leaving a
deposit of toxicant from which water also evaporates.
The emulsifying agents are alkaline soaps, organic
amines alginates, Carbohydrates, gums, lipids, proteins
etc.
Eg: Endosulfan 35EC, Profenophos 50EC
4. Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC or E)
These formulations usually contain a liquid active ingredient, one or more
petroleum-based solvents, and an agent that allows the formulation to be
mixed with water to form an emulsion.
Characteristics:
• Free of any floating or settled material, readily forms emulsion in water
Uses:
• Spraying of crops
• Root application for control nematode, borer and root dip to control nursery
• Disinfestation of store and storage receptacles
Advantages:
• Relatively easy to handle, transport, and store
• Little agitation required and will not settle out or separate when equipment is
running
Disadvantages:
• Easily absorbed through skin of humans or animals
• Flammable (should be used and stored away from heat or open flame)
For Composition, Characteristics and uses see manual
Emulsion
One liquid dispersed within another liquid
like milk
Ai is dissolved in oil (oil/ai droplet)
Ai and mixed with an emulsifier
Oil Ai/Oil mixture is suspended in water
forming a white emulsion
AI AI
AI Oil
Oil
Oil
AI AI
AI
Oil AI Oil
Oil
Oil
AI AI
AI Oil Oil
Oil
5. Solutions (S)
Characteristics:
• Free of any floating or settled material,
readily forms miscible with water
Uses:
• Same as EC
Advantages:
• No agitation necessary
Disadvantages:
• Limited number of formulations of this
type available
For Composition, Characteristics and uses see manual
6. Suspension Concentrate (SC)
Active ingredient is absorbed on to a filler
which is then suspended in a liquid matrix
(water).
It is not dusty and easier to disperse in water.
Eg: Imidacloprid 50 SC
Suspension
Solid particles suspended in a liquid
like hot chocolate
Active Ingredient (high %)
impregnated onto Dry Carrier
and mixed with an
Emulsifier (slick, soapy)
o n
t a ti d
g i ire
a qu
re
7. Flowables (F)
When an active ingredient is insoluble in either
water or organic solvents, a flowable formulation
is developed.
The toxicant is milled with a solid carrier such as
inert clay and subsequently dispensed in a small
quantity of water.
Prior to application it has to be diluted with
water.
Flowables do not usually clog nozzles and require
only moderate agitation.
Ex; Methoxyfenozide( Intrepid 2F)
8. Water Dispersible Granules (WDG)
This formulation appears as small pellets or
granules.
It is easier and safer to handle and mix than
wettable powders.
When the granules are mixed with spray
water, they break apart and, with agitation,
the active ingredient becomes distributed
throughout the spray mixture.
Ex: Thiamethoxam 25 WDG
9. Solutions
Many of the synthetic organic insecticides are
water insoluble but soluble in organic solvents
like amyl acetate, kerosene, xylene, pine oil,
ethylene dichloride etc., which themselves
possesses some insecticidal properties of their
own.
Some toxicants are dissolved in organic solvents
and used directly for the control of household
pests.
Eg. Baygon
6. Low-Volume concentrates
These concentrates may approach 100% active ingredient.
Characteristics:
• Free of any floating or settled material, readily immiscible with water
• Have low vapour pressure and high boiling point
Uses:
• ULV application of insecticides for both ground and aerial spraying
Advantages:
• Relatively easy to handle, transport, and store
• Little agitation required
• Leave little visible residue on treated surfaces
Disadvantages:
• Difficult to keep pesticide in the target site (high drift hazard)
• Specialized equipment required
• Easily absorbed through skin of humans or animals
For Composition, Characteristics and uses see manual
Liquid Formulations
Aerosols (A)
• Some are ready-to-use
• Little active ingredient
• High drift potential
Some require highly
specialized equipment
Difficult to confine
Respiratory protection
needed
7. Aerosols (A)
• These formulations contain one or more active ingredients and a solvent
• There are two types of aerosol formulations: the ready-to-use type, and
those made for use in smoke or fog generators.
Characteristics:
• Droplet size less than 50 μm
Uses:
• For killing of flying insects like flies and mosquitoes
• In some cases for spraying field crops
Advantages:
• Ready to use, Easily stored
• Retain potency over fairly long time
Disadvantages:
• Highly specialized equipments required
• Risk of inhalation injury
• Practical for very limited uses•
For Composition, Characteristics and uses see manual
Dry Formulations
Baits (B)
A bait is an example of a dry or liquid product
that is applied without mixing
8. Poison Baits (B)
• A bait formulation is an active ingredient mixed with food or another
attractive substance. The bait either attracts the pests or is placed
where the pests will find it.
Uses:
• Bait killing of cockroaches, cricket and rats
• Bait spraying for control of adult fruit flies
Advantages:
• Entire area need not be covered because pest
goes to bait
• Control pests that move in and out of an area
Disadvantages:
• Can be attractive to children and pets
• May kill domestic animals and non-target wildlife outdoors
• Dead pests may cause odour problem
For Composition, Characteristics and uses see manual
Fumigants
• Active as a poisonous gas,
penetrates cracks, crevices,
and stored commodities
• Highly toxic to all living
organisms
• Very high risk of inhalation
exposure
• Specialized protection
equipment; enclosed space
9. Fumigants
Characteristics
• Fumigants are pesticides that form poisonous gases when applied
• These are highly volatile toxic chemicals
Uses:
• Disinfestation of store and storage receptacles
• Fumigation of rat burrows
Advantages:
• Toxic to a wide range of pests
• Single treatment usually will kill most pests in treated area
Disadvantages:
• The target site must be enclosed or covered to prevent the gas from
escaping
• Highly toxic to humans and all other living organisms
For Composition, Characteristics and uses see manual
10. Microencapsulated Pesticides (M)
Microencapsulated formulations are particles of pesticides (liquid or dry)
surrounded by a plastic coating. The formulated product is mixed with water
and applied as a spray. Once applied, the capsules slowly releases the
pesticide. The encapsulation process can prolong the active life of the
pesticide by providing a timed release of the active ingredient.
Characteristics
• Small capsule (25/75 μm) made of polymeric material enclosing a
concentrated liquid pesticide
Uses:
• For slow release of insecticide, hormones, pheromones
Advantages:
• Releases pesticide over a period of time
Disadvantages:
• Constant agitation necessary in tank
• Some bees may pick up the capsules and carry them back to their hive where
the released pesticide may poison the entire hive.
For Composition, Characteristics and
uses see manual
14. Insecticide Mixtures
Insecticide mixtures involve combinations of two
or more insecticides in the right concentration
into a single spray solution.
Insecticide mixtures are widely used to deal with
the array of arthropod pests encountered in
greenhouse and field production systems due to
the savings in labor costs.
Furthermore, the use of pesticide mixtures may
result in synergism or potentiation (enhanced
efficacy) and the mitigation of resistance.
14. Insecticide Mixtures
However,antagonism (reduction in efficacy) may
also occur due to mixing two (or more) pesticides
together.
Judicious use of pesticide mixtures or those that
may be integrated with biological control agents
is especially important because parasitoids and
predators (and even microbials such as beneficial
bacteria and fungi) can suppress arthropod pest
populations irrespective of the arthropod pests’
resistance traits or mechanisms.
14. Insecticide Mixtures
Ex:Chlorpyriphos16% + Alphacypermethrin 1%
EC
Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC
Quinolphos 20% + Cypermethrin 3% EC
Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC
Profenofos25% + Cypermethrin 5% EC
Profenofos10% + Cypermethrin 20% EC
Cypermethrin 20% + Permethrin 10% EC
Formulation Summary
• Choose a pesticide formulation that will best suit your
pest problem and target site
– Safety, ease of use
– Human exposure concerns
– Phytotoxicity; visible residues
– Application equipment considerations
