What is Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC?
Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC is a combination insecticide that blends two distinct active ingredients: Profenofos (an organophosphate) and Cypermethrin (a Type II pyrethroid). Profenofos acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, disrupting nerve signal transmission in insects through both contact and ingestion. Cypermethrin provides fast knockdown by interfering with sodium channel function in insect nerves. Together, they cover a broad spectrum of chewing and sucking pests, and the combination reduces the chance of resistance developing to either compound alone. The EC (emulsifiable concentrate) formulation mixes easily with water for foliar spray application.
Recommended Dosage for Cotton
The recommended dosage of Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC for cotton is 400–500 ml per acre, mixed in 150–200 litres of water as a foliar spray. Apply at first sign of bollworm infestation or when scouting indicates pest populations crossing the economic threshold — typically when 5% of bolls or squares show fresh damage. In heavy infestations, repeat the application after 10–15 days. Do not exceed three applications per season on the same field; rotate with a different insecticide class (such as an avermectin or diamide) to maintain efficacy.
Dosage for Vegetables and Other Crops
For chilli, tomato, brinjal, and groundnut, apply 400–500 ml per acre in 150–200 litres of water. For chilli, apply at flowering when thrips, mites, and leaf-eating caterpillars are first observed. For tomato, time the first application just before or at early fruit set to protect against fruit borers. For groundnut, the combination is effective against leaf-eating caterpillars and hairy caterpillars during the mid-season vegetative stage. Apply in the late afternoon or early evening for best results — this reduces UV degradation of Cypermethrin and avoids peak pollinator foraging hours.
Target Pests
Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC is registered and widely used against: American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and pink bollworm in cotton; leaf-eating caterpillars (Spodoptera spp.) in cotton and vegetables; fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) in brinjal; aphids, jassids, and whitefly (contact action via Cypermethrin); red spider mites in cotton and chilli; hairy caterpillars in groundnut and soybean. The organophosphate component (Profenofos) is particularly valued for its efficacy against mites, making this combination useful in crops where both caterpillar and mite pressure is common.
Compatible Crops in India
In India, Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC is used on cotton, chilli, tomato, brinjal, groundnut, soybean, and okra. It is NOT recommended for use on flowering crops visited by bees (Cypermethrin is toxic to bees), near water bodies (Profenofos is moderately toxic to fish), or on crops within the pre-harvest interval window. For export-quality crops, check the MRL (maximum residue limit) requirements of the destination market, as residue tolerance for organophosphates varies between countries.
Price of Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC in India
Profenofos + Cypermethrin 40+4 EC is available starting from ₹280 for 250 ml in India, with 500 ml and 1-litre packs offering better per-litre value for large-scale farmers. Branded versions of this combination can cost 30–50% more for the same active ingredient concentration. No Brands supplies the same 40+4 EC formulation at a fair price — no packaging premium, no distributor margin added to the retail price. Available in 250 ml, 500 ml, and 1-litre packs on Farmkart.
Application Method and Timing
Prepare the spray solution by adding the required volume of Profenofos + Cypermethrin to a small amount of water in the spray tank, then top up to the full spray volume (150–200 litres per acre). Shake well before use. Apply as a fine mist using a knapsack or power sprayer, covering the upper and lower leaf surfaces and fruit surfaces thoroughly. Best timing is late afternoon (after 4 PM) or early morning. Avoid spraying in windy conditions or when rain is expected within 4–6 hours. The insecticide is rainfast after 4–6 hours.
Safety Precautions
Profenofos is an organophosphate — wear gloves, mask, full-body coveralls, and eye protection during mixing and application. Wash hands and face immediately after handling. Do not smoke, eat, or drink during application. Store in the original sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from children and animals. The pre-harvest interval (PHI) is 21 days for most crops — do not harvest before this period. In case of accidental exposure, move to fresh air and consult a physician immediately. Show the product label for antidote information (organophosphate poisoning is treated with atropine under medical supervision).