Cypermethrin: A Widely Used Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticide
Technical Introduction
Cypermethrin (IUPAC: [cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl] 3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that has been extensively used in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, and public health pest control.
It functions as a sodium channel modulator, disrupting normal nerve transmission in insects. By prolonging sodium channel opening, Cypermethrin causes repetitive nerve firing, paralysis, and death of target pests.
Mode of Action: Sodium channel modulator (IRAC Group 3A).
Systemicity: Non-systemic; acts primarily by contact and ingestion.
Target Spectrum: Broad-spectrum control of chewing and sucking pests including caterpillars, aphids, thrips, beetles, weevils, mites, mosquitoes, and flies.
Applications
Agriculture:
Effective on cotton, maize, rice, soybeans, wheat, vegetables, and fruit crops against bollworms, cutworms, stem borers, aphids, and thrips.
Public Health:
Used in vector control programs against mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and bedbugs.
Veterinary:
Incorporated into formulations for livestock ectoparasite control (ticks, lice, fleas, and flies).
Stored Products:
Protects grains, flour, and other stored commodities from beetle and moth infestations.
Advantages
Broad-Spectrum Activity: Kills both chewing and sucking insect pests.
Fast Knockdown Effect: Provides rapid mortality after application.
Residual Effect: Protects crops for several days to weeks depending on formulation.
Versatile Use: Applied in agriculture, veterinary, household, and public health sectors.
Resistance Management: Useful in rotation programs with other chemical classes.
Cost-Effective: Readily available and affordable compared to many newer insecticides.
Specifications (Typical Parameters)
| Parameter | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Cypermethrin | |
| Chemical Class | Synthetic Pyrethroid (IRAC 3A) | |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₂H₁₉Cl₂NO₃ | |
| Molecular Weight | ~416.3 g/mol | |
| Appearance | Yellowish to brown viscous liquid | |
| Purity (TC) | ≥ 92% | |
| Common Formulations | Emulsifiable concentrate (EC), wettable powder (WP), suspension concentrate (SC), oil-in-water emulsions | 10% EC, 25% EC, 50% EC, 5% WP |
| Mode of Action | Sodium channel modulator; contact and stomach poison | |
| Target Pests | Caterpillars, beetles, aphids, thrips, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches | |
| Residual Activity | 7–15 days depending on crop and environment | |
| Toxicity | Moderate mammalian toxicity (oral LD₅₀ in rats ~250–400 mg/kg); highly toxic to fish, bees, and aquatic organisms |
FAQ
Q1: How does Cypermethrin kill insects?
A: It acts on sodium channels in insect nerve cells, causing hyperexcitation, paralysis, and death.
Q2: Is Cypermethrin systemic?
A: No. It is non-systemic, working mainly by contact and ingestion.
Q3: What crops is Cypermethrin commonly used on?
A: It is widely applied on cotton, maize, rice, wheat, soybeans, vegetables, and fruit crops.
Q4: How long does Cypermethrin protect crops after spraying?
A: Residual activity lasts 7–15 days, depending on weather, crop, and pest pressure.
Q5: Is Cypermethrin safe for bees?
A: No. It is highly toxic to bees, fish, and aquatic organisms. Applications should avoid flowering periods and water contamination.
Q6: How does Cypermethrin compare to Fenvalerate or Fenpropathrin?
A: - Fenvalerate is more focused on chewing insects.
Fenpropathrin is effective on both insects and mites.
Cypermethrin has broader insecticidal activity and is more widely used in public health and veterinary fields.
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