Triazophos 20% EC

Triazophos 20% EC is an organophosphate insecticide formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate, designed for broad-spectrum control of lepidopteran, hemipteran, and acarine pests in rice, cotton, vegetables, and fruit trees. It combines contact, stomach, and systemic actions, with notable ovicidal activity against insect eggs

2. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Active Ingredient	Triazophos 20% (w/w)
Chemical Class	Organophosphate (IRAC Group 1B)
Formulation Type	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Physical State	Yellow-brown liquid
Density	1.433 g/mL (25°C)
Solubility	Water: 39 ppm (23°C); Organic solvents (acetone, ethanol): >330 g/kg
Mode of Action	Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, disrupting nerve function
Shelf Life	2 years (stored at 5–30°C in dark, sealed containers)

3. Target Pests & Crops

Primary Pests Controlled:

Lepidoptera: Rice stem borers (Chilo suppressalis), cotton bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera), leaf folders (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis).
Hemiptera: Brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens), aphids (Aphis gossypii), thrips.
Acarina: Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae).

Registered Crops & Dosage:

Crop	Pest	Dosage (mL/ha)	Application Timing	PHI (Days)*
Rice	Stem borers, leaf folders	1,500–2,250	Egg-hatching peak or early larvae	14
Cotton	Bollworms, aphids	1,875–2,250	Early infestation stage	12–15
Fruits	Mites, fruit borers	1,000–1,500 (diluted)	Pre-flowering phase	21
*Pre-Harvest Interval

4. Application Guidelines

Method: High-volume foliar spray; ensure uniform coverage of leaves and stems.
Timing: Apply at egg-hatching peak or early larval stages for maximum efficacy.
Frequency: Up to 2–3 applications per season, spaced 7–10 days apart.
Critical Notes:
- Avoid spraying during high temperatures (>30°C) or strong winds to reduce drift.
- Apply at dusk or night to minimize photodegradation of active ingredients.

5. Safety & Environmental Profile

Toxicity Data:

WHO Classification: Moderately hazardous (Class II).
Acute Oral LD50 (rat): 57 mg/kg.
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to fish (LC50 < 0.1 mg/L), bees, and aquatic invertebrates.

Precautionary Measures:

⚠️ Mandatory PPE: Nitrile gloves, respirator, goggles, and full-body coverage.
⚠️ Buffer Zones: Maintain 50m from water bodies and 1km from beehives/silkworm farms.
⚠️ Re-entry Interval: 24–48 hours post-application.

6. Resistance Management

Rotate with non-organophosphate insecticides (e.g., neonicotinoids, spinosyns) to delay resistance.
Tank-Mix Options: Synergistic with imidacloprid (e.g., 20% imidacloprid-triazophos EC) for enhanced control of planthoppers and stem borers.
Anti-Resistance Strategy: Limit to ≤2 consecutive uses per crop cycle.

7. Performance Advantages

Feature	Triazophos 20% EC	Pyrethroids
Knockdown Speed	1–2 hours	<1 hour
Residual Activity	10–14 days	5–7 days
Ovicidal Activity	High (e.g., lepidopteran eggs)	Low
Resistance Risk	Moderate	High

8. Storage & Handling

Storage: Keep in cool (<30°C), dry conditions; avoid direct sunlight.
Disposal: Triple-rinse containers; puncture and bury non-recyclable packaging.
First Aid:
- Ingestion: Administer atropine + pralidoxime (refer to label for dosing).
- Skin contact: Wash with soap and water for 15 minutes.

9. Regulatory & Packaging

Pack Sizes: 100 mL, 250 mL (smallholder); 1 L, 5 L, 20 L (commercial).
Global Registrations: Approved in China, India, Brazil; not registered in EU/US.
MRLs: Rice (0.05 ppm), cottonseed (0.1 ppm), apples (0.2 ppm).

10. FAQ

Q: Does triazophos cause planthopper resurgence?
A: Yes, overuse can disrupt natural enemies. Rotate with buprofezin or pymetrozine to mitigate resurgence.

Q: Can it be used in organic farming?
A: No—it is a synthetic organophosphate.

Q: Efficacy in rainy conditions?
A: Requires ≥6 rain-free hours post-application.

References & Further Reading

Residue Studies: Triazophos degrades to undetectable levels in rice within 14 days.
Synergistic Formulations: 20% imidacloprid-triazophos EC boosts planthopper control by 95%.
Ecological Impact: High aquatic toxicity necessitates strict buffer zones.

For specific crop-pest scenarios or regional recommendations, consult local extension services or product labels.