Profenofos: A Broad-Spectrum Organophosphate Insecticide and Acaricide

Technical Introduction

Profenofos (IUPAC: O-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl) O-ethyl S-propyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphate insecticide and acaricide widely used in agriculture.

It works as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, disrupting nerve signal transmission in target pests, which leads to paralysis and death. Unlike pyrethroids, it offers strong activity against resistant insect populations and mites.

• Mode of Action: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (IRAC Group 1B).

• Systemicity: Contact and stomach poison, with some translaminar activity.

• Target Spectrum: Effective against chewing and sucking insects as well as mites.

Applications

• Agriculture:

  • Widely used on cotton, maize, rice, vegetables, soybean, potato, tea, and tobacco.

  • Controls bollworms, armyworms, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, jassids, and mites.

• Resistance Management:

  • Often applied in rotation with pyrethroids to manage resistance in cotton pests.

• Dual Action:

  • Acts as both an insecticide and an acaricide, making it suitable for crops facing mite infestations.

Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum: Controls both sucking pests and mites, unlike many pyrethroids.

• Resistance Breaker: Effective against pests resistant to pyrethroids and carbamates.

• Fast Action: Provides quick knockdown through contact and ingestion.

• Residual Effect: Offers 7–10 days protection under field conditions.

• Translaminar Movement: Can penetrate leaf tissues, providing internal protection.

• Compatibility: Can be tank-mixed with several fungicides and insecticides.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: How does Profenofos differ from pyrethroids like Cypermethrin or Deltamethrin?
A: Profenofos is an organophosphate, not a pyrethroid. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase instead of sodium channels, making it effective against pyrethroid-resistant pests.

Q2: Does Profenofos control mites?
A: Yes. It is both an insecticide and acaricide, effective against red spider mites and other species.

Q3: Can Profenofos be used in resistance management?
A: Yes. It is commonly rotated with pyrethroids to reduce resistance buildup in cotton pests.

Q4: How long does Profenofos remain active in the field?
A: It generally provides 7–10 days of control, depending on crop and conditions.

Q5: Is Profenofos safe for beneficial insects?
A: No. It is toxic to bees, fish, and natural predators, so care must be taken to avoid ecological harm.

Q6: Can Profenofos be used in integrated pest management (IPM)?
A: Yes, but only as part of a rotational strategy, since continuous use may lead to resistance.