Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP Insecticide Uses

Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP is a nereistoxin-analogue insecticide registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968, formulated as a water-soluble powder (SP) for foliar spraying. It is registered for the control of stem borer and leaf folder in paddy, and is the spray counterpart of the widely used cartap granules. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the recommended dosage as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) official list of approved insecticide uses (Government of India).

Which Problem Is This For? (Symptom Guide)

Not sure whether the damage in your field matches this insecticide's use case? This guide helps match what you see in the field to this insecticide's approved crop-wise uses.

Mode of Action

Cartap hydrochloride is a nereistoxin analogue (IRAC Group 14). It is converted in the insect and plant into nereistoxin, which blocks the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel in the insect's nervous system. This interrupts nerve-signal transmission, so the larva stops feeding, becomes paralysed and dies. The 50% SP formulation dissolves fully in water and acts by contact and stomach action, with systemic movement into the plant tissue that helps it reach larvae feeding inside folded leaves and the stem.

Features & Benefits

• Water-soluble powder dissolves completely in the spray tank — no clogging of nozzles.
• Contact, stomach and systemic action against stem borer and leaf folder larvae.
• Useful as a foliar spray when pest damage appears after the granule-application window has passed.
• Nereistoxin-analogue mode of action (Group 14) is a useful rotation partner with diamide, organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides for resistance management.

Recommended Usage of Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP Insecticide

The table below gives the recommended dose, water volume and waiting period per acre, converted from the CIB&RC-registered per-hectare rate — see the note below the table for conversion details. Always confirm against the current product label before use.

Figures above are converted from the CIB&RC-registered per-hectare rate (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres): 500 g a.i./ha, 1000 g formulation/ha, 500–1000 L water/ha, waiting period 21 days. Always confirm the current dose on your specific product's label before use.

How to Use

1. Identify the pest from the symptom guide above and confirm the dose from the table.
2. Dissolve the measured powder in a small quantity of water first, then add it to the spray tank and top up to the full volume while stirring.
3. Spray uniformly over the crop with a knapsack or power sprayer, covering the leaves and stems well.
4. Spray at the first sign of dead hearts, white ears or folded leaves, or at the crop stage advised by your local agricultural extension office.
5. Spray in calm weather in the early morning or late evening, and avoid spraying if rain is expected within a few hours.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask/respirator, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying, and avoid inhaling the powder or spray mist.
• Follow the recommended dose strictly; do not mix with other pesticides unless specifically recommended.
• Respect the 21-day waiting period (PHI) before harvesting the treated crop.
• Do not let spray wash or field water reach ponds, fish tanks, streams or drinking-water sources.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.