Common name

Alpha-cypermethrin

Product category

Insecticide

Chemical name

[1a(S*),3a]-(?-cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate(Chemical Abstracts name) 

CAS Number

67375-30-8

Molecular formula

C₂₂H₁₉C_l2NO₃

appearance

white to pale powder, with a weak aromatic odour

packing

application

Biochemistry

Acts by preventing transmission of impulses along nerves, brought about by blocking the passage of sodium ions through sodium channels in nerve membranes thus preventing action potentials passing down axons. Typically this intoxication results in a rapid "knockdown" and resultant mortality. 

Mode of action

Non-systemic insecticide with contact and stomach action. Acts on the central and peripheral nervous system in very low doses. 

Uses

Control of a wide range of chewing and sucking insects (particularly Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera) in fruit (including citrus), vegetables, vines, cereals, maize, beet, oilseed rape, potatoes, cotton, rice, soya beans, forestry, and other crops; applied at 10-15 g/ha. Control of cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, and other insect pests in public health; and flies in animal houses. Also used as an animal ectoparasiticide.

Formulation types

EC; SC; TB; UL; WP. 

Compatibility

Compatible with most organophosphorus insecticides.