Fosmite Insecticide (Ethion 50% EC): The Expert Solution for Mites & Borers
Combat tough mites and chewing insects with the dual-action power of Fosmite.
Fosmite (Ethion 50% EC) by PI Industries is a legendary solution in Indian agriculture. It is a broad-spectrum insecticide and acaricide (miticide) designed to tackle complex pest problems in Tea, Cotton, Chilies, and Vegetables. Unlike standard insecticides, Fosmite works on two fronts: it kills damaging insects and wipes out mite populations simultaneously.
Best For: Farmers facing mixed infestations of mites (Red Spider Mite) and borers/sucking pests who need a reliable, cost-effective solution.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Dual Action Power: Acts as both an insecticide and a miticide (acaricide). You save money by using one product to kill caterpillars, whiteflies, and mites at the same time.
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Ovicidal (Egg-Killing) Action: Fosmite doesn't just kill the adults; it destroys the eggs. This prevents pests from hatching a few days later, breaking the lifecycle completely. [Image of spider mite life cycle]
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Deep Penetration: The special EC formulation helps the chemical penetrate the waxy webs of mites and the undersides of leaves, ensuring no pest can hide.
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Rainfast & Stable: Once absorbed, it remains effective. However, ensure you use neutral water (pH 4-7) for mixing to maintain maximum potency.
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Broad Spectrum Control: Proven effective on Red Spider Mites in tea, Bollworms in cotton, and Thrips/Mites in chilies.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Fosmite (PI Industries) |
| Technical Name | Ethion 50% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 1B (Organophosphate) |
| Chemical Group | Organophosphorus |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow Triangle (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Fosmite works by targeting the nervous system of the pest. It acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor.
[Image of Acetylcholinesterase inhibition mechanism]- Contact & Ingestion: The pest absorbs the chemical through its skin or by eating treated leaves.
- Enzyme Blockage: Ethion binds to the enzyme Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is responsible for calming nerves after a signal is sent.
- System Failure: Without this enzyme, the pest's nerves fire uncontrollably. This leads to tremors, paralysis, and rapid death.
Note: Because of this mode of action, it is vital to rotate Fosmite with other chemical groups to prevent resistance.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Tea [Image of tea plantation] | Red Spider Mite, Purple Mite, Yellow Mite, Thrips, Scales |
| Cotton | Whitefly, Bollworms (Pink & American) |
| Chilli & Vegetables | Mites (Murda complex), Thrips, Pod Borers |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not guess.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea | 250 - 500 ml | 200 - 400 L | 1.25 ml | Refer to Label* |
| Cotton | 600 - 800 ml | 150 - 200 L | 4.0 ml | Refer to Label |
| Chilli / Veg | 600 - 800 ml | 150 - 200 L | 4.0 ml | Refer to Label |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Always check the official leaflet. For Tea exports to the EU, allow maximum interval due to strict residue limits (0.01 mg/kg).
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: For mites, apply as soon as you see the first signs. In Tea, spray immediately after plucking to reduce residue on the next harvest.
- Mixing: Use clean, neutral water (pH 7 or lower). Do not mix with Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulfur; alkaline water destroys Fosmite instantly.
- Coverage: Mites hide on the underside of leaves and in buds. Use high-volume sprays to ensure the chemical drips down and covers these hidden areas.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. This is a Yellow Label (Highly Toxic) product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Fosmite kill mite eggs?
Yes, Fosmite is ovicidal. It kills the eggs of mites, which prevents the population from bouncing back quickly after spraying.
2. Can I use Fosmite on export-quality tea?
Be very careful. The European Union has a very strict residue limit (0.01 mg/kg) for Ethion. Using it on tea meant for export to Europe often leads to rejection. Consult your tea board advisory first.
3. Is this product safe for Honey Bees?
No. Ethion is toxic to bees. Do not spray during active flowering stages or when bees are foraging in the field.
[Image of honey bee on flower]
4. Why shouldn't I mix it with Lime?
Lime makes the water alkaline (high pH). In alkaline conditions, the Ethion molecule breaks down (hydrolysis) very fast, making the spray useless.
5. What should I do if the mites are resistant?
If Red Spider Mites are not dying, do not increase the dose. They may be resistant. Switch to a different chemical group (like Fenazaquin or Spiromesifen) for the next spray to break the resistance cycle.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. This product is toxic to fish and aquatic life; do not contaminate water bodies.
