Colfos Insecticide (Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC) – Complete Guide
The "One-Shot" Solution for Bollworms and Sucking Pests.
Colfos by PI Industries is a powerful dual-action insecticide designed for Indian farmers. It combines two potent chemicals—Ethion and Cypermethrin—to destroy mixed pest populations instantly. Whether you are fighting the American Bollworm in cotton or Mites in chili, Colfos provides a cost-effective, broad-spectrum defense that works where single insecticides fail.
Best For: Cotton, Brinjal, Okra, Chilli, and Pulses.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Instant Knockdown Power: Contains Cypermethrin for a "shock effect" that paralyzes and stops pests from feeding within minutes.
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Double Action Protection: While Cypermethrin handles caterpillars, Ethion kills mites (acaricidal action) and whiteflies, giving you total coverage.
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Resistance Breaker: Effective against pests that have become resistant to standard pyrethroids, thanks to the addition of Ethion.
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Excellent Rain Fastness: The high-quality EC formulation sticks well to leaves and remains active even in sunlight (photostable).
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Cost-Effective: Provides premium protection at an affordable price (approx. ₹800–₹900/L), saving money compared to expensive modern molecules.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Colfos |
| Technical Name | Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 1B (Organophosphate) + Group 3A (Pyrethroid) |
| Chemical Group | Organophosphate + Synthetic Pyrethroid |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | 🟡 Yellow Label (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Colfos attacks the insect's nervous system from two angles simultaneously (Synergistic Action).
[Image of dual mode of action insecticide mechanism]- Step 1 (The Shock): Cypermethrin hits the Sodium Channels ($Na^+$) in the insect's nerves. This causes the nerves to fire repeatedly without stopping, leading to immediate paralysis (Knockdown).
- Step 2 (The Kill): Ethion inhibits the enzyme Acetylcholinesterase. This prevents the insect from "resetting" its nerve signals.
- Result: The insect suffers from system failure—tremors, paralysis, and death. Ethion also ensures that any insect surviving the initial shock of Cypermethrin is killed later.
Note: This dual action is excellent for controlling pests that hide on the underside of leaves (translaminar action).
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | American Bollworm, Whiteflies, Aphids, Thrips |
| Vegetables (Brinjal, Okra) | Shoot & Fruit Borer, Jassids, Beetles |
| Chilli & Pulses | Yellow Mites, Thrips (Leaf Curl), Pod Borers |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 400 ml | 200 L | 2.0 ml - 2.5 ml | 15 Days |
| Vegetables (Brinjal/Okra) | 400 ml | 150-200 L | 2.0 ml | 7-14 Days |
| Chilli / Pulses | 400 - 500 ml | 200 L | 2.5 ml | 14 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply when you see the first signs of pest infestation (Economic Threshold Level), such as egg masses or small larvae. Evening spraying is best.
- Mixing: Do NOT mix with alkaline products like Lime Sulphur or Bordeaux Mixture. This will destroy the medicine immediately. It is compatible with fungicides like Mancozeb.
- Coverage: Use a hollow cone nozzle. Ensure the spray reaches the underside of the leaves to kill hidden mites and whiteflies.
- Safety: This is a "Yellow Label" (Highly Toxic) product. Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the price of Colfos 1 Liter?
The market price usually ranges between ₹800 and ₹900 per liter, making it a very economical choice compared to newer chemicals.
2. Does Colfos kill Mites?
Yes. Because it contains 40% Ethion, it is highly effective against red and yellow mites, which many standard caterpillar sprays miss.
3. Can I mix Colfos with fungicides?
Yes, Colfos is generally compatible with common fungicides like Mancozeb and Carbendazim for simultaneous pest and disease control.
4. What is the antidote for accidental poisoning?
In case of poisoning, immediate medical attention is required. Doctors typically administer Atropine Sulfate and 2-PAM. (See Safety Section).
5. How is Colfos different from plain Cypermethrin?
Plain Cypermethrin only kills bollworms and can cause mite outbreaks. Colfos adds Ethion, which kills the mites and helps kill bollworms that have become resistant to plain Cypermethrin.
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. Colfos is toxic to fish and bees; avoid spraying near water bodies or during active bee foraging.
