Skip to content

Cartap hydrochloride

Cartap hydrochloride is a synthetic nereistoxin-analogue insecticide, derived from the natural marine compound nereistoxin found in the annelid worm Lumbriconereis heteropoda. It is registered in India in 50% SP, 75% SG and 4% GR formulations.

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Active ingredient: Cartap hydrochloride
  • Chemical class: Nereistoxin analogue (bis-dithiocarbamate pro-insecticide)
  • Common brands: Caldan 50 SP, Mortar 75 SG (Dhanuka), and granule formulations

Mode of action

Once inside the insect, cartap is metabolised back to nereistoxin, which blocks the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel at the post-synaptic membrane. It is classified under IRAC Group 14 (nAChR channel blocker). The insect rapidly stops feeding, becomes paralysed and dies within 1-3 days. Action is both by contact and stomach.

Target use and dose

The primary registered use is in paddy for yellow stem borer and leaf folder, where granule formulations are broadcast in standing water at panicle initiation, and SP/SG forms are sprayed at booting. Cartap is also used against fall armyworm in maize and various lepidopteran caterpillars in vegetables. Standard SP foliar rates are 400-500 g/acre; granule formulations are applied at 4-10 kg/acre depending on a.i. content.

Safety and regulatory status

Cartap is moderately toxic to mammals and highly toxic to fish, requiring buffer zones near water bodies. It shows no cross-resistance with diamides (Chlorantraniliprole Coragen Ferterra) or mesoionics (Triflumezopyrim Pexalon), and so is commonly rotated with these for paddy stem borer resistance management.

See also: Chlorantraniliprole Coragen Ferterra, Fipronil, Triflumezopyrim Pexalon.

References

  1. Caldan 50 SP. Dhanuka Agritech.
  2. Mortar 75 SG. Dhanuka Agritech.