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Classification and Characteristics of Some Major Pesticides 

Pesticide is any agent used to kill or control undesired insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, bacteria, or other organisms. These are derived from various chemicals and they contain different elements. Hence, in general any pesticide shall be classified based on the pest they kill and based on the chemical groups they contain. Table M-IX 1.3 and Figure M-IX 1.5 shows the block diagram for classification of pesticides . Apart from this, pesticides can be basically characterized by their physical, chemical and toxicological properties. Toxicity may be acute or chronic and it depends on type and dose of pesticide taken and mode of intake. Table M-IX 1.4 gives the characteristics of some major pesticides. 

Table M-IX 1.3: Technical Grade Pesticide Manufacturer in India 

Name of Pesticides

INSECTICIDES

Acephate, BHC, chlorpyriphos, Cypermethrins, DDT, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Deltamethrin, Dichloropropane&dichloropropanes, mixture (D.D. mixture), Dicofol, Ethion, Endosulfan, Ethylene dibromide& carbon tetra chloride mixture, Fenthion, Fenitrothion, Fenvalerate, Lime- sulfur, Lindane, Malathion, Methyl parathion, Monocrotophos, Nicotine sulphate, Oxydemetonmethol, Phosphamidon, Pyrethrum extract, Phorate, Phosalone, Quinalphos, Temephos, Triazaphos.

FUNGICIDES

Aureofungin, Copper oxychloride, Copper sulphate, Carbendazim, Captafol, Ferbam, Mancozeb, Nickel Chloride, Organomercurials (MEMC & PMA), Sulphur (Colloida, wettable and dust), Streptocycline, Thiram, Tridemorph, Ziram, Zineb.

RODENTICIDES

Barium carbonate, Comafuryl, Sodium cyanide, Warfarin, Zinc phosphide.

WEEDICIDES

Anilophos, Butachlor, Diuron, 2,4-D, Fluchlorallin, Glyphosate, Isoproturon, Paraquat dichloride.

PLANT GROWTH REGULANTS

Alpha naphthalene acetic acid, Chloromequat chloride.

FUMIGANTS

Aluminiumphasphide, Ethylene bromide, Methyl bromide

                                                  
 

Agrochemical Market (Part - 2) | Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

Figure M-IX 1.5: Block Diagram of Classification of Pesticides 

Table M-IX 1.4: Characteristic of Some Major Pesticides

 

Pesticide

Properties

Characteristic

D.D.T

Insecticide, colorless white crystal, odorless or slight aromatic odor BP=109OC , TLV=1mg/m3 of air

Vomiting, numbness, partial paralysis, mild convulsions

Parathion

Insecticide , yellowish liquid BP=3750C

Headache, blurred vision, weakness, nausea, cramps, sweating, loss of reflexes, coma

2,4-D

Herbicide, white powder, mol wt.- 221

Nausea ,vomiting ,kidney and liver failure

Carbaryl

Insecticide , solid, melting point=1420C ,TLV=5mg/ m3 of air,

Symptoms same as parathion but to a lesser extent

Dieldrin

Crystalline, melting point=1500C

Headache, nausea, vomiting, general malaise and drowsiness

B.H.C

White crystalline powder, melting point=1570C

Irritation, excitation, hyperirritability, loss of equilibrium, depression

Lindane

White crystalline powder, melting point=1570C,Mol wt. =290.84 TLV=0.5 mg/m3of air

Acute toxicity may be excitation, hyperirritability, and loss of equilibrium, depression, headache, nausea, irritation of eyes, nose and throat no chronic toxicity as such. It emits highly toxic fumes of phosgene when heated.

Atrazine

Crystalline, soluble in water, alcohol and chloroform

Relatively low toxicity but a possible carcinogen. It emits dangerous fumes when strongly heated.

Guthion

Crystals, slightly water soluble but soluble in organic solvents, mol wt. =317.3, MP =740C

Highly toxic: toxicity is almost same as that of parathion.

Malathion

Yellow liquid, BP=156- 157OC,slightly soluble in water, miscible with most polar organic solvents, combustible,

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, absorbed by skin

 

TLV=10mg/m3 of air

 

Copper

oxychloride

Fungicde, bluish green powder,

soluble in acids, ammonia. Insoluble in water

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation

Ziram

Fungicide, white and odorous when

pure ,sp gr.- 1.71, MP=2460C, insoluble in water , soluble in some solvents like acetone and carbon

disulfide.

Moderately toxic, strong irritant to eyes and mucous membrane

Zinc

phosphide

Rodenticide, Dark grey gritty powder, sp gr.- 4.55, MP>2460C,insoluble in alcohol, soluble in acids, decomposes in water.

Highly toxic by ingestion, reacts violently with oxidizing agents, Phosphine is produced when reacted with the acids.

Aldrin

Insecticide , brown to white crystalline solid, insoluble in water , soluble in most organic solvents, MP=104 -105 0C,

TLV=0.25mg/ m3of air

Highly toxic by ingestion and inhalation, carcinogen, use restricted to non-agricultural application.

Dimethoate

Insecticide, white solid,

MP=51 -52 0C, moderately soluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents except hydrocarbons.

Highly toxic, a cholinesterase inhibitor, restricted use.

 
Process Technology  
 
Pesticide manufacturing consists of the chemical synthesis of active ingredients for crop protection, which is very often the synthesis of complex organic chemical compounds, and subsequent formulation of these active ingredients (usually mixing and grinding processes). 
 
 Major chemical reactions involved in production of technical grade pesticides are: alkylation, carboxylation, acetylation, condensation, cyclization, dehydration, halogenations, oxidation, sulfonation, nitration and amination. Main physical “unit operations” include Liquid/liquid extraction, liquid/liquid separation, liquid/solid separation, gas/solid separation, distillation, crystallization, gas absorption, drying, grinding and mixing. The pesticide Industry in India falls in to three distinct categories  
  • Manufacture of Pesticide and Formulation
  • Exclusively Formulation
  • Importers, distributors and dealers 

Diphenyl Dichloro Trichloethane (Ddt) 

DDT one of the commonly used organo chlorine pesticide were synthesized first in 1874 and played important role in elimination of malaria and used for agricultural purpose. However, due its persistent nature and carcinogenic nature DDT has been banned in most of the country. DDT dissociates in presence of moisture into DDE and DDD which are highly persistent.

DDT is mixture of two isomers p,p (1-trichloro-2,2-bis (pchlorophrnyl) ethane) and o,p (1-trichloro-2-0,chlorophenyl ethane2-bis (pchlorophrnyl ethane). The former is the main constituent process steps involved in the manufacture of DDT are:

  • Manufacture of mono-chlorobenzene through chlorination of benzene using iron catalyst
  • Manufacture of chloral through chlorination of ethyl alcohol
  • Manufacture of DDT through condensation reaction between MCB and chloral using oleum as condensing agent
  • recovery of by products, dil. HCl, dichlorobenzene and sulphuric acid

Biopesticides: 

Growing environmental concerns and consumer inclination towards chemical free crops especially food crops there has been increasing use of bio-pesticides. Three major classes of biopesticides are microbial pesticides, biochemical pesticides and plant incorporated pesticides Bio-pesticides getting importance as they are less toxic than conventional pesticides which has become serious threat to environment due to its increasing use. Bio-pesticides affect only the target pest and closely related organisms.

Several factors such as new products, end user acceptance and acceptance of substitutes to conventional pesticides and declining market for harmful organophosphate insecticides, have fueled the market growth. Delivering a better alternative to manage harmful insects, weeds and fungal plant pathogens, bio-pesticides is poised to witness robust gains in coming years. The United States represents the largest region for bio-pesticides worldwide. Europe represents the fastest growing regional market for bio-pesticides. 

With the growing acceptance of bio-pesticides as an efficient crop protection alternative with eco friendly footprint, several agricultural chemicals are leaning towards bio-pesticides (Global Industry Analysts, Inc)

 Some of the important bio-pesticides are:

  • Trichogramma
  • Fungi (Trichoderma and  Gliocladium)
  • Baculovirues
  • Bacillus thuringiensis
  • Neem

As the organic food business is growing, demand for non-toxic pesticide for crop protection is increasing. Use of bio-pesticides is being encouraged by Govt. of India as part of integrated pest management programme.

New Generation Insecticides: Looking to environmental hazards of chemicals used as pesticides in the past, new generation of pesticides with reduced risks to the environment and human health has developed and are being used. These pesticides tend to be rather surgical in method of their redicing number of insects. Some of the new generation pesticides are Neoniconoids, Spinosyns and Spimosoids, Indoxcarb, Fiproles or phenylpyrazoles, pyrazolesa, pyridazinones, quinazolines.  Seven classes of insecticides which have appearance in recent years are Methyxyacrylates, npahthoquinones, Nereistoxin, Nereistoxin analogues, Pyridine azomethine, Pyrmidinamines, Tetronic acids, Clofentezine 

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRS): IGRS are compounds which alter the normal growth of process of insects and therefore can be used to control insect populations. Some of the IGRS are Juvenile hormone based insecticides, Tebufenozide, Fenoxycarb 

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FAQs on Agrochemical Market (Part - 2) - Chemical Technology - Chemical Engineering

1. What are agrochemicals and their role in agriculture?
Ans. Agrochemicals are chemical substances used in agriculture to enhance crop production and protect crops from pests, diseases, and weeds. They include fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. Agrochemicals play a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity, improving crop quality, and ensuring food security by preventing crop losses caused by pests and diseases.
2. How do agrochemicals affect the environment?
Ans. Agrochemicals can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. While they contribute to increased crop yields, improper use or excessive application of agrochemicals can lead to environmental pollution. Pesticides and herbicides can contaminate soil, water bodies, and air, impacting biodiversity and causing harm to non-target organisms. It is essential to use agrochemicals judiciously, following recommended guidelines and practices, to minimize environmental impacts.
3. Are agrochemicals safe for human consumption?
Ans. Agrochemicals, when used correctly and in appropriate quantities, are considered safe for human consumption. Regulatory authorities set maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agrochemical residues in food products to ensure consumer safety. However, it is crucial to use agrochemicals responsibly, following label instructions, and adhering to recommended waiting periods before harvest. Regular monitoring and compliance with safety standards are necessary to minimize any potential risks associated with agrochemical use.
4. What are the alternatives to agrochemicals in agriculture?
Ans. There are several alternatives to agrochemicals that promote sustainable agricultural practices. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on using a combination of cultural, biological, and mechanical methods to manage pests, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Organic farming avoids synthetic agrochemicals and relies on natural inputs like compost, biopesticides, and crop rotation. Precision agriculture utilizes technology to optimize the use of agrochemicals, reducing wastage and environmental impact. These alternatives promote ecological balance, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability in agriculture.
5. How do agrochemicals contribute to food security?
Ans. Agrochemicals play a significant role in ensuring food security by increasing crop yields and reducing losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients for plant growth, improving crop productivity. Pesticides and herbicides protect crops from pests and weeds, preventing significant yield losses. By enhancing agricultural productivity, agrochemicals contribute to a stable and sufficient food supply, meeting the growing global demand for food. However, their use should be balanced with sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts and ensure long-term food security.
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