HPM Histar (Bifenthrin 10% EC) Broad Spectrum Insecticide for Cotton, Rice & Termite Control

Histar (Bifenthrin 10 EC) is a broad-spectrum bifenthrin insecticide from the pyrethroid ester group, trusted for reliable crop protection. It acts through contact, stomach, and repellent action, giving fast knockdown and long residual effect against harmful insects.

The strong biphenyl bond in Histar ensures longer field persistence. Unlike older bifen insecticide formulations, it does not contain a cyano-group, reducing irritation risks for farmers. Histar effectively manages larvae, whiteflies, mites, bollworms, leaf folders, stem borers, and termites. Its strong soil-binding tendency makes it an excellent choice for long-lasting termite control.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum pest control: Effectively controls bollworms, whiteflies, stem borers, leaf folders, green leafhoppers, jassids, mites, larvae, and termites in a single product.
• Triple mode of action: Works through contact, stomach, and repellent action to stop pests quickly and prevent re-infestation.
• Long-lasting residual protection: Strong biphenyl bond keeps the product active on leaves for 15–21 days, reducing the need for frequent sprays.
• Excellent termite control: Binds tightly to soil particles to create a long-lasting chemical barrier that repels and kills termites in crops and construction.
• Farmer-friendly formulation: Does not contain the cyano-group at the alpha position, significantly reducing skin irritation and itching (paresthesia) common with other pyrethroids.
• Phyto-tonic effect: Improves crop vigour, greenness, and overall plant health, supporting better quality produce and higher yields.
• Weather and photostable: Remains effective even in sunlight and resists wash-off from rain due to its low water solubility and oil-loving nature.

How It Works

HPM Histar contains Bifenthrin 10% EC, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide from the Pyrethroid Ester Group (IRAC Group 3A). It works by targeting the nervous system of insects. Bifenthrin keeps the sodium channels in the insect's nerve cells open for too long, causing continuous nerve firing. This leads to hyperexcitability, tremors, rapid paralysis, and eventually death of the pest.

Histar uses a three-pronged attack strategy for complete pest control. First, through contact action — when insects crawl over treated leaves or soil, they absorb a lethal dose through their skin instantly. Second, through stomach action — when chewing pests like bollworms and termites eat treated plant parts, the toxin destroys them from inside. Third, through repellent action — it creates a chemical "zone of denial" that termites detect and avoid, preventing them from entering treated areas.

Histar is a non-systemic insecticide, meaning it stays on the surface of leaves and soil rather than moving inside the plant. Its unique strong biphenyl bond gives it a longer residual period compared to many other pyrethroids. The product also provides a phyto-tonic effect that improves crop vigour and keeps plants healthy, leading to better quality produce.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.

For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer: For cotton, use approximately 25–30 ml per 15L tank. For rice/paddy, use approximately 20 ml per 15L tank. Always calculate based on per-acre requirements.

Application method: Apply as a foliar spray using a knapsack or power sprayer. Ensure uniform coverage of the entire crop canopy, especially the undersides of leaves where pests hide.

When to Use

For best results, apply HPM Histar at the early stages of pest infestation, when pest populations are low and easier to control. For crops like cotton and rice, the ideal application window is during the vegetative to early flowering stage. Avoid spraying during full bloom to protect beneficial insects like bees.

For termite control in sugarcane, apply as a soil drench before covering seeds or setts. For construction termite treatment, apply during the pre-construction or post-construction phase to create a soil barrier.

Apply during calm weather conditions — avoid spraying during hot sun, strong winds, or when rain is expected immediately. While Histar is rainfast once dried, applying in favourable weather ensures maximum coverage and effectiveness. Monitor pest activity regularly and reapply if infestation levels remain high after the residual period.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, goggles, and protective clothing before handling the product.
2. Measure the dose: Accurately measure the required amount of Histar based on the crop and pest (see dosage table above).
3. Pre-mix method: Mix the measured dose in a small bucket with 1–2 litres of water first. Stir well to create a uniform mixture.
4. Fill the spray tank: Pour the pre-mixed solution into the main spray tank filled with the recommended amount of water. Mix thoroughly.
5. Spray evenly: Apply the mixture as a foliar spray, ensuring full coverage of the crop canopy. Pay special attention to the undersides of leaves where pests often hide.
6. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly wash all equipment with clean water. Do not dispose of wash water near ponds or water bodies.
7. Post-application hygiene: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after application.

Compatibility

Do not mix HPM Histar with alkaline products such as Bordeaux mixture, as they can degrade the insecticide and reduce its effectiveness. If mixing with other pesticides is necessary, always perform a small jar test first — mix small quantities of both products in a glass jar and check for any signs of separation, clumping, heating, or colour change before full-scale mixing. When tank-mixing, follow the correct mixing order: wettable powders first, then suspension concentrates, then emulsifiable concentrates like Histar, and adjuvants last.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal protection: Always wear gloves, mask, goggles, and protective clothing while mixing and spraying the product.
• Handling: Avoid inhalation of spray mist and direct contact with skin or eyes. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during application.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep away from food, feed, drinking water, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Environmental safety: Highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. Do not spray near ponds, rivers, or water bodies. Avoid spray drift to non-target areas.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Crush or puncture them and bury safely away from water sources.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or spraying.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

HPM Histar is formulated without the cyano-group at the alpha position, which significantly reduces the risk of skin irritation and itching (paresthesia) commonly associated with other pyrethroid insecticides. However, as with all chemical pesticides, direct contact may still cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Avoid spraying during full bloom to protect bees and other beneficial pollinators. The product is highly toxic to fish and aquatic life — take care to prevent runoff or drift into water bodies.

PHI / REI & Storage