HPM Hitalux Insecticide - Quinalphos 25% EC for Paddy, Cotton & Pulses

HPM Hitalux is a broad-spectrum, non-systemic insecticide formulated with Quinalphos 25% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate). Manufactured by HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd., this organophosphate insecticide provides effective control of a wide range of chewing and sucking pests through both contact and stomach modes of action. It is designed to offer rapid knockdown and long-lasting residual protection, making it a trusted choice for farmers growing paddy, cotton, okra, jute, pulses, and citrus crops.

Hitalux works by disrupting the nervous system of target insects, causing immediate paralysis and death. Its dual-action approach ensures that pests are eliminated whether the spray directly touches them or they ingest treated plant material. Additionally, the product features translaminar movement, allowing the chemical to penetrate leaf tissues and reach pests hiding on the underside of leaves. This makes it highly effective against pests like brown planthopper, stem borer, leaf roller, pod borer, bollworms, scale insects, and more. With proper application, HPM Hitalux helps farmers protect their crop yield and quality by keeping pest populations under control during critical growth stages.

Key Benefits

• Fast Knockdown Action: Quickly paralyzes and kills pests upon contact, stopping crop damage immediately.
• Dual Mode of Action: Works through both contact (touch) and stomach (ingestion) action, ensuring no pest escapes.
• Translaminar Activity: Penetrates leaf tissues to kill hidden pests and mites on the underside of leaves that ordinary sprays miss.
• Long-Lasting Residual Protection: Remains active on plant surfaces for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent sprays.
• Uniform Coverage: The EC formulation spreads and adheres well to foliage, reaching every part of the crop.
• Multi-Crop Versatility: Effective on major Indian crops including paddy, cotton, okra, jute, pulses, and citrus.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Provides reliable pest control at a practical dose per acre, offering good value for farmers.

How It Works

HPM Hitalux contains Quinalphos, an organophosphate compound that belongs to IRAC Group 1B. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the insect's nervous system. This enzyme is essential for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. When inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates at nerve synapses, causing continuous nerve signal transmission. This leads to uncontrolled nerve firing, resulting in paralysis, loss of coordination, and eventually death of the insect.

The product employs a three-pronged attack strategy. First, through contact action, the insecticide kills pests instantly when spray droplets directly touch their body. Second, through stomach action, chewing pests like caterpillars and larvae are eliminated when they feed on treated leaves. Third, Hitalux has translaminar movement — the chemical penetrates from the upper surface of the leaf to the lower surface, reaching pests like mites and hidden insects that ordinary contact sprays cannot reach. While Hitalux is non-systemic (it does not travel throughout the entire plant), this translaminar property provides deeper coverage and better control of hidden pest populations.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Hitalux
Technical Name	Quinalphos 25% EC
Formulation Type	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Chemical Group	Organophosphate
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 1B
Mode of Action	Contact, Stomach & Translaminar
Category	Insecticide / Acaricide
Manufacturer	HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.
Country of Origin	India
Available Pack Sizes	100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 L

Recommended Dosage & Application

HPM Hitalux is applied as a foliar spray. The dosage varies by crop and target pest. Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results.

Crop	Target Pest	Dose (ml/acre)	Water (L/acre)	Dose (ml/L water)	PHI (Days)
Paddy	Brown Planthopper, Hispa	600 - 800 ml	200 - 400 L	2 - 4 ml	40
Paddy	Stem Borer	400 - 520 ml	200 - 400 L	1.5 - 2.5 ml	40
Okra	Leaf Hopper	500 - 600 ml	200 - 400 L	2 - 3 ml	—
Jute	Leaf Roller	400 - 500 ml	200 - 400 L	2 - 3 ml	—
Red Gram	Pod Fly, Pod Borer	560 - 600 ml	200 - 400 L	1.5 - 2.8 ml	30
Bengal Gram	Pod Borer	400 - 500 ml	200 - 400 L	2 - 3 ml	—
Citrus	Scale Insects	500 ml	200 - 400 L	2 - 3 ml	—

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

When to Use

Apply HPM Hitalux at the first sign of pest infestation for the best results. Early application when pest populations are low provides maximum knockdown effect and prevents the infestation from spreading. For paddy, monitor for brown planthopper, stem borer, hispa, and leaf folder activity during the vegetative and reproductive stages. For cotton, apply when bollworm or sucking pest populations cross the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). For pulses like red gram and Bengal gram, spray during the flowering and pod formation stages when pod borer and pod fly activity is highest. Avoid spraying during heavy rainfall or extreme heat for best results. Always ensure thorough coverage of the entire plant foliage, especially the underside of leaves where pests often hide.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check pest level: Inspect your crop to confirm pest presence and ensure it has crossed the threshold level before spraying.
2. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the measured dose of Hitalux to a small amount of water first, mix well, then add this mixture to the tank.
3. Mix thoroughly: Add the remaining water while stirring continuously to ensure uniform mixing of the EC formulation.
4. Spray evenly: Apply the solution as a foliar spray, ensuring complete coverage of all plant parts — stems, leaves (both upper and lower surfaces), and growing points.
5. Timing: Spray during early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and wind is low to reduce drift and improve coverage.
6. Clean up: After spraying, wash the spray equipment thoroughly with clean water. Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water.

Compatibility

HPM Hitalux is compatible with most commonly used insecticides. However, do not mix with alkaline products or alkaline spray solutions, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the insecticide. Always perform a small jar test before mixing with any new product to check for physical compatibility. If mixing with other products, add Hitalux to the tank first and stir well before adding the next product.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the product.
• During application: Avoid inhalation of spray mist. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product.
• After use: Wash hands, face, and all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the product in its original container, tightly sealed. Keep away from food, feed, and drinking water.
• Keep away: Store out of reach of children, pets, and livestock.
• Environmental safety: Avoid spray drift towards water bodies, ponds, and non-target crops. Do not contaminate water sources during disposal.
• Restricted use: This product is restricted in the state of Kerala. Check local regulations before purchase and use.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

HPM Hitalux is an organophosphate insecticide and should be used strictly at recommended doses. Overdosing or application under unfavorable weather conditions (extreme heat, high humidity) may increase the risk of phytotoxicity. As with all organophosphates, it is toxic to beneficial insects, including pollinators and natural enemies. Avoid spraying during flowering periods when bees are actively foraging. Use only when pest populations justify application and follow all label directions carefully.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Paddy	40 days
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Red Gram	30 days
Shelf Life	2 years from date of manufacture (when stored properly)
Storage Conditions	Cool, dry place in original sealed container, away from sunlight