HPM Antkaal Insecticide - Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC for Sucking & Chewing Pests

HPM Antkaal is a broad-spectrum, dual-action insecticide that combines two powerful active ingredients — Thiamethoxam 12.6% and Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% — in an advanced ZC (Zeon Capsule Suspension) formulation. This ready-mix insecticide is designed to control both sucking pests (like aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies) and chewing pests (like bollworms, stem borers, and army worms) in a single spray. The ZC formulation is a mixture of capsule suspension (CS) and suspension concentrate (SC), which provides better stability, improved leaf coverage, quick absorption, and sustained release of active ingredients for long-lasting protection.

HPM Antkaal works through two complementary modes of action. Thiamethoxam belongs to the neonicotinoid group (IRAC Group 4A) and acts systemically — it is absorbed by the plant and moves through the stem and leaves. When sucking pests feed on the plant sap, they ingest the poison and die. Lambda Cyhalothrin belongs to the synthetic pyrethroid group (IRAC Group 3A) and acts through contact and stomach action. It stays on the leaf surface and affects the nervous system of chewing pests on contact, causing rapid paralysis and knockdown. Together, these two chemistries provide comprehensive protection against mixed pest populations in crops like Cotton, Paddy, Maize, Soybean, Chilli, Wheat, Tomato, Tea, and Groundnut.

The advanced ZC technology uses micro-encapsulation, where the active ingredients are wrapped in tiny capsules that protect them from sunlight and environmental degradation. This ensures the product remains effective in the field for longer periods, provides excellent rainfastness within 2–4 hours of application, and reduces the need for frequent re-spraying. HPM Antkaal is an economical and efficient solution for farmers dealing with complex pest infestations, as it eliminates the need to mix two separate insecticides manually.

Key Benefits

• Dual pest control in one spray: Effectively controls both sucking pests (aphids, jassids, thrips, whiteflies) and chewing pests (bollworms, stem borers, army worms) simultaneously, saving time and labor.
• Quick knockdown action: Lambda Cyhalothrin provides instant contact action, paralyzing pests on contact and stopping crop damage immediately.
• Long-lasting systemic protection: Thiamethoxam moves inside the plant and protects new growth, providing extended residual control for 10–14 days after application.
• Rainfast within 2–4 hours: The ZC formulation sticks firmly to leaves, so rain shortly after spraying does not wash away the effectiveness.
• Reduces viral disease spread: By controlling insect vectors like thrips and whiteflies, it helps prevent the transmission of viral diseases in crops like tomato, chilli, and cotton.
• Cost-effective ready-mix: Eliminates the need to buy and mix two separate insecticides, reducing input costs and mixing errors.
• Improved crop health and yield: Effective pest control leads to healthier plants, less damage, and better final yields.

How It Works

HPM Antkaal uses a dual-action mechanism to ensure no pest survives. The product works in two ways simultaneously on the plant.

Systemic Action (Thiamethoxam): Thiamethoxam is absorbed by the plant roots and leaves and moves upward through the xylem vessels. It spreads throughout the plant tissue — stems, leaves, and new growth. When sucking pests like aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies feed on the plant sap, they ingest the active ingredient. Thiamethoxam disrupts the pest's nervous system by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing feeding inhibition, paralysis, and eventual death. This systemic movement also protects parts of the plant that were not directly sprayed.

Contact and Stomach Action (Lambda Cyhalothrin): Lambda Cyhalothrin remains on the leaf surface as a protective layer. When chewing pests like caterpillars, bollworms, stem borers, and army worms come into contact with or ingest the treated plant surface, the chemical affects their sodium nerve channels. This causes rapid paralysis of the nervous system, leading to immediate "knockdown" — pests stop feeding within minutes and die shortly after. Lambda Cyhalothrin also has strong repellent properties that deter new pest infestations.

Micro-Encapsulation Technology (ZC Formulation): The ZC formulation wraps the active ingredients in tiny, protective capsules. These capsules slowly release the chemicals over time, ensuring the product stays effective in the field for longer. The capsules also protect the active ingredients from sunlight (UV degradation) and wash-off from rain. This technology provides both quick action from the free active ingredient and long-lasting protection from the slow-release capsules.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Application Method: Foliar spray. Mix the recommended dose in 200 litres of water per acre and spray uniformly using a knapsack sprayer with a hollow cone nozzle. Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves where sucking pests hide.

When to Use

Apply HPM Antkaal when you first notice pest incidence in your crop. Early application at the initial stages of pest infestation gives the best results — it stops pests before they multiply and cause significant damage. For sucking pests like aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies, spray when you see the first few insects on the leaves or when sticky honeydew is observed. For chewing pests like bollworms, stem borers, and army worms, apply at the egg-hatching or early larval stage for maximum effectiveness.

Spray during the cool evening hours (after 4 PM) to avoid harming beneficial insects like honey bees, as the product is toxic to bees. Avoid spraying during peak daytime heat, strong winds, or when rain is expected within 2–4 hours. The product becomes rainfast within 2–4 hours of application, so light rain after this period will not reduce effectiveness. For crops like cotton, apply at 80–100 ml per acre during the vegetative and flowering stages when pest pressure is high. For vegetables like tomato and chilli, apply at the first sign of thrips or fruit borer infestation. Repeat application may be needed after 10–14 days if pest pressure continues, based on field scouting.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check pest presence: Inspect your crop thoroughly. Look for sucking pests on the underside of leaves and chewing pests on stems, leaves, and fruiting parts. Apply only when pest incidence is confirmed.
2. Choose the right time: Spray in the cool evening hours (after 4 PM) to avoid heat stress on plants and to protect bees and other beneficial insects.
3. Shake the bottle well: Before measuring, shake the HPM Antkaal bottle thoroughly to ensure the formulation is properly mixed.
4. Prepare the mixture: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Measure the correct dose as per the crop and pest table above. Mix the required dose in a small amount of water first (pre-mix), then add this pre-mix to the spray tank. Add the remaining water and stir well.
5. Spray uniformly: Use a knapsack sprayer with a hollow cone nozzle. Spray evenly on the entire crop, ensuring good coverage of the underside of leaves where sucking pests hide. Use 200 litres of water per acre for thorough coverage.
6. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly wash the sprayer and all equipment with clean water. Do not dispose of wash water near water bodies or wells.
7. Post-application hygiene: Wash hands, face, and all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Change and wash contaminated clothing separately.

Compatibility

HPM Antkaal is compatible with most commonly used fungicides and insecticides. However, do not mix with highly alkaline substances such as Bordeaux mixture or lime-based products, as alkaline conditions can reduce the effectiveness of the active ingredients. Before mixing with any new product, conduct a small jar test — mix small quantities of both products in water and observe for any physical incompatibility (clotting, separation, excessive foam, or settling). If the mixture remains stable, it is safe to use. Always add products to water in the correct order: first add water, then add wettable powders/granules, then suspension concentrates, and finally emulsifiable concentrates or ZC formulations.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, a protective mask, goggles, and full-body clothing (long sleeves and pants) while handling and spraying the product.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling and application. Wash hands thoroughly before eating or drinking.
• Avoid inhalation and skin contact: Do not breathe the spray mist. If the product comes in contact with skin or eyes, wash immediately with plenty of clean water for 15 minutes.
• Keep away from children, pets, and livestock. Store in a locked, cool, dry place away from food, feed, and drinking water.
• Environmental safety: Do not spray near water bodies, ponds, or wells. Avoid spray drift to neighbouring crops, especially flowering crops visited by bees.
• Toxic to honey bees: Do not spray during flowering periods when bees are actively foraging. Spray only in the evening after bee activity has stopped.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers for any purpose. Dispose of empty containers according to local waste disposal guidelines — crush or puncture them and bury away from water sources.
• First aid: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. No specific antidote is known; apply symptomatic treatment. Show the product label to the doctor.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

HPM Antkaal is moderately to highly toxic and should be handled with caution. The product is toxic to honey bees and aquatic organisms. Avoid spraying during flowering periods or near water bodies. When used at the recommended dosages, the product is safe for the target crops listed. Overdosing or spraying under extreme weather conditions (high heat, strong sunlight) may cause plant stress. Always follow the recommended dose per acre strictly — do not exceed the dosage limits mentioned on the label.

PHI / REI & Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the container tightly sealed in its original packaging. Store at temperatures between 5°C and 40°C. Keep away from food, animal feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.