HPM Hero No. 1 Insecticide - Ethion 40% + Cypermethrin 5% EC for Cotton Bollworm Control

HPM Hero No. 1 is a powerful, broad-spectrum insecticide formulated as an Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) containing two active ingredients: Ethion 40% and Cypermethrin 5%. Manufactured by HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd., this product is specifically designed to tackle the bollworm complex in cotton crops, which is one of the most destructive pest problems faced by Indian cotton farmers. The combination of an organophosphate (Ethion) and a synthetic pyrethroid (Cypermethrin) creates a synergistic effect that delivers strong control against hard-to-kill pests like American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), spotted bollworm, and pink bollworm.

Hero No. 1 works through contact and stomach action, providing quick knockdown of pests while also offering ovicidal, larvicidal, and adulticidal action. This means it targets the pest at multiple life stages—eggs, larvae, and adults—helping break the pest lifecycle completely. The product is recommended by Punjab Agricultural University for cotton bollworm control and is trusted by farmers across India for its effectiveness at recommended dosages. It is available in multiple pack sizes including 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, and 5 litres to suit farms of all sizes. Please note that this product is restricted in Kerala state.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action pest control: The combination of Ethion (organophosphate) and Cypermethrin (pyrethroid) attacks pests through two different modes of action, making it highly effective even against resistant pest populations.
• Strong ovicidal action: Destroys pest eggs before they hatch, preventing the next generation of bollworms and reducing the need for repeated sprays.
• Effective against all bollworm stages: Provides ovicidal (egg), larvicidal (caterpillar), and adulticidal (moth) action, giving complete lifecycle control.
• Works on late instar larvae: More effective against older, tougher caterpillars that are harder to kill with standard insecticides.
• Synergistic power at lower dosage: The two chemicals work together to deliver stronger results, allowing effective control at economical doses.
• Long-lasting protection: Provides extended residual control, reducing the frequency of sprays and saving time and labour costs.
• Cost-effective solution: Delivers high performance at a competitive price point, making it a practical choice for Indian farmers.

How It Works

HPM Hero No. 1 uses a dual-attack strategy that targets the insect's nervous system through two different mechanisms, making it extremely difficult for pests to survive or develop resistance.

Cypermethrin (Pyrethroid - IRAC Group 3A): This component works by keeping the sodium channels in the insect's nerve cells open. Normally, these channels open and close to control nerve signal transmission. Cypermethrin locks them open, causing continuous nerve firing. This results in immediate paralysis and a rapid knockdown effect—the insect gets a "shock" and stops feeding within minutes of contact.

Ethion (Organophosphate - IRAC Group 1B): This component inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is responsible for breaking down nerve signals after they are transmitted. When AChE is blocked, nerve signals keep firing uncontrollably, leading to tremors, loss of coordination, and eventually death.

Synergistic effect: When these two chemicals work together, the organophosphate (Ethion) distracts the insect's detoxification enzymes, allowing the pyrethroid (Cypermethrin) to work harder and longer than it would alone. This synergy means the product is effective even against pests that have developed some level of resistance to either chemical class individually. The product also has an anti-feeding effect—even if a pest survives initial contact, the irritation stops it from feeding on your crop, preventing further damage immediately.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Note: PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval) is the minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. For vegetables and tea, check the official product label for specific recommendations.

When to Use

Apply HPM Hero No. 1 as soon as the pest population crosses the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). Do not wait for severe damage to appear, as early intervention gives the best results. For cotton, monitor your crop regularly for bollworm activity—look for eggs on the underside of leaves, small holes in squares and bolls, and the presence of larvae. The product is most effective when applied at the early stages of pest infestation, but it also works well against older, late-instar larvae that are harder to control with standard insecticides. For best results, ensure thorough coverage of the entire plant, especially the underside of leaves where eggs and young larvae are often hidden. Avoid spraying during heavy rainfall or extreme heat, as this can reduce effectiveness.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

• Step 1 - Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with a small amount of clean water. Add the required dose of Hero No. 1 (as per the dosage table above) and stir well to form a milky white emulsion.
• Step 2 - Add remaining water: Fill the tank with the remaining water while stirring continuously to ensure proper mixing.
• Step 3 - Spray application: Use a knapsack sprayer or power sprayer for even coverage. Ensure the spray reaches the underside of leaves where bollworm eggs and larvae are commonly found.
• Step 4 - Timing: Apply in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are moderate and wind speed is low to avoid spray drift.
• Step 5 - Safety during application: Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying. Avoid inhalation and skin contact.
• Step 6 - Post-application: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after spraying. Do not enter the sprayed field for at least 48 hours (re-entry period).

Precautions & Safety

• Personal protection: Always wear gloves, mask, and goggles while mixing and spraying the product.
• Handling: Avoid inhalation of spray mist and contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Environmental safety: This product is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. Do not spray near water bodies, ponds, or drainage channels. Avoid spray drift to non-target areas.
• Antidote: Atropine is the antidote. In case of poisoning, consult a doctor immediately and show the product label.
• Restricted use: This product is restricted in Kerala state. Check local regulations before purchase and use.

PHI / REI & Storage