HPM Picador Propargite 57% EC Acaricide - Mite Control for Tea, Apple, Brinjal & Chilli

HPM Picador is a specialized acaricide (mite killer) containing Propargite 57% EC, designed to protect crops from damaging mite infestations. It is a non-systemic, contact-action formulation that works by direct contact and vapor action, reaching mites hiding on the underside of leaves and inside curled foliage. This product is highly effective against mites that have developed resistance to other insecticides, making it a reliable choice for farmers dealing with persistent mite problems in crops like tea, apple, brinjal, and chilli.

Picador targets a broad range of mite species including red spider mite, pink mite, purple mite, scarlet mite, two-spotted spider mite, and European red mite. Its unique mode of action attacks the mite's energy production system, causing immediate paralysis and stopping feeding instantly. The product provides long-lasting residual protection on leaf surfaces and remains effective even after rainy weather conditions, ensuring your crops stay protected for longer periods.

Key Benefits

• Immediate stop-feeding action – Mites stop damaging your crop almost instantly after contact, preventing further yield loss.
• Effective against resistant mites – Works on mite populations that have developed immunity to other chemical groups like pyrethroids.
• Long-lasting residual protection – Spray residue stays on leaf surfaces and kills newly hatched larvae for days after application.
• Vapor action reaches hidden pests – Fumes penetrate leaf undersides and webbing where mites hide, giving thorough coverage.
• Rainfast in 4 hours – Once the spray dries, it sticks firmly to leaves and does not wash away easily in rain.
• Broad-spectrum mite control – Effective against red spider mite, pink mite, purple mite, scarlet mite, two-spotted mite, and European red mite.
• Resistance management tool – Belongs to IRAC Group 12C, making it an excellent option for rotating with other acaricides.

How It Works

HPM Picador works through a unique mode of action that is different from common nerve-poison insecticides. The active ingredient, Propargite, is a mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitor (IRAC Group 12C). It attacks the mite's energy production center — the mitochondria — by blocking the enzyme responsible for producing energy within the mite's cells.

When mites come into contact with the spray or inhale its vapors, their energy supply is cut off immediately. This causes total collapse of the mite's nervous and muscular systems. The mite stops moving and feeding instantly (within minutes of contact). Without energy, the mite dies within 48 to 96 hours.

Picador works through both direct contact and vapor action. The vapor phase is especially useful because it reaches mites hiding inside webs, curled leaves, and on the underside of foliage where spray droplets may not directly land. The product is non-systemic, meaning it stays on the leaf surface rather than being absorbed into the plant. This creates a long-lasting protective barrier that kills adult mites that walk on treated surfaces and kills larvae immediately after they hatch from eggs. Note: Picador does not directly destroy mite eggs (it is not an ovicide), but the residual film kills the newly hatched larvae, effectively breaking the pest's life cycle.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	HPM Picador
Technical Name	Propargite 57% EC
Formulation Type	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 12C (ATP Synthase Inhibitor)
Chemical Group	Sulfite Ester (Organosulfite)
Mode of Action	Contact + Vapor action
Toxicity Label	Yellow Triangle (Highly Toxic)
HSN Code	3808
GST Rate	18%
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. Mites live on the underside of leaves, so using enough water to cover the whole plant is critical.

Crop	Target Pest	Dose (ml/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (ml/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Tea	Red Spider Mite, Pink Mite, Purple Mite, Scarlet Mite	300 - 500 ml	160 - 200 L	2 - 2.5 ml	7 Days
Brinjal	Red Spider Mite, Two Spotted Spider Mite	400 ml	160 - 200 L	2 ml	6 Days
Chilli	Red Spider Mite, Two Spotted Spider Mite, Yellow Mite (Broad Mite)	400 - 600 ml	200 L	2 - 3 ml	7 Days
Apple	Red Mite, Two Spotted Spider Mite, European Red Mite	5 - 10 ml per tree	As required	1 ml	9 Days

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

When to Use

Apply HPM Picador when you first notice mite infestation on your crops. Early signs include yellow or white speckling on leaves, leaf curling, and fine webbing on the underside of leaves. For best results, spray during early morning or late evening hours. Avoid spraying when temperatures are above 35°C as this can cause leaf burn and reduce effectiveness.

Mite populations typically increase during dry and hot weather conditions. Regular scouting of your fields is important — check the underside of leaves where mites hide. For tea gardens, apply when mite populations reach economic threshold levels. For apple orchards, be careful during the pink bud stage and tender fruit stage as Picador can cause russeting (brown spots) on apple skin. Use it after the fruit has hardened or during summer for apple crops.

To prevent resistance, do not use Picador more than twice per season. Rotate it with other acaricides from different mode of action groups like Spiromesifen or Fenazaquin.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the measured quantity of Picador as per the dosage table above. Mix thoroughly. Add the remaining water and stir well.
2. Adjust sprayer settings: Use a knapsack sprayer or power sprayer with a fine nozzle. Ensure the sprayer is clean and free of residues from previous chemicals, especially oils or alkaline products.
3. Direct spray to leaf undersides: Mites live on the underside of leaves. Direct your spray nozzle upwards to ensure full coverage of the lower leaf surface. This is critical for effective control.
4. Ensure thorough coverage: Spray until the solution starts to drip from the leaves. Do not over-spray. For apple trees, ensure all branches and leaf clusters are covered.
5. Post-application care: Do not enter treated fields until the spray has completely dried (minimum 4 hours). Wash your sprayer thoroughly after use with clean water.
6. Follow PHI: Wait the recommended Pre-Harvest Interval (6-9 days depending on crop) before harvesting.

Compatibility

Picador is compatible with neutral pesticides like Mancozeb. However, strictly avoid mixing with oil-based products, Bordeaux mixture, or Lime Sulphur as these can destroy the chemical or damage the plant. If mixing with other chemicals for the first time, perform a small jar test to check compatibility. Wait at least 30 days between an oil spray and a Picador spray to avoid leaf burn.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying. Wear full-sleeve clothing and boots.
• Skin and eye safety: This product is a severe eye and skin irritant. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• Inhalation hazard: Toxic if inhaled. Always spray in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing spray mist. Use a suitable mask.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and children. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Environmental safety: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Do not contaminate water bodies, ponds, rivers, or drainage systems. Prevent spray drift to non-target areas.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Dispose of them safely as per local regulations. Do not burn containers as toxic fumes may be released.
• First aid: If inhaled, move the person to fresh air immediately. If product gets into eyes, flush with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting — seek medical attention immediately and show the product label.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• Apple russeting: Picador can cause russeting (brown spots) on apple skin if sprayed during the pink bud stage or tender fruit stage. Use carefully after the fruit has hardened or during summer.
• Leaf burn risk: Avoid spraying when temperatures exceed 35°C as this may cause leaf burn. Do not mix with oil-based products as this can also damage crop leaves.
• Non-target organisms: This product is highly toxic to aquatic life. Keep spray drift away from water bodies and non-target crops.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Tea	7 Days
Brinjal	6 Days
Chilli	7 Days
Apple	9 Days

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep away from food, animal feed, and children. Maintain temperatures within the recommended range as per the product label. Do not store near seeds, fertilizers, or food items.