HPM Sena Imidacloprid 0.3% GR Insecticide - Systemic Granules for Stem Borer & Sucking Pest Control in Paddy

HPM Sena is a broad-spectrum systemic granular insecticide containing Imidacloprid 0.3% GR, manufactured by HPM Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. It is designed to provide effective, long-lasting control of stem borers and sucking pests in paddy and other important crops. The product belongs to the neonicotinoid chemical group (IRAC Group 4A) and works by disrupting the insect's nervous system, leading to paralysis and death.

Unlike spray insecticides that can wash away with rain, HPM Sena granules are applied to the soil or broadcast in standing water. The active ingredient is absorbed by the plant roots and moves upward through the stem to the leaves, creating a full-plant shield against hidden pests like stem borers that live inside the plant stem where sprays cannot reach. This makes it especially valuable for monsoon-season farming where rainfastness is critical.

HPM Sena is effective against a wide range of pests including yellow stem borer, gall midge, brown plant hopper in paddy; aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies in cotton and vegetables; and termites in sugarcane, wheat, and maize. It is also useful in situations where pests have developed resistance to older insecticides like organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids.

Key Benefits

• Systemic protection from roots to leaves: The active ingredient is absorbed by roots and moves throughout the plant, protecting even parts that sprays cannot reach.
• Controls hidden stem borers: Kills larvae feeding inside the plant stem, preventing "dead heart" and "white ear" damage in paddy.
• Rainfast and weather-proof: Once absorbed into the plant system, rainfall does not wash away the protection — ideal for kharif and monsoon season.
• Long-lasting effect: Remains active inside the plant for weeks, reducing the need for repeated applications.
• Effective against resistant pests: Works well even where pests have developed resistance to organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids.
• Easy, labor-saving application: Granules can be broadcast by hand — no spray pumps or water mixing required.
• Compatible with fertilizers: Can be mixed with sand, urea, or other fertilizers for uniform spreading across the field.

How It Works

HPM Sena contains Imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide from the neonicotinoid group. When the granules are applied to the soil or broadcast in standing water, they dissolve and the active ingredient is taken up by the plant roots. From there, it moves upward through the xylem (the plant's water-conducting system) to the stems, leaves, and other above-ground parts. This upward movement is called acropetal translocation.

Once inside the plant, Imidacloprid acts as a neurotoxin. When a pest feeds on the treated plant — whether by sucking sap (like aphids, hoppers) or chewing tissue (like stem borer larvae) — it ingests the chemical. The active ingredient then binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insect's central nervous system. This causes continuous nerve stimulation, leading to uncontrolled excitement, paralysis, and eventually death of the pest. Feeding stops very quickly after ingestion, even before the pest dies, which means crop damage is minimized immediately.

Because of its systemic and translaminar movement, HPM Sena provides protection throughout the plant. The product has both contact and stomach action, meaning pests are killed either by direct contact with the granules or by feeding on treated plant tissue.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval (minimum days to wait between last application and harvest)

When to Use

For Paddy: Apply HPM Sena 15–30 days after transplanting, or at the first sign of stem borer infestation. Look for early symptoms like "dead heart" (dried central shoot) in young plants. For best results, apply when there is 2–3 inches of standing water in the field, and maintain this water level for 3–4 days after application to help the granules dissolve and reach the roots.

For other crops: Apply during soil preparation for termite control, or at the first appearance of sucking pests or borer activity. Early application at the onset of pest infestation gives the best protection.

The product is most effective when applied to moist soil or in standing water conditions, as moisture helps the granules dissolve and facilitates root uptake.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Calculate the dose: Measure the required quantity of HPM Sena granules based on your crop and field size. For paddy, use 6 kg per acre.
2. Mix for uniform spreading: Since the dosage is small (6 kg per acre), mix the granules with 20–25 kg of dry sand or fertilizer (such as Urea) to ensure even distribution across the entire field.
3. Apply at the right time: For paddy, apply 15–30 days after transplanting. For other crops, apply during soil preparation or at first sign of pest attack.
4. Broadcast evenly: Scatter the mixture uniformly by hand across the field. Do not concentrate in one area.
5. Maintain water level (for paddy): Ensure 2–3 inches of standing water in the field before and after application. Keep this water level for 3–4 days so the granules dissolve properly and are absorbed by the roots.
6. Post-application care: Do not drain the field for at least 3–4 days after application. This allows the active ingredient to be fully taken up by the plant roots.
7. Wait before harvest: Observe the pre-harvest interval (PHI) — for paddy, wait at least 26 days after application before harvesting.

Compatibility

HPM Sena is compatible with most commonly used pesticides and fertilizers, including Urea. Mixing with sand or fertilizer helps achieve uniform broadcasting. However, do not mix with alkaline substances such as lime, Bordeaux mixture, or other alkaline pesticides. If mixing with other products is needed, always do a small jar test first to check for any adverse reaction.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, a face mask, and goggles while handling and applying the granules.
• During application: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking. Do not blow granules with your mouth. Wash hands and face 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: Do not apply near water bodies used for aquaculture or fishing, as Imidacloprid can be toxic to fish and aquatic organisms in high concentrations.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Dispose of them safely as per local guidelines.

PHI / REI & Storage

Storage: Store in original container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep away from food, animal feed, and water sources.