Super Star Bifenthrin 10% EC Insecticide - IIL | Broad-Spectrum Control for Cotton, Paddy & Sugarcane

Super Star is a broad-spectrum insecticide and miticide from Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), containing Bifenthrin 10% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate). It belongs to the synthetic pyrethroid group (IRAC Group 3A) and is known for its powerful "knockdown" action against a wide range of chewing and sucking pests. Trusted by farmers across India, Super Star provides fast, long-lasting protection for crops like Cotton, Paddy (Rice), Sugarcane, Brinjal, and Tea.

This insecticide works through both contact and stomach action, meaning it kills pests on direct contact as well as when they feed on treated plant parts. It effectively controls tough pests such as bollworms, whitefly, stem borers, leaf folders, green leaf hoppers, mites, and subterranean termites. Super Star is also effective against insects that have developed resistance to commonly used insecticides. Its unique phyto-tonic effect often results in a visible greening and improved vigour of the crop after application, as pest stress is removed.

With its rainfast formula and stability even at high temperatures, Super Star remains active on the plant surface for 10 to 15 days, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying. It is widely used in over 40 countries on more than 70 different crops. The product carries a Yellow Triangle toxicity label (highly toxic) and requires careful handling with proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Benefits

• Instant knockdown action – Stops pest feeding immediately upon contact, preventing further crop damage within minutes.
• Dual insecticide + miticide power – Controls both chewing insects (bollworms, caterpillars) and sucking mites in a single spray, saving the cost of a separate miticide.
• Long-lasting residual protection – Remains active on the plant surface for 10 to 15 days, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying.
• Rainfast formula – The lipophilic nature helps the chemical stick firmly to waxy leaf surfaces, so it does not wash off easily during light rains.
• Phyto-tonic greening effect – Farmers often report visible greening and improved crop vigour after application as pest stress is relieved.
• Effective against resistant pests – Works well on insects that have developed resistance to commonly used insecticides.
• Stable at high temperatures – Remains effective even in hot field conditions, making it suitable for Indian summers.
• Soil barrier action – Binds to soil particles to create a chemical barrier that termites cannot cross, protecting sugarcane setts for months.

How It Works

Super Star works by attacking the nervous system of the insect. Bifenthrin is a Sodium Channel Modulator (IRAC Group 3A). When the pest comes in contact with the spray or consumes treated plant tissue, the chemical enters its body and blocks the sodium channels in the nerve cells. This prevents the nerves from closing properly, causing continuous nerve impulses. The result is that the pest loses coordination, suffers from tremors and convulsions, becomes paralysed, and dies quickly. This rapid action is known as the "knockdown effect".

The product enters the pest's body through two routes: Contact action – the chemical penetrates the insect's cuticle upon direct contact with the spray; and Stomach action – when pests like leaf folders or caterpillars eat treated leaves, they ingest the poison. For soil-dwelling pests like termites in sugarcane, Super Star binds to soil particles and creates a long-lasting chemical barrier that pests cannot cross, protecting the crop for months.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Super Star
Manufacturer	Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL)
Technical Name	Bifenthrin 10% EC
Formulation Type	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 3A (Pyrethroids)
Chemical Group	Synthetic Pyrethroid (Type I)
Toxicity Label	Yellow Triangle (Highly Toxic)
HSN Code	38089199
GST Slab	18%
Available Pack Sizes	100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Litre

Recommended Dosage & Application

The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Use the recommended dosage only; do not exceed or reduce the dose.

Crop	Target Pest	Dose (ml/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (ml/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Cotton	Bollworm Complex, Whitefly, Mites	320 ml	200 L	~1.6 ml	15 Days
Paddy (Rice)	Yellow Stem Borer, Leaf Folder, Green Leaf Hopper	200 ml	200 L	~1 ml	21 Days
Sugarcane	Subterranean Termites	400 ml	Use sufficient water for soil drenching	~2 ml (soil drench)	10 Months
Tea	Mosquito Bug	200-325 ml	As per recommendation	—	—

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

Note: For Paddy, the dosage per hectare is 500 ml formulation (50 gm a.i.) diluted in 500 litres of water. For Cotton, the dosage per hectare is 800 ml formulation (80 gm a.i.) diluted in 500 litres of water. For Sugarcane, the dosage per hectare is 1000 ml formulation (100 gm a.i.) diluted in 500 litres of water.

When to Use

Spray Super Star when you first notice pest activity or egg masses on your crop. Do not wait for severe damage to occur, as early intervention gives the best results. The ideal time for spraying is during the cool hours of early morning or late evening – this helps protect beneficial insects like bees and reduces evaporation of the spray solution in hot conditions.

For Cotton, apply at the first sign of bollworm infestation or whitefly buildup. For Paddy (Rice), monitor for stem borer damage (dead hearts), leaf folder damage, or green leaf hopper populations and spray at the early stages. For Sugarcane, apply as a soil drench over the setts at the time of planting or at the first sign of termite activity. For Whitefly control in Cotton, ensure the spray nozzle is directed to cover the underside of the leaves where whiteflies hide.

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 Super Star as per the recommended dosage for your crop. Mix well. Add the remaining water and stir thoroughly.
2. Check compatibility: If tank-mixing with other pesticides, do a small jar test first. Do not mix with highly alkaline substances like lime sulfur or Bordeaux mixture.
3. Spray at the right time: Apply during early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and bees are less active.
4. Ensure full coverage: Spray evenly to cover all parts of the plant – especially the undersides of leaves where whiteflies and mites hide. Use a well-maintained sprayer with proper nozzle pressure.
5. Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while mixing and spraying. Avoid inhalation and skin contact.
6. Post-application care: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after spraying. Do not enter treated fields until the spray has dried completely.
7. Clean equipment: Rinse the spray tank and nozzles thoroughly with clean water after use. Do not dispose of leftover spray solution near water bodies.

Compatibility

Super Star is compatible with most commonly used insecticides and fungicides. However, do not mix with highly alkaline substances such as lime sulfur or Bordeaux mixture, as alkalinity can break down the active ingredient. For whitefly control, consider tank-mixing with a systemic insecticide for better results. Always perform a small jar test before mixing with any new product to check for physical compatibility (no curdling, separation, or excessive foaming).

Precautions & Safety

• PPE is mandatory: Always wear gloves, a face mask, and goggles while handling, mixing, and spraying Super Star. Wear full-sleeved clothing and boots.
• Skin tingling (paresthesia): Some users may experience a temporary tingling or burning sensation on facial skin after exposure. This is a known side effect of pyrethroids and typically resolves within 24 hours. Applying Vitamin E oil or aloe vera can help soothe the skin. Avoid touching your face during spraying.
• Highly toxic to fish and aquatic life: Never use or dispose of Super Star near fish ponds, lakes, rivers, or water bodies. Do not use in paddy fields where fish farming is practiced.
• Keep away from food and feed: Store the product away from food items, animal feed, and drinking water sources.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets: Store in a locked, cool, dry place away from the reach of children and animals.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product and before eating or drinking.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• Paresthesia (skin tingling): A temporary, non-dangerous side effect of pyrethroid exposure. It causes a tingling, burning, or numbing sensation on exposed skin, especially the face. This resolves within 24 hours and is not harmful.
• Highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms: Extreme care must be taken to avoid spray drift or runoff into water bodies.
• Toxic to bees: Avoid spraying during flowering periods or when bees are actively foraging. Spray in early morning or late evening when bees are less active.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Cotton	15 Days
Paddy (Rice)	21 Days
Sugarcane	10 Months

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Store away from food, feed, and water sources. Keep out of reach of children and animals.