Swal Zapper Pymetrozine 50% WG Insecticide for Brown Plant Hopper Control in Paddy

Swal Zapper is a systemic insecticide formulated as Pymetrozine 50% WG (water-dispersible granules), developed by SWAL Corporation Ltd. specifically to control the Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) in paddy. Zapper works by disrupting the feeding behaviour of sap-sucking insects, causing them to stop feeding and eventually die of starvation. This prevents hopper-burn, protects grain yield and quality, and keeps the crop healthy during critical growth stages.

Its systemic and translaminar action ensures the active ingredient moves through plant tissues, providing uniform protection even in hidden feeding sites. This makes it effective even under heavy pest pressure. Beyond paddy, SWAL Zapper also delivers reliable control of sucking pests such as aphids and whiteflies in crops like chilli, brinjal, groundnut, potato, and citrus. With its targeted mode of action and minimal residue profile when used as directed, it fits well into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes.

Key Benefits

• Highly effective against Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) in paddy, rapidly halting feeding and preventing hopper-burn.
• Systemic and translaminar action ensures uniform protection through plant tissues for sustained control.
• Long-lasting action even during heavy infestations, reducing the need for frequent sprays.
• Prevents egg-laying by pests, helping reduce future infestations.
• Protects grain yield and quality by reducing crop damage.
• Targeted mode of action for sap-sucking pests, minimizing unnecessary non-target exposure when used correctly.
• Pollinator-friendly and suitable for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes.
• Leaves minimal residues when used as directed.

How It Works

SWAL Zapper contains Pymetrozine, which belongs to the pyridine azomethines chemical group. It acts as a feeding blocker that targets the pest's nervous system. When a sap-sucking insect like the Brown Plant Hopper comes into contact with or feeds on treated plant tissue, the active ingredient disrupts its feeding behaviour. The insect stops feeding almost immediately and is unable to continue sucking sap from the plant.

Because the pest can no longer feed, it slowly starves and dies. The product also prevents egg-laying, which helps break the pest's life cycle and reduces the chance of resurgence. Its systemic and translaminar movement means the active ingredient spreads within the plant, reaching feeding sites that a simple contact spray might miss. This combination of rapid feeding stoppage, starvation, and reduced egg-laying gives farmers long-lasting, reliable control even when pest pressure is high.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

The recommended dose of Swal Zapper is 120 g per acre for paddy. Depending on the crop and pest pressure, dosage may range from 120–200 g per acre. Mix the granules in a suitable volume of water and apply as a foliar spray, ensuring uniform canopy coverage including leaf undersides.

For larger areas, one 1 Kg pack covers up to 8 acres. Apply using a knapsack or power sprayer with uniform coverage. Mix 120–200 g of SWAL Zapper in 200 litres of water per acre and stir well until the solution is uniform.

When to Use

Apply Swal Zapper at the first sign of infestation or when scouting shows hopper populations approaching economic threshold levels for your region. Early application gives the best results and prevents hopper-burn before it damages the crop.

• For paddy, spray during early to peak infestation of Brown Plant Hopper.
• For chilli, apply during the vegetative stage.
• For brinjal, apply during the flowering stage.
• For groundnut, apply at pre-flowering stage.
• For citrus and potato, apply when pests actively appear.
• Avoid spraying during windy or rainy weather for best results.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gloves, mask, and protective clothing before handling the product.
2. Measure the required dose of Swal Zapper (120–200 g per acre as per crop).
3. Mix the granules in 200 litres of water per acre.
4. Stir well until the solution is uniform.
5. Use a flat-fan nozzle sprayer or knapsack/power sprayer for even coverage.
6. Ensure thorough coverage of the canopy, including leaf undersides.
7. Apply at the early pest appearance stage for best effectiveness.
8. Avoid spraying during windy or rainy weather.
9. Wash hands and exposed skin after application.

Compatibility

Check the product label for specific compatibility information before tank-mixing with other products. Perform a jar test before mixing to confirm compatibility. Always follow label instructions when combining with other agrochemicals.

Precautions & Safety

• Always read and follow the product label before use.
• Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, mask, goggles, protective clothing) when preparing and applying sprays.
• Avoid spraying during pollinator activity and flowering; minimize exposure to non-target organisms.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Wash hands and exposed skin after application.
• Store in the original container in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and animals.
• Prevent spray drift into neighbouring crops or water bodies.
• Dispose of empty containers as per local regulations; do not reuse containers for other purposes.
• In case of exposure, provide symptomatic treatment as there is no specific antidote.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Pre-harvest interval (PHI): 21 days in paddy.
• Re-entry interval (REI): 24 hours.
• Storage: Store in the original container in a cool, dry place, away from food, water, children, and animals.