Matador Insecticide (Syngenta): Complete Guide to Lambda-Cyhalothrin
Protect your crops with the power of Zeon Technology. Matador is a broad-spectrum insecticide designed to eliminate tough pests like Bollworms and Stem Borers instantly.
Matador, featuring the active ingredient Lambda-cyhalothrin, is a synthetic pyrethroid (Type II) that mimics natural insect repellents but with significantly higher stability and potency. Whether you are battling caterpillars in cotton or borers in vegetables, Matador provides a "knockdown" effect that stops pests in their tracks.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Instant Knockdown Action: Stops pests immediately upon contact by disrupting their nervous system.
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Zeon Technology (CS Formulation): Micro-encapsulated safety ensures the chemical is released effectively while reducing toxicity risks to the farmer.
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Long-Lasting UV Protection: Contains Titanium Dioxide additives that protect the spray from sunlight, keeping it active on the leaf longer.
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Excellent Rainfastness: Sticks to the plant surface within 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring rain doesn't wash away your investment.
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Multi-Crop Versatility: One solution for Cotton, Paddy, Vegetables, and Fruits, covering everything from beetles to caterpillars.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Matador (Syngenta) |
| Technical Name | Lambda-cyhalothrin |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3 (Sodium Channel Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Synthetic Pyrethroid (Type II) |
| Formulation | 4.9% CS (Capsule Suspension) / 5% EC |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow / Red (Poison - Handle with Care) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Matador attacks the insect's nervous system. It binds to sodium channels in the nerve cells, forcing them to stay open. This causes the nerves to fire uncontrollably.
- Contact & Ingestion: The pest absorbs the poison by walking on treated leaves or eating them.
- Hyperexcitation: The insect experiences tremors, loss of coordination, and convulsions.
- Rapid Death: Paralysis sets in quickly, leading to death from immobility and starvation.
Note: It targets all stages—eggs, larvae (caterpillars), and adults (moths/beetles).
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworm Complex (American, Spotted, Pink), Jassids, Thrips |
| Paddy (Rice) | Stem Borer ("Dead Heart"), Leaf Folder, Hispa |
| Vegetables (Brinjal/Tomato/Okra) | Shoot & Fruit Borer, Fruit Borer |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 200 ml | 200 - 300 L | 1.0 ml/L | 21 Days |
| Paddy (Rice) | 100 ml | 200 - 250 L | 0.5 ml/L | 15 Days |
| Brinjal / Tomato | 120 ml | 200 - 300 L | 0.6 ml/L | 5 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply at the first sign of pest incidence or when Economic Threshold Levels (ETL) are reached. For bees safety, spray in the evening.
- Mixing: Fill the tank halfway with water, add the required dose of Matador, and mix well before filling the rest.
- Coverage: Use a Knapsack Sprayer with a hollow cone nozzle to ensure fine mist coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid skin contact to prevent tingling sensation (paresthesia).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Matador work on insect eggs?
Yes, Matador has ovicidal properties, meaning it can prevent insect eggs from hatching, in addition to killing larvae and adults.
2. Is Matador compatible with fungicides?
Generally, yes. It is compatible with common fungicides like Ridomil Gold, but a physical "Jar Test" is always recommended before mixing large quantities.
3. Why do I feel a burning sensation on my skin after spraying?
This is temporary (Paresthesia) caused by the pyrethroid affecting skin nerves. Do not use water to wash it immediately as it spreads the oil; apply Vitamin E oil or vegetable oil to soothe it.
4. Can I use this for household pests?
No. This agricultural formulation is highly concentrated and toxic. Use only designated public health products (like Icon) for household use.
5. How long does the protection last?
Depending on the crop and weather, protection typically lasts 7 to 14 days. Re-application may be necessary if pest pressure is high.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. Matador is toxic to fish and bees; avoid spraying near water bodies or during peak flowering times.

