Confidence 555 Insecticide (Crystal Crop Protection): The Complete Guide
Are you looking for "Confidence 555 Herbicide"? Note: This product is technically a powerful Insecticide, not a weed killer.
Confidence 555 (Imidacloprid 17.8% SL) by Crystal Crop Protection is one of India's most trusted solutions for sucking pests. It uses advanced "neonicotinoid" technology to protect crops like Cotton, Paddy, and Sugarcane from the inside out. If you are looking for Crystal's weed killers, you might be thinking of RiceAct or Traam.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Systemic Action: Absorbs into the plant quickly and moves upward, protecting new leaves that grow after spraying.
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Broad Spectrum Control: One shot controls multiple pests like Aphids, Jassids, Whiteflies, and Termites.
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Long Lasting Defense: Provides protection for several weeks, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying.
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Rain Fastness: Once absorbed by the leaf (usually within hours), rain will not wash it away.
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Phytotonic Effect: Known to make plants greener and healthier by reducing stress, boosting overall crop vigor.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Confidence 555 |
| Technical Name | Imidacloprid 17.8% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 4A (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Neonicotinoid |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow or Blue (Highly/Moderately Toxic) - Check Label |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Confidence 555 targets the central nervous system of insects. It mimics a natural substance in the insect's brain but creates a continuous signal that cannot be stopped.
- Uptake: The liquid is sprayed on foliage or soil and is absorbed by the plant roots or leaves.
- Translocation: It travels through the plant's water system (xylem) to reach stems and tips.
- Termination: When an insect sucks the plant sap, the chemical attacks its nervous system, causing paralysis and stopping it from feeding immediately.
This mechanism works specifically on insects (like hoppers and aphids) and is safer for the plant itself.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Aphids, Jassids, Thrips, Whiteflies |
| Paddy (Rice) | Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), White Backed Plant Hopper (WBPH), GLH |
| Sugarcane | Termites (Subterranean) |
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 / Paddy | 40 – 50 ml | 150 – 200 L | 0.25 – 0.3 ml | 7 – 15 Days |
| Chilli / Okra | 50 – 100 ml | 150 – 200 L | 0.5 ml | 3 – 7 Days |
| Sugarcane | 140 ml | 300 – 400 L | Soil Drench | N/A |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Spray when pests first appear (ETL stage). Avoid spraying when honeybees are active (during peak flowering).
- Mixing: Dissolve the required dose in a small amount of water first, then add it to the main tank. Stir well.
- Coverage: Ensure the spray reaches the undersides of leaves where pests like Whiteflies and Aphids hide.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Confidence 555 a herbicide (weed killer)?
No. It is an insecticide for killing bugs. If you spray it on weeds, nothing will happen. For weeds, look for Crystal products like RiceAct or Traam.
2. What is the price of Confidence 555?
A 250ml bottle typically costs between ₹500 and ₹575, making it a very economical choice (approx ₹100-120 per acre).
3. Does it control termites in Sugarcane?
Yes. It is excellent for termite control. For Sugarcane, it is usually applied as a soil drench or sett treatment during planting.
4. Can I mix it with fungicides?
Yes, Imidacloprid is generally compatible with most common fungicides, but a physical compatibility test (jar test) is always recommended before mixing.
5. Why is the liquid clear?
It is a "Soluble Liquid" (SL) formulation. This means it dissolves completely in water without leaving sediment, preventing nozzle clogging.
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.
