Hamada Insecticide (Bifenthrin 10% EC): Complete Guide for Cotton, Paddy & Sugarcane
A powerful, broad-spectrum solution by IFFCO-MC for controlling termites, bollworms, and sucking pests.
Hamada (Bifenthrin 10% EC) is a highly effective "Type I" pyrethroid insecticide designed for modern Indian agriculture. Unlike older chemicals, it offers a unique combination of rapid "knockdown" power and long-lasting soil stability. Whether you are battling stem borers in paddy, bollworms in cotton, or subterranean termites in sugarcane, Hamada provides a robust defense line.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
-
⏱️
Rapid Knockdown Action: Instantly paralyzes pests upon contact, stopping them from feeding on your crops immediately.
-
🛡️
Dual-Action Protection: Works effectively as a foliar spray for caterpillars and sucking pests, and as a powerful soil barrier against termites.
-
⏳
Long-Lasting Termite Control: Binds tightly to soil particles, creating a treated zone that protects sugarcane setts for months.
-
🌧️
Excellent Rainfastness: The lipophilic formula sticks to the waxy leaf surface, resisting wash-off from rain just 2–4 hours after spraying.
-
🌿
High Crop Safety: When used as directed, it is non-phytotoxic and will not burn leaves or stunt growth, even in sensitive crops.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Hamada |
| Technical Name | Bifenthrin 10% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3A (Sodium Channel Modulators) |
| Chemical Group | Synthetic Pyrethroid (Type I) |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow Triangle (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Hamada targets the nervous system of insects. It is a non-systemic insecticide with contact and stomach action.
- Contact & Ingestion: The pest absorbs the chemical by walking on treated surfaces (contact) or eating treated leaves (stomach action). [Image of insect nervous system voltage gated channels]
- Nerve Disruption: Hamada binds to the sodium channels in the insect's nerve cells, keeping them open for too long.
- Paralysis & Death: This causes continuous nerve firing, leading to tremors, paralysis, and rapid death of the pest.
Note: Hamada also has a strong "repellent" effect, preventing termites and whiteflies from approaching the treated area.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworm Complex (American, Spotted, Pink), Whitefly [Image of Cotton Bollworm lifecycle] |
| Rice (Paddy) | Stem Borer, Leaf Folder, Green Leaf Hopper (GLH) [Image of Stem Borer damage in Rice] |
| Sugarcane | Termites (Subterranean) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Never under-dose, especially for termites.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 320 - 350 ml | 200 L | 1.6 - 1.75 ml | 15 Days |
| Rice (Paddy) | 200 ml | 200 L | 1.0 ml | 21 Days |
| Sugarcane (Soil Drench) | 400 ml | 200 L (Drift/Drench) | 2.0 ml | 300 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 egg-hatch or early larval stages for best results. For termites, apply over setts in the furrow before covering with soil.
- Mixing: Compatible with most fungicides (e.g., Hexaconazole) and liquid fertilizers. Avoid mixing with alkaline substances like Bordeaux mixture.
- Coverage: Use Hollow Cone Nozzles for foliar sprays to create a fine mist that reaches the undersides of leaves where pests hide.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid spraying during peak bee foraging hours (mid-day).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Hamada effective against mites?
Yes, Hamada has acaricidal properties and is effective against mites in crops like tea and vegetables, in addition to controlling insects.
2. Can I use Hamada for termites in buildings?
While Bifenthrin is excellent for termites, this specific agricultural formulation (10% EC) is designed for crops. Always follow the label for structural pest control.
3. Is it safe for bees?
No, Hamada is highly toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when the crop is in full bloom. If necessary, spray in the late evening when bees are not active.
4. What should I do if I feel a tingling sensation on my skin?
This is a common temporary effect of pyrethroids (paresthesia). It is reversible. Wash with cold water (not warm) and apply Vitamin E oil.
5. How long does the protection last?
For foliar sprays, it offers residual control for 7–14 days. For soil application against termites, it can protect for several months due to strong soil binding.
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. This product is toxic to fish and aquatic life; do not contaminate water bodies.
