Kri-Star 5 Insecticide (Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG) | The Caterpillar Expert
Stop crop damage instantly with the "Lock-Jaw" effect.
Kri-Star 5 (by Krishi Rasayan) is a powerful, broad-spectrum insecticide designed to control the toughest caterpillars and borers. Formulated as a water-soluble granule (SG), it dissolves quickly and penetrates leaf tissues to kill hidden pests.
Best For: Farmers struggling with resistance to older chemicals in Cotton, Vegetables, Pulses, and Tea.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Stops Feeding in Hours: Induces "Physiological Lock-Jaw." Larvae stop eating your crop within 2-4 hours of spraying, preventing further economic loss immediately.
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Translaminar Action: The chemical penetrates the leaf and creates a "reservoir" inside. It kills pests hiding on the underside of leaves that normal sprays miss.
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Short Waiting Period (PHI): Safe for harvest just 1 day after spraying on Tea and 3 days on Vegetables. Perfect for export-quality produce.
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Rainfast & UV Stable: Once absorbed by the leaf (usually within 2 hours), it cannot be washed off by rain or degraded by sunlight.
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Low Cost, High Impact: Requires a very low dose per acre compared to older chemicals, making it highly economical for small and large farmers alike.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Kri-Star 5 (or Jemstar) |
| Technical Name | Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 6 (Chloride Channel Activator) |
| Chemical Group | Avermectin |
| Formulation | SG (Soluble Granule) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow/Blue Triangle (Moderate Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Kri-Star 5 targets the nervous system of the insect using a unique "Chloride Channel Activation" mechanism.
- Ingestion & Contact: The larva eats the treated leaf or touches the spray.
- Paralysis (Lock-Jaw): The chemical permanently opens chloride channels in the nerves. This causes immediate paralysis of the muscles, specifically the jaw.
- Starvation & Death: The larva stops feeding within hours. Though it may remain on the plant for 2-4 days, it causes no damage and eventually dies.
Note: This unique action makes it effective against pests that have developed resistance to Pyrethroids.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | American Bollworm, Spotted Bollworm, Pink Bollworm |
| Vegetables (Okra, Brinjal, Cabbage) | Fruit & Shoot Borer, Diamondback Moth (DBM) |
| Chilli, Pulses & Tea | Fruit Borer, Thrips, Mites, Pod Borer, Tea Looper |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. The concentration is key.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (Gram / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (Gram / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton / Pulses | 80g - 90g | 200 L | 0.45g | 10-14 Days |
| Vegetables / Chilli | 60g - 80g | 200 L | 0.4g | 3-5 Days |
| Tea | 80g | 200 L | 0.4g | 1 Day |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Spray at the first sign of egg hatching or early larval stages. Evening spraying is recommended to protect bees.
- Mixing: Compatible with most fungicides (e.g., Propiconazole) and 19:19:19 fertilizers. Do NOT mix with alkaline products like Bordeaux mixture.
- Coverage: Ensure thorough coverage. The product moves from the top of the leaf to the bottom (translaminar) but does not move to new shoots (not systemic).
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. No specific antidote exists; treat symptomatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Kri-Star 5 kill eggs (Ovicidal action)?
Yes, it has ovicidal properties, meaning it can kill larvae inside the egg or immediately upon hatching, breaking the pest cycle early.
2. Can I use it on fruit crops before harvest?
Yes. Because of its short PHI (3 days for vegetables, 1 day for tea), it is excellent for crops that are harvested frequently.
3. Is it safe for Honey Bees?
It is toxic to bees upon direct contact (wet spray). However, once the spray dries and is absorbed into the leaf (usually 2-3 hours), it is relatively safe for foraging bees.
4. Can I mix Kri-Star 5 with 19:19:19 fertilizer?
Yes, studies confirm it is compatible with water-soluble fertilizers like NPK 19:19:19 and common fungicides like Propiconazole.
5. What is the shelf life of the product?
When stored in a cool, dry place in original packaging, Kri-Star 5 typically has a shelf life of 2 years.
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. Avoid usage near aquaculture as it is toxic to fish.
