Gharda Mahaveer Insecticide (Fipronil 5% SC & 0.3% GR)
The Ultimate Defense Against Stem Borers, Termites, and Sucking Pests
Mahaveer by Gharda Chemicals is a broad-spectrum insecticide powered by Fipronil. It is designed to tackle the toughest pests in Rice, Sugarcane, and Cotton that have developed resistance to older chemicals.
Available in two powerful forms—SC (Liquid) for foliar sprays and GR (Granules) for soil application—Mahaveer not only kills pests but also triggers a "Greening Effect," resulting in healthier roots and higher yields.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Dual Action Control: Works effectively through contact (touch) and ingestion (stomach action). It kills pests that eat the leaf or crawl over the treated surface.
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Termite & Borer Specialist: The industry standard for controlling Termites in Sugarcane and Stem Borers in Rice (Paddy).
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Phytotonic "Greening" Effect: Stimulates plant growth, leading to darker green leaves, stronger roots, and more tillers even when pest pressure is low.
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Rainfast & Long Lasting: The SC formulation contains special stickers to resist rain wash-off, while the GR formulation provides soil protection for 30–45 days.
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Systemic Movement: Once applied to the soil (GR), it moves up through the roots to the stem, killing internal borers that sprays cannot reach.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Mahaveer (SC & GR) |
| Technical Name | Fipronil 5% SC / Fipronil 0.3% GR |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 2B (GABA-gated chloride channel blockers) |
| Chemical Group | Phenylpyrazole |
| Toxicity Label | Blue/Yellow Triangle (Moderately to Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Mahaveer targets the Central Nervous System (CNS) of the insect. It acts as a "brake failure" for the insect's nerves.
- Blocks the Receptor: Fipronil blocks the GABA-gated chloride channels in insect nerve cells.
- Prevents Inhibition: Normally, GABA calms the nerves. Mahaveer prevents this calming effect.
- Nerve Hyperexcitation: Without the "brake," the insect's nerves fire uncontrollably, leading to tremors, paralysis, cessation of feeding, and death.
Result: Rapid control of pests that are resistant to other chemical groups like organophosphates and pyrethroids.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Rice (Paddy) | Stem Borer (Dead Heart/White Ear), Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), Leaf Folder, Gall Midge. |
| Sugarcane | Termites, Early Shoot Borer, Root Borer. |
| Cotton & Chili | Thrips, Aphids, Jassids, Whiteflies, Bollworms. |
| Cabbage/Cauliflower | Diamondback Moth (DBM). |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Ensure you are using the correct form (GR for Soil, SC for Spray).
Dosage per Acre & Application Method
| Crop | Product Form | Dose per Acre | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (Paddy) | Mahaveer GR | 8 – 10 kg | Broadcast in standing water (2-3 inches deep). Keep water for 3-4 days. |
| Rice (Paddy) | Mahaveer SC | 400 – 600 ml | Foliar spray. Direct nozzle to plant base for BPH. |
| Sugarcane | Mahaveer GR | 10 – 12 kg | Apply in furrows at planting (Basal) or at earthing up. |
| Sugarcane | Mahaveer SC | 600 – 800 ml | Drench over setts in the furrow before covering with soil. |
| Cotton / Chili | Mahaveer SC | 250 – 300 ml | Foliar spray mixed in 150-200 Litres of water. |
*PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Rice ~30-35 days; Vegetables ~7-15 days. Do not harvest before this period.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Rice (GR): Maintain water level (2-3 inches) for 3-4 days after broadcasting granules. This ensures the chemical dissolves and is absorbed by roots.
- Sugarcane (Termites): Apply directly over the seed setts in the furrow. Termites attack from the soil, so the chemical must be in the soil zone.
- Compatibility: Mahaveer SC is compatible with many fungicides. A popular combination for Rice is Mahaveer + Yamakazi (Fungicide) for total protection against borers and sheath blight.
- Rotation: To prevent resistance, do not apply Mahaveer more than twice in a row. Rotate with other insecticide groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Mahaveer really make crops greener?
Yes. It triggers a "Phytotonic effect" which increases chlorophyll content and root mass, making the crop look greener and healthier even if pest pressure is low.
2. Can I use Mahaveer SC for termites?
Yes, Mahaveer SC can be used as a soil drench for termite control, but Mahaveer GR is generally more convenient for dry applications during planting.
3. Is it safe for Honey Bees?
No, Fipronil is highly toxic to bees. Do not spray during the active flowering stage of the crop or when bees are foraging.
4. Can I mix it with fertilizers?
Mahaveer GR (Granules) can be mixed with dry fertilizers like Urea for easier broadcasting in the field.
5. Is there an antidote?
No, there is no specific antidote for Fipronil. Treatment is symptomatic. Always handle with extreme care.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. Fipronil is toxic to aquatic life; do not drain treated paddy water into rivers or ponds for 7 days. Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
