Cheetah Insecticide by Nichino (Lambda-cyhalothrin 2.5% EC)
The Ultimate "Knockdown" Solution for Cotton and Paddy Pests
Cheetah (Lambda-cyhalothrin 2.5% EC) is a powerful, broad-spectrum insecticide manufactured by Nichino India. Designed for Indian farmers, it provides immediate relief against hard-to-kill pests like Bollworms, Stem Borers, and Leaf Folders. It works through contact and stomach action, making it a reliable choice for protecting your yield and investment.
Best For: Cotton, Rice (Paddy), Brinjal, Tomato, and Okra.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Instant Knockdown Power: Stops pests immediately upon contact, preventing further crop damage instantly.
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Double Action Protection: Effective against both chewing pests (worms) and sucking pests (jassids/thrips) simultaneously.
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Long-Lasting Repellent: The unique formulation repels pests, preventing them from returning to the crop for several days.
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Rainfast Efficacy: Once dry (approx. 2-4 hours), the medicine sticks to the plant and remains effective even if it rains.
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Cost-Effective: An economical solution ("Sledgehammer") for smallholder farmers to manage high pest populations cheaply.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Cheetah |
| Technical Name | Lambda-cyhalothrin 2.5% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3A (Sodium Channel Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Synthetic Pyrethroid (Type II) |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Cheetah acts as a neurotoxin. It disrupts the insect's nervous system by targeting the sodium channels.
- Contact & Ingestion: The pest either touches the sprayed surface or eats a treated leaf.
- Nervous System Overload: The chemical keeps the nerve gates "open," causing uncontrollable tremors and excitement.
- Paralysis & Death: The insect stops feeding immediately (anti-feedant effect), becomes paralyzed, and dies from starvation or dehydration.
Note: While it has strong contact action, it also has translaminar properties (moves to the underside of the leaf) to kill hidden pests.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworms (Pink, Spotted, American), Jassids, Thrips |
| Rice (Paddy) | Stem Borer, Leaf Folder, Green Leaf Hopper (GLH), Hispa |
| Vegetables (Brinjal, Tomato, Okra) | Shoot & Fruit Borer, Jassids, 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 | 300 - 400 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.0 ml | 21 Days |
| Rice (Paddy) | 200 - 250 ml | 150 - 200 L | 1.5 ml | 15 Days |
| Vegetables (Brinjal/Tomato/Okra) | 200 - 250 ml | 150 L | 1.5 ml | 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: Spray in the cool hours of the morning or late evening. Avoid spraying when the temperature is above 35°C as the chemical works better in cooler conditions.
- Mixing: Use a "Hollow Cone" nozzle for the best mist. This ensures the medicine penetrates deep into the cotton or rice canopy.
- Coverage: Cheetah is primarily a contact poison. Ensure full coverage of the plant foliage. Use at least 150 Liters of water per acre.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not spray near fish ponds as it is toxic to aquatic life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Cheetah a systemic insecticide?
Technically, it is not fully systemic (it won't move from root to leaf). However, it has "translaminar" action, meaning it penetrates the leaf surface to kill pests hiding underneath.
2. Can I mix Cheetah with other chemicals?
Yes, farmers often tank-mix it with Profenofos or Acephate for enhanced power. Always check compatibility before mixing.
3. What is the price of Nichino Cheetah?
It is very economical, generally costing between ₹300 - ₹400 per liter. The cost per acre is roughly ₹75 - ₹100.
4. Does it kill insect eggs?
Yes, Cheetah has ovicidal properties, meaning it can kill pest eggs (especially Bollworm) before they hatch.
5. Is there an antidote for poisoning?
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic. If inhaled or ingested, seek medical help immediately.
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.
