Cyperkill Insecticide (Cypermethrin 25% EC) - Complete Guide
The "Gold Standard" for instant pest knockdown in Cotton, Paddy, and Vegetables.
Cyperkill (by Coromandel International) is a powerful contact insecticide designed to stop pests immediately. Known technically as Cypermethrin 25% EC, it is the go-to solution for farmers facing heavy infestations of Bollworms and Borers. It works on contact, providing a "shock" effect that paralyzes pests instantly, preventing further crop damage.
Best For: Farmers looking for an affordable, high-strength solution to clear caterpillars and sucking pests quickly.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Instant Knockdown: Starts working the moment it touches the insect. Pests stop feeding immediately due to rapid paralysis.
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Broad Spectrum Defense: One spray targets multiple enemies: Caterpillars (Lepidoptera), Beetles (Coleoptera), and Sucking Pests (Hemiptera).
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Double Action Power: Works as both a "Contact Poison" (sprayed on pest) and "Stomach Poison" (pest eats treated leaf), ensuring total control.
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Rain Fastness: The oil-based EC formulation sticks firmly to leaves, resisting wash-off from light rains better than powders.
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High Cost-Efficiency: Offers commercial-grade protection at a much lower cost per acre compared to newer diamide chemicals.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Cyperkill (Coromandel International) |
| Technical Name | Cypermethrin 25% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3A (Sodium Channel Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Synthetic Pyrethroid (Type II) |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (Liquid) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow Triangle (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Cyperkill acts as a neurotoxin. It does not enter the plant system (non-systemic) but stays on the surface to create a lethal barrier.
- Contact: The chemical enters the insect through its skin (cuticle) or when it eats treated leaves.
- Nerve Attack: It targets the nerve system, keeping sodium channels permanently open.
- Paralysis: This causes the insect to lose control, tremble (flush out effect), become paralyzed, and die from starvation.
Note: Because it excites the nerves, it forces pests hiding inside canopy to come out, exposing them to more spray.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworm Complex (American, Spotted, Pink), Jassids, Thrips |
| Rice (Paddy) | Yellow Stem Borer, Leaf Folder, Rice Hispa |
| Vegetables (Brinjal, Okra) | Shoot & Fruit Borer, Jassids, Diamondback Moth |
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) |
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| Cotton | 60 - 112 ml (up to 200 for high infestation) | 200 - 300 L | 0.5 ml | 14+ |
| Rice (Paddy) | 250 - 300 ml | 150 - 200 L | 1.5 ml | 14+ |
| Veg (Okra/Brinjal) | 60 - 80 ml | 150 - 200 L | 0.5 ml | 3 - 7 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. (Critical for export crops like Okra).
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Spray at the "Egg Hatch" stage or when you see young larvae. Once borers enter the fruit/stem, contact sprays like Cyperkill are less effective.
- Mixing: Do NOT mix with Bordeaux mixture or alkaline (high pH) solutions, as this destroys the chemical. Use a pH buffer if your water is hard.
- Coverage: Use high water volume. Since this is a "Contact" poison, the spray must physically hit the pest or cover the leaves entirely.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Avoid skin contact to prevent the "burning/tingling" sensation common with this chemical.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Cyperkill control pests inside the stem or boll?
No. Cyperkill is non-systemic. It cannot kill larvae already hidden inside the stem or fruit. It is best used to kill eggs and young larvae moving on the surface.
2. Can I use this for export vegetables?
Be careful. While effective, Cypermethrin has strict residue limits in the EU and USA. Ensure you wait at least 7 days (PHI) before harvest, or avoid use in late stages for export crops.
3. Why does my skin burn after spraying?
This is a common side effect called "paresthesia." It is temporary. Wash with soap and water, and apply Vitamin E oil to soothe it. Always wear a mask and gloves.
4. Is it safe for fish?
No. Cypermethrin is highly toxic to fish and aquatic life. Do not wash spray tanks in ponds or let runoff enter water bodies.
5. Can I mix it with other chemicals?
Yes, it is often mixed with Profenofos or Chlorpyrifos for broader control. However, do a physical "jar test" first and avoid mixing with alkaline copper fungicides.
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.
