Kento Insecticide (Indoxacarb 14.5% SC) by Nichino India
The "Caterpillar Specialist" with Japanese Technology for Superior Crop Protection.
Kento (Indoxacarb 14.5% SC) is a premium, broad-spectrum insecticide brought to you by Nichino India (a subsidiary of Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd., Japan). Designed specifically to tackle the toughest "Chewing Pests," Kento offers a powerful solution against Bollworms, Fruit Borers, and Leaf-Eating Caterpillars that have developed resistance to older chemicals.
Best For: Cotton, Vegetables (Tomato, Chilli, Cabbage), and Pulses. It uses a unique "Pro-Insecticide" technology to stop larvae from feeding immediately, ensuring your crop stays green and healthy.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Rapid "Shock" Action: The "Stop Feeding" effect begins within 0–4 hours. Even if the larva is still on the leaf, it is paralyzed and cannot damage your crop.
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Broad Spectrum Control: Highly effective against complex pests like American Bollworm, Diamondback Moth (DBM), and Tobacco Caterpillar.
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Combats Resistance: Its unique Mode of Action (Group 22A) kills pests that are resistant to pyrethroids and organophosphates.
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Excellent Rainfastness: The formula binds to the leaf wax within 2 hours, making it resistant to wash-off during the monsoon season.
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Safe for Flowers (SC Formulation): Unlike EC sprays, this water-based Suspension Concentrate does not burn flowers or tender shoots, reducing flower drop.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Kento |
| Technical Name | Indoxacarb 14.5% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 22A (Voltage-dependent sodium channel blocker) |
| Chemical Group | Oxadiazine |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Kento operates as a sophisticated "Pro-Insecticide." The liquid you spray is safe for plants, but deadly to insects once they eat it.
- Ingestion & Activation: The insect eats the treated leaf. Inside the gut, enzymes convert Indoxacarb into a potent toxin called DCJW.
- Nerve Blockade: DCJW binds to the sodium channels in the insect's nervous system and blocks them completely (unlike pyrethroids which keep them open).
- Paralysis: The insect suffers immediate paralysis, stops feeding, and dies within 24-48 hours.
*Translaminar Action: The chemical penetrates the leaf tissue, killing larvae hiding on the underside of leaves.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworm Complex (Helicoverpa, Spotted Bollworm, Pink Bollworm) |
| Cabbage & Cauliflower | Diamondback Moth (DBM) |
| Tomato, Chilli & Pulses | Fruit Borer, Pod Borer, Spodoptera (Leaf Eaters) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not under-dose, as this leads to resistance.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 200 ml | 200 - 250 L | 0.8 - 1.0 ml | 16 Days |
| Cabbage / Cauliflower | 80 - 106 ml | 150 - 200 L | 0.5 ml | 7 Days |
| Tomato / Chilli | 160 - 200 ml | 150 - 200 L | 1.0 ml | 5 Days |
| Pigeon Pea / Pulses | 140 - 160 ml | 200 - 250 L | 0.7 ml | 15 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
[Image of knapsack sprayer nozzle]- Timing: Apply at the Economic Threshold Level (e.g., when you see 1 larva per plant or 5% damage). Spray in the late afternoon/evening to protect bees and beneficial insects.
- Mixing: Ensure spray water is neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5.5 - 7.0). Do not mix with alkaline products like Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulfur, as this destroys the chemical.
- Coverage: Use a Hollow Cone Nozzle. Since Kento works by ingestion, you must cover the leaves thoroughly (especially undersides) so the larvae eat the poison.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Kento kill eggs?
Kento is primarily a larvicide (kills caterpillars). While it has some activity on eggs, its main strength is killing the larvae immediately after they hatch and start feeding.
2. Is it safe for honey bees?
It is toxic to bees when wet. However, once the spray dries (2-3 hours), it becomes much safer. Always spray in the evening when bees are not foraging.
3. Can I mix Kento with fungicides?
Yes, Kento is generally compatible with common neutral fungicides like Hexaconazole. Avoid mixing with highly alkaline substances.
4. What if it rains after spraying?
Kento is rainfast within 2 hours. If it rains after the spray has dried, you generally do not need to respray.
5. What is the antidote for accidental poisoning?
There is no specific antidote for Indoxacarb itself. However, if Methemoglobinemia (blue skin/lips) occurs, doctors treat it with Methylene Blue. Seek immediate medical help.
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.
