Metacil Insecticide (Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.9% CS) by IIL
Advanced Capsule Suspension Technology for Superior Pest Control
Metacil is a flagship product from Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), known as the trusted "Tractor Brand" among Indian farmers. It features Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.9% CS, a modern synthetic pyrethroid formulation. Unlike older liquid poisons, Metacil uses advanced Capsule Suspension (CS) technology. This encapsulates the active ingredient in tiny polymer shells, making it safer for the user and more deadly to pests.
[Image of Lambda-cyhalothrin chemical structure]
It is a broad-spectrum solution designed to control chewing pests like Bollworms, Stem Borers, and Leaf Folders. By upgrading from older "Red Label" chemistries to this advanced "Blue/Green" triangle formulation, farmers get a powerful balance of immediate knockdown and long-lasting protection.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Long-Lasting Residual Control: The Capsule Suspension (CS) technology slowly releases the chemical, providing protection for days after spraying.
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Double Action Power: It works as both a contact poison (kills on touch) and a stomach poison (kills when eaten), ensuring no pest escapes.
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Smart "Booby Trap" Mechanism: Microcapsules stick to leaves and rupture only when a pest walks on them, delivering a fresh, lethal dose instantly.
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Excellent Rainfastness: The formulation is lipophilic (oil-loving) and sticks firmly to plant surfaces, resisting wash-off from rain or irrigation.
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Crop & User Safety: Being water-based with no harsh solvents, it is less likely to burn crops (phytotoxicity) and is safer for skin compared to older EC formulations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Metacil |
| Technical Name | Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.9% CS |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3A (Sodium Channel Modulator) |
| Chemical Group | Synthetic Pyrethroid (2nd Generation) |
| Formulation | Capsule Suspension (CS) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue/Green Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Metacil targets the pest's nervous system. It acts as a Sodium Channel Modulator.
- Contact & Rupture: The insecticide is locked inside microscopic polymer balls. When an insect walks over a treated leaf, the pressure breaks these balls, releasing the chemical.
- Nervous Overload: The active ingredient penetrates the insect's cuticle and binds to sodium channels in the nerves, keeping them open.
- Paralysis & Death: This causes massive electrical misfiring in the pest's nerves, leading to tremors, paralysis (knockdown), and rapid death.
Additional Benefit: It also acts as an anti-feedant (stops larvae from eating) and a repellent (stops moths from laying eggs).
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworms (American, Spotted, Pink) |
| Rice (Paddy) | Stem Borer, Leaf Folder |
| Vegetables (Brinjal, Tomato, Chilli) | Shoot & Fruit Borer, Thrips, Beetles |
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 | 200 ml | 200 L | 1.0 ml | 21 |
| Rice (Paddy) | 100 - 125 ml | 200 L | 0.6 ml | 15 |
| Vegetables (Tomato/Brinjal) | 120 ml | 200 L | 0.6 ml | 5 |
*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 early stage of infestation (ETL). Apply in the early morning or late evening to protect bees.
- Mixing: Do NOT mix with alkaline fungicides like Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulphur, as this reduces effectiveness.
- Coverage: Metacil is a contact poison. Ensure thorough coverage of the foliage, including the underside of leaves.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Metacil safe for all crops?
It is approved for Cotton, Rice, and various vegetables. However, avoid spraying on crops during active flowering to protect pollinators like honeybees.
2. Does Metacil kill insect eggs?
It acts mainly on larvae and adults. However, it has strong repellent properties that discourage moths from laying new eggs on treated plants.
3. Can I use Metacil for Sucking Pests?
Yes, it is effective against Thrips and Jassids, but for heavy sucking pest infestations, a systemic insecticide might be a better tank-mix partner.
4. What is the difference between Metacil CS and older EC sprays?
Metacil CS (Capsule Suspension) releases the poison slowly, lasts longer, resists rain better, and is less irritating to the farmer's skin than EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) sprays.
5. How quickly does it work?
You will see "knockdown" effects (insects falling off) within a few hours. Complete mortality typically occurs within 24 hours.
Safety & Disclaimer
Warning: Highly toxic to fish and aquatic life. Do not apply near ponds or water bodies. 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.
