Piranha Insecticide (Acephate 35% + Buprofezin 15% WP)
The Ultimate Dual-Action Protection Against Sucking Pests in Rice and Cotton.
Farmers often face a tough choice: get immediate relief from pests or ensure long-term protection. Piranha Insecticide by Coromandel International solves this problem by combining two powerful chemistries in one bag. It delivers a "Dual Action" strike—killing active pests instantly while preventing future generations from hatching.
Best For: Controlling Brown Plant Hoppers (BPH), Whiteflies, and Aphids that have developed resistance to single-molecule pesticides.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Instant Knockdown Power: Contains Acephate, which attacks the nervous system of adult pests, providing visible results and relief within hours of spraying.
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Dual-Action Defense: Combines a neurotoxin (Acephate) with an Insect Growth Regulator (Buprofezin) to attack pests on two different fronts simultaneously.
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Long-Lasting Residual Control: The Buprofezin component sterilizes eggs and stops nymphs from growing, keeping your fields clean for weeks after application.
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Stable in Humid Conditions: Formulated to work effectively even in the dense, humid canopies of paddy fields where hoppers thrive.
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Green Resurgence Rating: Unlike synthetic pyrethroids, this mixture does not cause sudden pest flare-ups (resurgence), making it a smarter choice for mid-season use.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Piranha (Coromandel International) |
| Technical Name | Buprofezin 15% + Acephate 35% WP |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 1B (Organophosphate) + Group 16 (Buprofezin) |
| Chemical Group | Organophosphate + Thiadiazine (IGR) |
| Formulation | Wettable Powder (WP) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue / Yellow Triangle (Moderately Hazardous) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Piranha uses a synergistic approach to break the pest life cycle at multiple stages:
- Systemic Shock (Acephate): Rapidly enters the plant system and moves upward. When pests feed on the sap, it inhibits Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), causing paralysis and death in adults.
- Growth Block (Buprofezin): Inhibits chitin synthesis. This makes it impossible for nymphs to molt (shed their skin). They die trapped in their old skin.
- Reproductive Stop (Ovicidal): It sterilizes adult females and prevents laid eggs from hatching, stopping the population explosion before it starts.
Result: Current pests die, and future generations are erased.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), White-Backed Plant Hopper (WBPH) |
| Cotton | Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), Aphids, Jassids |
| Vegetables (Okra/Chilli) | Sucking Pest Complex (Jassids, Aphids, Whiteflies) |
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 (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | 400 - 500 g | 150 - 200 L | ~ 2.5 g | 20-25 Days |
| Cotton | 500 - 600 g | 150 - 200 L | ~ 3.0 g | 15 Days |
| Vegetables (Okra) | 300 - 400 g | 150 L | ~ 2.5 g | 15 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting to ensure residues are within safe limits.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply as soon as pest populations reach the Economic Threshold Level (ETL)—e.g., 5-10 hoppers per hill in paddy. Do not wait for severe damage (hopper burn).
- Mixing: This is a Wettable Powder (WP). Pre-mix the required dose in a small bucket of water to form a smooth "cream" or slurry before adding it to the main spray tank. Agitate continuously.
- Coverage: For Rice, aim the nozzle at the base of the plant where hoppers hide. For Cotton, ensure the underside of leaves is covered to hit Whitefly nymphs.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not apply when bees are actively foraging.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this the same "Piranha" used for horses and livestock?
NO. This is an agricultural insecticide for crops only. It contains organophosphates and is toxic to mammals if misused. Do not use on animals.
2. Does Piranha kill eggs?
Yes. The Buprofezin component is an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) that effectively sterilizes eggs and prevents them from hatching.
3. Can I mix Piranha with other chemicals?
It is compatible with most fungicides (like Hexaconazole) and insecticides. However, NEVER mix it with alkaline products like Bordeaux Mixture or Lime Sulphur, as this destroys the Acephate instantly.
4. Is it safe for fish?
No. This product is toxic to aquatic life. Do not use it in fields where fish farming (aquaculture) is practiced alongside rice cultivation.
5. How quickly will I see results?
You will see dead adult pests within 24 hours due to the "Quick Knockdown" of Acephate. Complete control of the population (nymphs/eggs) is achieved over the following 3-5 days.
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.

