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Simha Insecticide (Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC) by Nichino

The "Heavy Artillery" for Cotton, Rice, and Vegetable Pest Control.

Simha is a high-performance, broad-spectrum insecticide containing Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC. Manufactured by Nichino India, it uses advanced Japanese technology to deliver a potent "knockdown" effect against a wide range of pests.

Unlike older pesticides, Simha stays on the leaf surface for days, creating a protective shield. It is the go-to solution for farmers facing heavy infestations of Bollworms, Stem Borers, and Leaf Folders. It is an economical choice, costing approximately ₹120 - ₹160 per acre, making it highly affordable for "fire-fighting" pest surges.

Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits

  • ⏱️
    Instant Knockdown Power:
    Stops pests from feeding immediately upon contact. You will see dead insects within hours of spraying due to its rapid action on the pest's nervous system.
  • 🛡️
    Broad-Spectrum Protection:
    One shot controls multiple pests. It kills caterpillars (Lepidoptera), beetles (Coleoptera), and sucking pests (Hemiptera) simultaneously.
  • Long-Lasting Residue:
    It is photostable (does not break down easily in sunlight), providing protection for up to 15–21 days depending on the crop.
  • 🌧️
    Excellent Rainfastness:
    The lipophilic (fat-loving) formula sticks tight to the waxy layer of leaves. It is not easily washed away by rain or irrigation once dry.
  • 🌿
    Mite Suppression:
    While primarily an insecticide, it also suppresses Yellow Mites in Chilli and other crops, offering a dual benefit.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Details
Brand Name Simha
Technical Name Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC
IRAC MoA Code Group 3A (Sodium Channel Modulators)
Chemical Group Synthetic Pyrethroid (Type II)
Formulation Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Toxicity Label Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) or Yellow (Highly Toxic) - Check Label

How It Works: Mode of Action

Simha acts as a neurotoxin. It does not move inside the plant (Non-Systemic) but has strong contact and stomach action.

  1. Contact Action: When the spray hits the insect or the insect walks over a treated leaf, the chemical penetrates the insect's skin (cuticle).
  2. Stomach Action: When pests like caterpillars eat the treated leaves, the poison enters their gut.
  3. Nervous System Failure: Simha keeps the sodium channels in the insect's nerves open permanently. This causes uncontrollable tremors, paralysis, and death. It also has a "repellent" effect, forcing pests to flee the crop.

Note: It has limited translaminar action, meaning it can kill pests hiding on the underside of the leaf if sprayed on top.

Target Crops & Pests

Crop Target Pest(s)
Cotton Bollworms (Pink, Spotted, American), Jassids, Thrips
Rice (Paddy) Stem Borer (Dead Heart), Leaf Folder, Green Leaf Hopper (GLH)
Vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli) Fruit Borers, Shoot Borers, Thrips, Mites, Pod Borers

Dosage & Application Guide

The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Under-dosing leads to resistance!

Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)

Crop Dose (ml / Acre) Water (L / Acre) Dose (ml / Litre) PHI (Days)
Cotton 120 - 200 ml 200 L 0.6 - 1.0 ml 21 Days
Rice 125 ml 150 - 200 L 0.6 - 0.8 ml 15 Days
Tomato / Brinjal 120 ml 200 L 0.6 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 when pests are in the early larval stage (caterpillars) or when egg hatching begins. For sucking pests, spray at the first sign of infestation.
  • Mixing: Maintain spray water pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Do NOT mix with alkaline products like Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulfur, as they destroy the chemical.
  • Coverage: Since Simha is non-systemic, thorough coverage is vital. Ensure the spray wets the entire plant canopy, including the undersides of leaves.
  • Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid spraying near fish ponds as it is highly toxic to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Simha systemic?
No, it is a contact and stomach insecticide. It does not travel through the plant system. However, it has translaminar action (penetrates the leaf surface) to kill pests hiding on the other side.

2. Why does my skin burn after spraying?
This is a common side effect of Lambda-cyhalothrin called "Paraesthesia." It is temporary and usually goes away in 24 hours. Apply Vitamin E oil or vegetable oil to soothe it. Do NOT scrub with water immediately.

3. Can I use it on Flowering crops?
Avoid spraying during peak bee activity (morning/mid-day) as it is toxic to honeybees. Spray in the late evening.

4. Does it control Mites?
Yes, Simha suppresses mite populations (like Yellow Mites in Chilli), but for severe mite infestations, a specialized acaricide may be needed.

5. Can I mix Simha with other pesticides?
Yes, it is compatible with most insecticides (like Imidacloprid) and fungicides, provided they are not alkaline.

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. Danger: Toxic to fish and aquatic life. Keep away from water bodies.