Active Ingredient and Neurotoxic Mode of Action
Karate contains Lambda-Cyhalothrin (5% EC), a potent Type II synthetic pyrethroid with a cyano group.
It acts on voltage-gated sodium channels in insect nerve membranes, preventing channel deactivation and causing repetitive nerve firing, rapid paralytic knockdown, and feeding cessation.
It also displays strong behavioral anti-feedant and repellent properties, discouraging insect pests from laying eggs on treated leaves.
- Formulation: 5 percent Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
- Fast knockdown: Pests cease feeding within minutes and drop off plant foliage rapidly
- Multi-action profile: Delivers contact toxicity, ingestion action, and foliar repellency
Target Pests and Approved Crop Applications
Karate is registered across cotton, paddy, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial vegetable crops.
Foliar applications should be initiated when pest scouting reveals insect densities reaching designated economic threshold levels.
- Cotton: Controls spotted bollworm, pink bollworm, and thrips complexes
- Paddy: Manages yellow stem borer, leaf folder, and green leafhopper outbreaks
- Vegetables and chilies: Suppresses shoot and fruit borers, diamondback moths, and thrips
Spraying Instructions, Pollinator Safety, and Precautions
Apply using a well-calibrated knapsack sprayer equipped with hollow cone nozzles for fine foliar atomization.
Because synthetic pyrethroids are toxic to bees and fish, avoid spraying during crop flowering hours or near aquaculture ponds.
Applicators should wear personal protective equipment to prevent skin paresthesia.
- Nozzle type: Hollow cone nozzle ensures complete coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces
- Pollinator safety: Avoid application during crop bloom when honeybees are actively foraging
- Personal protection: Wear protective rubber gloves, mask, and safety goggles during handling
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active chemical in Syngenta Karate?
Karate contains Lambda-Cyhalothrin 5% EC, a broad-spectrum synthetic pyrethroid insecticide.
Does Karate control stem borer and leaf folder in rice?
Yes, Karate is registered and widely used to control yellow stem borer and leaf folder in paddy crops.
Why should Karate not be sprayed during daytime blooming in vegetables?
Synthetic pyrethroids are highly toxic to honeybees; avoid spraying during flowering hours to protect essential crop pollinators.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
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