Active ingredient and pyrethroid mode of action
- Contains Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC), belonging to the synthetic pyrethroid family (IRAC Group 3A).
- Keeps voltage-gated sodium channels open in insect nerve membranes, causing repetitive nerve impulses, convulsions, and rapid paralysis.
- Delivers strong contact toxicity upon direct spray contact, stomach toxicity upon ingestion of treated foliage, and strong repellent action.
- Fast knockdown halts feeding damage within minutes of exposure.
Target pests and labeled crop applications
- Cotton: Controls spotted bollworm, American bollworm, pink bollworm, and sucking pests like jassids and thrips.
- Paddy: Manages yellow stem borer, leaf folder, and gall midge infestations during vegetative stages.
- Vegetables and pulses: Suppresses pod borers in pigeon pea and chickpea, and fruit borers in tomato and brinjal.
- Onion and mango: Effectively controls thrips and mango hoppers on flowering panicles.
Application guidelines and spraying precautions
- Apply at early pest surge when field scouting confirms populations crossing economic threshold levels (ETL).
- Ensure complete canopy coverage with clean water using calibrated sprayers and hollow-cone nozzles.
- Follow CIBRC approved label dosages, avoid spraying during peak bee foraging hours, and observe the prescribed pre-harvest interval.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active ingredient in Karate insecticide?
Karate contains Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide.
How does Karate achieve rapid pest knockdown?
It disrupts sodium channels in insect nerves, causing immediate nervous paralysis and rapid feeding cessation.
Which pests does Karate control in cotton?
It controls bollworms (spotted, American, pink) and sucking pests like jassids and thrips.
Can Karate be used in vegetable crops?
Yes, it is registered for controlling fruit borers, caterpillars, and thrips in tomato, brinjal, chilli, and other vegetables.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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