Active Ingredient and Mode of Action
Cypermethrin belongs to the synthetic pyrethroid class (IRAC Group 3A), functioning as an axon sodium channel modulator.
It prolongs the opening of nerve membrane sodium channels, producing repetitive sensory discharges, rapid tremors, behavioral disorientation, and mortality in targeted pests.
- Chemical Class: Type II synthetic pyrethroid with an alpha-cyano group
- Fast Knockdown: Imparts immediate paralysis upon contact or ingestion of treated plant foliage
- Broad Spectrum: Effective against a wide variety of lepidopteran, coleopteran, and dipteran crop pests
Target Crops and Major Insect Pests
Super Killer is registered for major agricultural cash crops, vegetables, and fruit orchards facing severe caterpillar pressure.
It is especially utilized in cotton, vegetables, and oilseeds to suppress shoot borers and bollworms.
- Cotton: Spotted bollworm, pink bollworm, and American bollworm larvae
- Brinjal and Okra: Shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis and Earias vittella)
- Cabbage and Cauliflower: Diamondback moth larvae and loopers
- Oilseeds (Mustard, Castor): Semiloopers, leaf-eating caterpillars, and sawfly larvae
Application Precautions and Operator Safety
Because cypermethrin can trigger secondary pest flare-ups (such as red spider mites and whiteflies) when used excessively, spray only when caterpillar thresholds warrant intervention.
Never spray near aquatic water bodies, fish culture ponds, or during active honeybee foraging hours.
- Water Protection: Keep a minimum 15-meter buffer from open farm ponds and streams to protect fish
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear long sleeves, rubber gloves, and a face shield during chemical handling
- Resistance Rotation: Alternate with diamide (chlorantraniliprole) or spinosyn chemistries
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the technical chemical in Super Killer insecticide?
Super Killer contains cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (10% or 25% EC).
Can Super Killer cause mite flare-ups?
Yes, frequent indiscriminate spraying of pyrethroids can eliminate beneficial predatory mites, occasionally leading to spider mite resurgence.
What pests are primarily controlled by cypermethrin?
It is mainly used to control caterpillars, fruit borers, shoot borers, and bollworms across field and vegetable crops.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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