What Is Karate Insecticide?
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Active Ingredient: Lambda-cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid (Group 3 insecticide).
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Formulation: Typically available as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) or capsule suspension (CS), depending on the market. For example, Karate Zeon 50 CS contains 50 g/L and is formulated as a capsule suspension.
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Mode of Action: A fast-acting nerve poison, effective by both contact and stomach action, with efficacy across all insect life stages including eggs, larvae, and adults.
Target Crops & Pests
Karate offers broad-spectrum pest control across various crop types:
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Vegetables, Cereals, Cotton, etc.: Controls biting, chewing, and sucking pests such as aphids, armyworms, beetles, leafhoppers, stem borers, and more.
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Specific Insect Examples: Includes diamondback moth (Plutella spp.), cabbage loopers, bollworms, cutworms, rice pests like stem borers, and cereal leaf beetles.
Application & Effectiveness
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Knockdown & Residual Control: Delivers rapid immobilization of pests, with residual protection lasting up to 14 days.
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Dosage (Typical Guidelines):
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Vegetables: ~80–100 mL per acre (source indicates).
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Cotton & Other Crops: Similar ranges apply, adjusted based on crop and pest pressure.
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Coverage Requirements: Full foliage coverage is critical. Use at least 10 gallons per acre by ground, or 2 gallons per acre by air; increase volume under dense canopy or high pest pressure.
Safety, Environmental, & Resistance Considerations
Human Safety:
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Highly toxic if swallowed; causes moderate eye irritation and harmful if absorbed via skin. Known to cause tingling or burning sensations.
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Use full PPE: gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and wash thoroughly after use.
Environmental Safety:
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Extremely toxic to fish and aquatic life—do not apply near water bodies or under drift-prone conditions.
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Toxic to bees—avoid spraying on blooming crops or when bees are active.
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Maintain vegetative buffer strips (e.g., 10 ft.) adjacent to water sources to minimize runoff risks.
Resistance Management:
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Belongs to Insecticide Group 3. Repeated use can lead to resistance. Rotate with other modes of action and consult local guidance.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Lambda-cyhalothrin (Group 3 pyrethroid) |
| Formulation | EC (5% w/v typical) or CS (e.g., 50 g/L) |
| Target Pests | Chewing (caterpillars), sucking (aphids), and others |
| Crops | Vegetables, cereals, cotton, fruits, more |
| Dosage (Veggies) | ~80–100 mL per acre (adjust per local guidelines) |
| Application Volume | ≥10 gal/acre ground, ≥2 gal/acre aerial |
| Residual Control | Up to ~14 days |
| Safety & PPE | Essential due to toxicity—wear full protection |
| Environmental Risk | High—avoid water bodies and bee-active areas |
| Resistance | Rotate with different chemistries; limited repeat use |
What I Can Help With Next
Let me know:
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Your crop type (e.g., chili, rice, maize, fruit trees).
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Target pests (e.g., aphids, caterpillars, borers).
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Local practices or restrictions (like buffer zone, pre-harvest intervals).
I can then help you determine:
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The precise mixing rates and spray volumes.
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Optimal application timing (growth stage, pest lifecycle).
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Safety measures tailored to your situation.
