Cigna Insecticide
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Syngenta Cigna Insecticide (Lufenuron 5.4% EC)
The Specialist Solution for Diamondback Moth (DBM) and Bollworms
Struggling with pests that just won't die with regular sprays? Syngenta Cigna is your advanced solution. Unlike traditional poisons that attack the nervous system, Cigna is an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). It stops pests from growing, effectively breaking their life cycle.
Best For: Farmers facing resistance issues in Cotton, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Pulses. It targets caterpillars, borers, and their eggs.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
- ⏱️Long-Lasting Protection: Offers prolonged control (up to 21 days) because it stays on the leaf surface, reducing the number of sprays you need.
- ?️Resistance Breaker: Works perfectly on pests that have developed resistance to traditional neurotoxic sprays (like pyrethroids).
- ⏳Complete Life Cycle Control: It is "Ovicidal" (kills eggs) and stops larvae from molting. It even sterilizes female moths so they lay infertile eggs.
- ?️Excellent Rainfastness: Once dried (1–3 hours), it sticks firmly to the leaf wax and won't wash off easily during monsoon rains.
- ?Beneficial Insect Safe: Ideal for IPM (Integrated Pest Management) as it is generally safe for predatory wasps and ladybugs that help your crop.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Cigna |
| Technical Name | Lufenuron 5.4% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 15 (Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Benzoylureas |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Cigna works differently than most poisons. Instead of paralyzing the insect immediately, it targets their ability to grow.
- Stops Molting (Skin Shedding): Insects must shed their skin to grow. Cigna blocks the production of "Chitin" (the material that makes their skin hard). When the larva tries to molt, it fails to form new skin and dies.
- Kills Eggs (Ovicidal): If Cigna is sprayed on eggs, or if eggs are laid on treated leaves, the larva inside cannot form its mouthparts and dies before hatching.
- Sterilizes Adults: Female moths that touch or eat Cigna transfer the chemical to their ovaries, causing them to lay sterile eggs that never hatch.
Note: This is a "Delayed Kill." The pest stops feeding shortly after contact but may take 1-4 days to die (during its next molt).
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) |
| Cabbage & Cauliflower | Diamondback Moth (DBM) |
| Pulses (Pigeon Pea, Black Gram) | Pod Borers, Pod Fly |
| Chilli | Fruit Borers |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Water volume is crucial to ensure the medicine reaches the hidden pests.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre)* | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 240 ml | 200–300 L | ~1.0 - 1.2 ml | 48 Days |
| Cabbage | 240 ml | 200 L | 1.2 ml | 14 Days |
| Cauliflower | 240 ml | 200 L | 1.2 ml | 5 Days |
| Pigeon Pea / Black Gram | 240 ml | 200–400 L | ~0.6 - 1.2 ml | 65 Days / 10 Days |
| Chilli | 240 ml | 200 L | 1.2 ml | 5 Days |
*Dose per Litre is approximate based on water volume. Standard general recommendation is 1.5ml - 2.0ml per Litre if using lower water volumes.
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply early! Spray at the "Pinhead" stage (when you see eggs or very tiny larvae). It works best on young caterpillars (1st to 3rd instar). Do not wait for large worms.
- Mixing: Conduct a "Jar Test" if mixing with other chemicals. Avoid highly alkaline mixes (like Bordeaux mixture) as they destroy Cigna's power.
- Coverage: Use a Hollow Cone nozzle. Thorough coverage is essential because the pest must eat the leaf or touch the chemical to die. Ensure spray reaches the undersides of leaves.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why didn't the pests die immediately after spraying?
Cigna is an IGR (Insect Growth Regulator), not a nerve poison. The larva stops feeding quickly but will only die when it attempts to molt (shed skin), which takes 1–4 days. Be patient; the damage has already stopped.
2. Can I use Cigna during flowering?
Yes, Cigna is generally safe for pollinators like bees if sprayed during late evening or early morning when bee activity is low. It does not kill adult bees on contact.
3. Is "Cigna" the same as products from Crystal Crop Protection?
No. Cigna is a registered trademark of Syngenta India Ltd. Confusion often occurs online, but they are different companies with different portfolios. Always check the manufacturer name on the bottle.
4. Does it work on large caterpillars?
It is less effective on fully grown larvae that are about to pupate. It works best on eggs and young larvae. For large infestations, mix with a "knockdown" partner if needed.
5. What happens if it rains after spraying?
Cigna is highly rainfast. If the spray has dried on the leaf (usually 1–3 hours), it binds to the leaf wax and will not wash off easily.
Safety & Disclaimer
Environmental Warning: This product is toxic to aquatic life (fish and crabs). Do not use near fish ponds or water bodies.
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.