Sonic Flo Insecticide (Fipronil 5% SC) by Rallis India
The ultimate dual-action solution for sucking and chewing pests with Plant Growth Enhancement (PGE).
Sonic Flo is a premium broad-spectrum insecticide from Rallis India (A Tata Enterprise). It is designed to protect crops like Paddy, Cotton, and Chilli from tough pests like Stem Borers, Thrips, and Hoppers. Unlike ordinary poisons, Sonic Flo acts as a "Phyto-tonic," meaning it not only kills pests but also turns your crop lush green, improves root health, and boosts overall vigor.
Best For: Farmers seeking a "one-shot" solution for pest control combined with a visible increase in crop quality and yield.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Rapid "Knockdown" Action: Stops pests immediately upon contact. It targets the insect's nervous system, causing paralysis and quick elimination.
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Dual Power (Systemic + Contact): It works in two ways: it kills pests that touch the spray and penetrates the plant to kill hidden pests (like stem borers) that eat the crop.
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Long-Lasting Protection: Provides extended residual control for 20+ days, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying and saving you money.
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Rainfast & Stable: The advanced SC (Suspension Concentrate) formulation sticks firmly to leaves, making it resistant to light rain shortly after drying.
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"Phyto-tonic" Growth Booster: Beyond killing pests, it triggers a "Greening Effect." Treated plants show better branching, height, and root development.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Sonic Flo |
| Technical Name | Fipronil 5% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 2B (GABA-gated chloride channel blockers) |
| Chemical Group | Phenylpyrazole |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (Liquid SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Sonic Flo uses a sophisticated mechanism to target the Central Nervous System (CNS) of insects. It specifically blocks the "brakes" of the insect's nerve cells.
- Entry: The chemical enters the pest through direct contact (spray) or ingestion (eating treated leaves).
- Blockade: It binds to the GABA receptors in the nerve cells and blocks the flow of chloride ions.
- Elimination: Without this ion flow, the insect's nerves over-fire uncontrollably, leading to paralysis and death.
Note: This unique action makes it effective against pests that have developed resistance to older chemicals.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Rice (Paddy) | Yellow Stem Borer (Dead Heart/White Ear), Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), Leaf Folder |
| Cotton | Thrips, Jassids (Leafhoppers), Aphids, Whitefly |
| Chilli | Thrips (Leaf Curl/Churda Murda), Mites, Aphids |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 400 - 600 ml | 200 Litres | 2.0 - 3.0 ml | 32 Days |
| Cotton | 600 - 800 ml | 200 Litres | 3.0 - 4.0 ml | 6 Days |
| Chilli | 320 - 400 ml | 200 Litres | 1.5 - 2.0 ml | 7 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: For Rice, apply at early tillering or when Dead Hearts are seen. For Cotton/Chilli, apply at the first sign of thrips or aphids. Avoid spraying during full bloom (flowering) to protect honeybees.
- Mixing: Shake the bottle well before use. Sonic Flo is an SC formulation and mixes easily, but always perform a small "jar test" before mixing with other chemicals.
- Coverage: Ensure thorough coverage of the foliage. For Brown Plant Hopper (BPH), direct the spray nozzle to the base (stem) of the paddy plant.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Sonic Flo systemic?
Yes, it has systemic properties (it moves inside the plant) as well as contact action. This allows it to control internal pests like Stem Borers effectively.
2. What is the "Phyto-tonic" effect?
This refers to the plant growth enhancement benefits. Farmers often notice that after spraying Sonic Flo, the crop becomes greener, grows taller, and appears healthier due to reduced stress and physiological stimulation.
3. Can I use it on Sugarcane?
Yes, it is highly effective against Early Shoot Borer and Termites in Sugarcane when applied as a soil drench or directed spray.
4. Is it safe for honeybees?
Fipronil is toxic to bees. Do not spray during active flowering times when bees are foraging. If necessary, spray in the late evening.
5. Can I mix it with fungicides?
Yes, Sonic Flo is generally compatible with common fungicides like Hexaconazole. However, avoid mixing with highly alkaline substances (like lime).
Safety & Disclaimer
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.
