Ferotia Insecticide (Diafenthiuron 50% WP): The Ultimate Guide to Sucking Pest Control
Unlock the power of "Triple Action" protection against whiteflies, mites, and aphids with Coromandel's Ferotia.
Indian agriculture has seen a massive shift in pest threats, with sucking pests like whiteflies, aphids, and mites becoming the new primary enemies for cotton and vegetable farmers. Traditional poisons often fail due to high resistance. Enter Ferotia (and Ferotia Gold)—a specialized "pro-insecticide" designed to break this resistance cycle.
Ferotia works differently. It uses sunlight to activate, creating a powerful vapor that reaches pests hiding under leaves. Beyond killing pests, it provides a unique "Phytotonic Effect," turning your crops lush green due to the release of urea derivatives.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Immediate Stop to Feeding: Although the pest dies in 3-4 days, it stops feeding and damaging your crop immediately upon contact.
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Dual Power (Insecticide + Acaricide): It kills both insects (whiteflies) and arachnids (mites), saving you the cost of buying a separate miticide.
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Long-Lasting Control: Offers extended protection, reducing the number of sprays needed per season compared to generic generic pesticides.
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Vapor Action for Hidden Pests: The chemical turns into a vapor that penetrates dense canopies and curled leaves to kill pests hiding on the underside.
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Phytotonic "Greening" Effect: As the chemical breaks down, it releases nitrogen, giving your crop a lush, dark green appearance and boosting photosynthesis.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Ferotia / Ferotia Gold (Premium) |
| Technical Name | Diafenthiuron 50% WP |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 12A (Energy Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Thiourea |
| Formulation | Wettable Powder (WP) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Ferotia is a unique "Pro-Insecticide." It is inactive in the packet but becomes highly toxic to pests once exposed to sunlight and air.
- Energy Blockade (Mitochondrial Inhibition): Once the insect ingests or touches the chemical, it blocks ATP synthesis. This cuts off the insect's energy supply, causing instant paralysis of mouthparts.
- Triple Action Attack: It works via Contact (direct spray), Stomach (eating treated leaf), and Vapor (fumes reaching hidden spots).
- Sunlight Activation: UV rays from the sun convert the thiourea molecule into a lethal carbodiimide derivative, maximizing potency.
Note: Because it relies on sunlight for activation, do not spray on very cloudy days or late at night.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Whitefly, Aphids, Thrips, Jassids |
| Chilli | Yellow Mites (Murda Complex), Aphids |
| Cabbage / Cauliflower | Diamondback Moth (DBM) |
| Cardamom | Thrips, Capsule Borer |
| Brinjal | Whitefly, Shoot & Fruit Borer (Suppression) |
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 (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 240 g | 200 L | 1.2 g | 21 Days |
| Cabbage | 240 g | 200 L | 1.2 g | 7 Days |
| Chilli | 240 g | 200 L | 1.2 g | 14 Days |
| Cardamom | 320 g | 400 L | 0.8 g | 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: Apply at the early stages of infestation (ETL 5-10 nymphs per leaf). Morning sprays are best to allow sunlight to activate the chemical during the day.
- Mixing (Creaming): Do not dump the powder directly into the full tank. Mix the powder with a small amount of water first to create a smooth "cream," then add this to the main tank.
- Coverage: Ensure thorough coverage. For Cabbage and Cauliflower, use a Sticker/Spreader adjuvant because their leaves are waxy.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid spraying when honeybees are actively foraging.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Ferotia and Ferotia Gold?
Ferotia Gold is a premium formulation with smaller particle size (micronization) for better mixing and coverage. It also promotes a stronger "greening" (phytotonic) effect on the crop compared to the standard version.
2. Is Ferotia effective against Mites?
Yes. It is a powerful acaricide, making it highly effective against the Yellow Mite in Chilli and Red Spider Mites in vegetables. It eliminates the need to mix a separate miticide.
3. Can I mix Ferotia with Bordeaux Mixture?
No. Ferotia is unstable in alkaline conditions. Do not mix it with Bordeaux mixture, Lime Sulphur, or any alkaline products, as this will destroy the medicine's effectiveness.
4. What is the price per acre for Ferotia?
The cost is approximately ₹530 to ₹600 per acre (240g dose). This is cost-effective because it controls both insects and mites in one go, replacing two separate chemicals.
5. Is it safe for fish or bees?
Ferotia is toxic to fish and bees. Do not use near fish ponds or aquaculture. To protect bees, spray in the early morning or late evening when bee activity is low.
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) like gloves and N95 masks during application to avoid inhaling dust. Dispose of empty packets responsibly.
