Chemical properties and ryanodine receptor mechanism
Chlorantraniliprole operates via a specialized neurological mechanism with high selectivity for chewing caterpillar pests.
- Ryanodine receptor modulator (IRAC Group 28): Stimulates unregulated calcium release from insect muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.
- Immediate feeding cessation: Exposed larvae suffer muscle contraction, lethargy, and paralysis within hours of contact or ingestion.
- Acropetal systemic root uptake: Granules dissolve in soil moisture and are absorbed by roots, translocating upward to all developing shoots.
- Granular (0.4% GR) formulation: Sand-core granular formulation designed for uniform broadcasting without spray drift.
Target crops and major borer pests controlled
Ferterra is specifically approved under CIBRC regulations for managing destructive stem borers in irrigated cereal and commercial crops.
- Rice (Paddy): Prevention and control of yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) and rice leaf folder.
- Rice application timing: Broadcast uniformly in standing shallow water at 15 to 25 days after transplanting (early tillering).
- Sugarcane: Control of early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus) and root borers.
- Sugarcane application: Applied in furrows at planting or during early earthing-up operations.
- Long residual protection: Provides 20 to 30 days of continuous internal plant protection, eliminating deadhearts.
Broadcasting methodology and environmental safety
Broadcast Ferterra granules directly or mix with dry sand for uniform spreading across the field. Maintain a shallow layer of water (3 to 5 cm) in paddy fields for 48 hours following broadcasting to facilitate root uptake. Chlorantraniliprole carries a favorable environmental profile (green hazard triangle) with low toxicity to beneficial predatory spiders, earthworms, and honeybees.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active chemical ingredient in Ferterra (Phatera)?
Ferterra contains Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR, a granular anthranilic diamide insecticide.
How is Ferterra applied in paddy fields?
Broadcast the granules uniformly at early tillering (15 to 25 days after transplanting) in shallow standing field water.
Is Ferterra safe for beneficial earthworms and predatory spiders?
Yes, Chlorantraniliprole exhibits high selectivity toward target caterpillar borers and has very low toxicity toward beneficial organisms.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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