Sargent Xpress Insecticide - Fipronil 0.6% GR for Stem Borer & Leaf Folder Control in Paddy by IIL

Sargent Xpress is a high-power granular insecticide manufactured by Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL), one of India's leading agrochemical companies. It contains Fipronil 0.6% GR — a concentrated formulation that delivers effective control of stem borers, leaf folders, termites, and other damaging pests in paddy, sugarcane, and wheat crops.

Unlike older 0.3% GR formulations, Sargent Xpress offers a higher active ingredient load, meaning farmers need only 4 kg per acre instead of 8–10 kg. This makes it easier to transport, handle, and apply in the field. The product works through both contact and ingestion action, targeting the pest's nervous system for quick knockdown and lasting protection.

Beyond pest control, Sargent Xpress provides a unique Phytotonic effect — it promotes better root development, increases water uptake, and leads to greener, healthier plants with more productive tillers. This dual benefit of pest protection plus plant growth support makes it a valuable tool for farmers aiming for better yields. The product is classified under IRAC Group 2B (GABA-gated chloride channel blockers) and carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (moderately toxic).

Key Benefits

• Rapid pest knockdown: Fipronil acts quickly on contact or ingestion, stopping pests from feeding and preventing "Dead Heart" and "White Ear" damage in paddy.
• Low dosage, high efficiency: Requires only 4 kg per acre (compared to 8–10 kg of older 0.3% formulations), reducing transport and labour costs.
• Broad-spectrum control: Effectively targets Yellow Stem Borer, Rice Leaf Folder, Brown Plant Hopper in paddy, Early Shoot Borer and Root Borer in sugarcane, and termites in wheat.
• Systemic action: Absorbed by roots and moves upward through the plant, protecting new growth from inside out.
• Phytotonic growth boost: Stimulates root development, increases chlorophyll, and promotes greener, healthier plants with more productive tillers.
• Long-lasting protection: Provides season-long defence when applied at the right time, reducing the need for repeated applications.
• Easy application: Granular formulation can be mixed with dry sand and broadcast evenly across the field.

How It Works

Sargent Xpress works by targeting the central nervous system of insects. When the granules are applied to the field, they dissolve in soil moisture or standing water. The active ingredient, Fipronil, is absorbed by the plant roots and moves systemically upward through the plant's vascular system, protecting new growth from inside.

When pests come into contact with treated plant parts or ingest the chemical while feeding, Fipronil blocks the GABA-gated chloride channels in their nerve cells. This blockage disrupts normal nerve signal transmission, causing hyperexcitation of the nerves. The insect loses control of its nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventually death. Because Fipronil works through both contact and ingestion, it effectively controls pests that are hiding inside plant stems (like stem borers) as well as those feeding on leaf surfaces (like leaf folders).

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Sargent Xpress
Brand	Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL)
Technical Content	Fipronil 0.6% w/w GR
Formulation Type	Granules (GR)
Chemical Group	Phenylpyrazole
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 2B (GABA-gated chloride channel blockers)
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
HSN Code	38089199
GST Slab	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

The Golden Rule: Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. This is a granular product meant for broadcasting or soil application — not for spray.

Crop	Dose (per Acre)	Method	PHI (Days)
Rice (Paddy)	4 kg	Broadcast in standing water (2–3 cm depth)	32 days
Sugarcane	10–13.3 kg (per hectare)	Soil incorporation with light irrigation	9 days
Wheat	Refer to product label	Soil mix with adequate soil moisture	~30 days

PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Minimum days between last application and harvest.

When to Use

For Rice (Paddy): Apply 15–30 days after transplanting (DAT) or as soon as "Dead Heart" symptoms first appear. This is the critical window when stem borers and leaf folders begin attacking young plants. Maintaining 2–3 cm of standing water in the field during and after application helps the granules dissolve and reach the root zone effectively.

For Sugarcane: Apply at the time of planting or during earthing-up (45–60 days after planting) to protect against Early Shoot Borer and Root Borer.

For Wheat: Apply during soil preparation or at sowing time for termite control. Ensure adequate soil moisture for the granules to activate.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Calculate the right quantity: For paddy, measure exactly 4 kg of Sargent Xpress granules per acre. For sugarcane, use 10–13.3 kg per hectare as per label instructions.
2. Mix with sand for even distribution: Mix the measured granules with approximately 50 kg of dry sand per acre. This helps spread the product uniformly across the field and prevents clumping.
3. Prepare the field: For paddy, ensure the field has 2–3 cm of standing water. For sugarcane and wheat, the soil should have adequate moisture.
4. Broadcast evenly: Walk across the field and broadcast the sand-granule mixture uniformly. Do not concentrate in one area.
5. Maintain water level (for paddy): Keep 2–3 cm of standing water in the field for 2–3 days after application. This allows the chemical to dissolve properly and reach the roots.
6. Post-application care: Avoid draining the field for at least 2–3 days after application to ensure the product stays in the root zone.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while handling and applying the product.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and children. Keep the container tightly sealed.
• Environmental safety: Fipronil is highly toxic to fish and aquatic life. Do not use in fields that drain directly into fish ponds, rivers, or water bodies.
• Do not use for fish farming: Avoid application in fields where fish or shrimp farming is practiced.
• Follow label instructions: Always read and follow the official product label for complete safety and usage guidance.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Rice (Paddy)	32 days
Sugarcane	9 days
Wheat	Refer to label (~30 days)

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and animals.