Chemical Class and Mitochondrial Respiration Inhibition
Galileo features the active molecule Picoxystrobin 22.5% SC, belonging to the strobilurin (QoI) class of systemic fungicides. It acts by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration in fungal pathogen cells.
By binding to the quinone oxidation (Qo) site of the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III), Picoxystrobin blocks cellular electron transfer, cutting off adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. This arrests spore germination, germ tube growth, and mycelial colonization.
- Active ingredient: Picoxystrobin 22.5 percent w/w SC (Suspension Concentrate)
- Fungicide group: FRAC Group 11 (Quinone Outside Inhibitors - QoI)
- Mobility: Systemic acropetal xylem transport, translaminar diffusion, and localized vapor phase redistribution
- Physiological benefit: Enhances plant 'greening effect' and nitrogen assimilation efficiency
CIBRC Approved Target Crops and Fungal Diseases
The Central Insecticides Board registers Picoxystrobin 22.5% SC across major cereal, pulse, and oilseed crops facing high fungal disease pressure.
Due to its vapor activity and translaminar redistribution, Galileo coats un-sprayed tissue surfaces, providing continuous protection to dense crop canopies.
- Paddy (Rice): Sheath blight (*Rhizoctonia solani*) and leaf blast (*Magnaporthe oryzae*)
- Soybean: Asian soybean rust (*Phakopsora pachyrhizi*) and Cercospora leaf spot
- Maize / Corn: Maydis leaf blight and common rust
- Chilli: Anthracnose fruit rot and powdery mildew
Application Guidelines and Resistance Stewardship
Apply Galileo at early disease onset or preventively when weather conditions favor fungal development. Use calibrated sprayers to ensure uniform coverage of crop stems and leaf sheaths.
Because single-site strobilurin fungicides face resistance risk, limit applications per season and alternate with multi-site contact protectants like Mancozeb or triazole fungicides like Difenoconazole.
- Application timing: Preventive or at initial symptom detection during active tillering or flowering
- Water volume: 500 liters per hectare for knapsack spray equipment
- FRAC rotation: Alternate with FRAC Group 3 (Triazoles) or Group M (Multi-site) fungicides
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Consult official product label for crop-specific waiting intervals
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What makes Picoxystrobin unique among strobilurin fungicides?
Picoxystrobin combines rapid xylem systemic movement, translaminar leaf penetration, and vapor redistribution, ensuring uniform protection even across dense, un-sprayed canopy layers.
Does Galileo fungicide improve plant health beyond disease control?
Yes, strobilurins like Picoxystrobin promote nitrate reductase activity and delay foliar senescence, generating a visible greening effect that supports photosynthesis.
Can Galileo be mixed with other fungicides?
Yes, it is often tank-mixed or co-formulated with triazole fungicides like Propiconazole or Difenoconazole to broaden disease spectrum and manage resistance.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.