Broad classifications of fungicides
- Contact (protectant) fungicides: Form a defensive chemical barrier on leaf surfaces, preventing fungal spores from germinating and penetrating plant tissues (e.g. Mancozeb, Copper oxychloride, Sulphur).
- Systemic fungicides: Absorbed through foliage or roots and transported internally through the xylem or phloem, stopping fungal mycelial growth within plant cells (e.g. Triazoles, Strobilurins).
- Translaminar fungicides: Penetrate the leaf cuticle and redistribute from the upper leaf surface to the lower surface, protecting hidden plant foliage.
Resistance management strategies
- Continuous use of single-site systemic fungicides can trigger the emergence of resistant fungal strains.
- Follow Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) guidelines: rotate chemistries with different FRAC codes across spray rounds.
- Pair single-site systemics with multi-site contact protectants to shield active ingredients and maintain long-term field efficacy.
Application safety and environmental precautions
- Select only CIBRC approved formulations registered for the specific target crop and disease.
- Ensure accurate spray calibration using appropriate nozzles (such as hollow-cone nozzles for foliar coverage).
- Adhere strictly to the pre-harvest interval (PHI) on product labels to ensure harvested food remains free from chemical residues.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary purpose of a fungicide in agriculture?
Fungicides protect crops by suppressing fungal diseases that cause leaf spots, blights, rusts, mildews, and rot.
How do contact fungicides differ from systemic fungicides?
Contact fungicides protect the exterior leaf surface, while systemic fungicides penetrate into plant tissues to eliminate existing infections.
What causes fungicide resistance?
Repeatedly using the same single-site chemical mode of action allows surviving mutant fungi to multiply and dominate.
What does the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) mean?
PHI is the minimum required waiting time between the final fungicide application and the safe harvest of the crop for consumption.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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