Chemical Class and Demethylation Inhibitor Mode of Action
Hexaconazole belongs to the triazole chemical family (FRAC Group 3), functioning as a Demethylation Inhibitor (DMI).
It specifically blocks the C-14 demethylation of lanosterol in fungal cells, halting ergosterol membrane production and causing fungal hyphal tips to burst and collapse.
- Active Molecule: Hexaconazole 5% SC (Suspension Concentrate) or 5% EC
- DMI Mechanism: Halts ergosterol biosynthesis, disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity and arresting mycelial growth
- Acropetal Systemic Movement: Absorbed rapidly through leaf cuticles and translocated upward via plant xylem to protect emerging shoots
- Curative Action: Stops established early fungal infections inside leaf tissues even after initial lesion development
Target Crops and Major Fungal Diseases
Hexaconazole is registered across diverse field staples, commercial horticulture, and plantation crops.
In paddy, it provides reliable protection against sheath blight, while in mango and grapes it prevents blossom powdery mildew.
- Paddy (Rice): Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and blast suppression
- Groundnut: Early and late leaf spot (tikka disease - Cercospora arachidicola) and rust
- Grapes & Mango: Powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator / Oidium mangiferae) attacking flower panicles and young berries
- Tea: Blister blight (Exobasidium vexans) in plantation gardens
Application Guidelines and Resistance Prevention
Apply Hexaconazole 5% SC at the first appearance of fungal lesions or prophylactically when high humidity creates disease risks.
To safeguard triazole chemistries against pathogen resistance, limit consecutive applications and alternate with multi-site contact protectants.
- Foliar Dilution: Apply at 2 ml per liter of water (approx. 400 ml per acre in 200 liters of water)
- Coverage: Use hollow-cone nozzles delivering a fine mist to coat both upper and lower leaf surfaces
- Tank Mixing: Compatible with most neutral insecticides and foliar nutrients; avoid mixing with strongly alkaline materials
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the technical ingredient in Contaf fungicide?
Contaf contains hexaconazole 5% SC (or 5% EC), a systemic triazole fungicide.
Does hexaconazole have curative activity against plant diseases?
Yes, hexaconazole possesses strong curative activity that halts fungal hyphal growth inside plant tissues even after early infection has begun.
What diseases does hexaconazole control in rice and groundnut?
It controls sheath blight in rice and tikka leaf spot disease (Cercospora) and rust in groundnut.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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