Chemical Class and RNA Polymerase Inhibition
Matrix features the active molecule Metalaxyl, belonging to the phenylamide / acylalanine chemical group. It functions as a systemic inhibitor of RNA polymerase I in Oomycete pathogens.
By inhibiting fungal ribosomal RNA synthesis, Metalaxyl arrests mycelial development and haustoria formation. When co-formulated with Mancozeb, the multi-site contact protectant provides broad-spectrum surface shielding against resistance evolution.
- Active ingredients: Metalaxyl 35% WS (Seed dressing) or Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP (Foliar)
- Fungicide group: FRAC Group 4 (Phenylamides - RNA polymerase inhibitors) + FRAC Group M03
- Systemic mobility: Rapid upward acropetal translocation via plant xylem conduits
- Action modes: Protective, curative, eradicative, and anti-sporulant activity
CIBRC Approved Target Diseases and Crops
The Central Insecticides Board registers Metalaxyl formulations across cereal, oilseed, pulse, and horticultural crops vulnerable to destructive water molds.
Applied as a slurry seed dressing or foliar spray, it provides dual-zone protection, eliminating seed-borne fungal structures and shielding emerging seedling tissues.
- Mustard / Rapeseed: White rust (*Albugo candida*) and downy mildew seed treatment
- Pearl Millet (Bajra): Green ear / downy mildew (*Sclerospora graminicola*)
- Potato & Tomato: Late blight (*Phytophthora infestans*) systemic foliar suppression
- Grapes & Vegetables: Downy mildew and nursery damping-off (*Pythium* spp.)
Application Guidelines and Resistance Prevention
For seed treatment with Metalaxyl 35% WS, make a uniform slurry with clean water and coat seeds thoroughly, air-drying under shade prior to sowing.
For foliar sprays of Metalaxyl-Mancozeb mixtures, apply preventively before lesion expansion. Limit to 2 applications per cropping season and rotate with alternate modes of action like Dimethomorph or Cymoxanil.
- Seed slurry: Mix 2 to 3 grams of 35% WS per kg of seed with sufficient water for complete coating
- Foliar spray timing: Apply at initial weather conducive to blight or downy mildew outbreaks
- Water volume: 500 liters per hectare for knapsack manual spraying
- Resistance warning: Never apply single-site phenylamides alone repeatedly across seasons
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why is Metalaxyl 35% WS widely recommended for pearl millet and mustard seeds?
It provides systemic seed-coat and seedling protection against downy mildew (green ear disease in bajra) and white rust in mustard during early vegetative growth.
How does the combination of Metalaxyl and Mancozeb prevent fungal resistance?
Mancozeb acts on multiple cellular sites (FRAC Group M03), preventing mutant fungal strains from surviving and overcoming the single-site phenylamide (Metalaxyl) mode of action.
Can Metalaxyl be applied to soil as a drench?
Yes, Metalaxyl formulations are approved for nursery soil drenching to control *Pythium* damping-off and collar rot in vegetables.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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