Active ingredients and synergistic mode of action
Saaf pairs a systemic benzimidazole fungicide with a broad-spectrum contact dithiocarbamate to establish comprehensive internal and external crop defense.
Carbendazim is absorbed systemically through plant roots and green foliage, translocating acropetally to inhibit fungal tubulin polymerization and cell division from within.
- Carbendazim (12% WP): Systemic action arresting fungal mycelial growth and spore germination inside host tissue.
- Mancozeb (63% WP): Multi-site contact protectant creating a protective shield on the leaf surface that blocks fungal enzyme activity.
- Resistance management: Multi-site partner reduces the risk of fungal pathogen populations developing chemical resistance.
Target diseases and approved agricultural crops
The formulation is registered for broad-spectrum disease suppression across cereals, oilseeds, pulses, commercial plantation crops, and vegetables.
It delivers reliable disease management against early and late leaf spots, rusts, collar rot, blast, anthracnose, and fruit rot complexes.
- Groundnut: Tikka leaf spot and collar rot (effective both as foliar spray and seed treatment).
- Paddy (Rice): Blast and sheath blight management during vegetative and reproductive stages.
- Chilli: Fruit rot, dieback, and anthracnose.
- Tea: Black rot and blister blight.
Application methods and seed treatment protocol
Saaf can be utilized as a dry seed treatment, seedling root dip, soil drench, or foliar canopy spray depending on the target pathogen and crop stage.
For foliar application, initiate spraying upon the earliest detection of disease symptoms and repeat at label-specified intervals during sustained humid weather.
- Foliar spray: Uniform canopy coverage using recommended label dilution rates in clean water.
- Seed treatment: Thoroughly coat seeds before sowing to protect emerging seedlings from soil-borne and seed-borne fungi.
- Personal protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective overalls during handling and spraying.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What active ingredients are present in Saaf fungicide?
Saaf contains Carbendazim 12% and Mancozeb 63% in a Wettable Powder (WP) formulation.
Can Saaf fungicide be used as a seed treatment?
Yes, Saaf is approved for seed treatment in crops like groundnut to protect against seed-borne and early soil-borne diseases.
What fungal diseases does Saaf fungicide control?
It controls leaf spot, blast, anthracnose, fruit rot, collar rot, and powdery mildew across a variety of crops.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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