Chemical Profile and Dual Mode of Action
Sulphur 80% is widely formulated either as Water Dispersible Granules (WDG) or Wettable Powder (WP). It operates as a multi-site contact fungicide that enters fungal spores through vapor action, interrupting respiratory electron transport and cellular enzyme systems.
Beyond fungicidal action, elemental sulphur disrupts respiratory enzymes in phytophagous mites, delivering effective acaricidal suppressive control. When washed into the soil, microbial oxidation converts it to sulfate ions, meeting secondary macronutrient requirements in sulphur-depleted soils.
- Technical content: Elemental Sulphur 80 percent w/w (WDG or WP)
- Fungicide Group: Multi-site inorganic contact fungicide (FRAC code M02)
- Acaricidal action: Effective against red spider, yellow, and eriophyid mites
- Nutritional co-benefit: Supplies critical sulphur for chlorophyll and amino acid synthesis
CIBRC Approved Target Crops and Diseases
The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) approves Sulphur 80% formulations for major horticultural and agronomic crops prone to ascomycete fungal leaf infections.
Proper dispersion in the spray tank requires thorough pre-slurrying, especially with wettable powders, to avoid nozzle clogging and to maintain uniform surface suspension on target foliage.
- Powdery Mildew (*Erysiphe*, *Podosphaera*, *Uncinula*): Grapes, mango, apple, cumin, fenugreek, and peas
- Rust (*Uromyces*, *Puccinia*): Peas, beans, and groundnut
- Phytophagous Mites: Tea red spider mite, chilli yellow mite, and brinjal mite
- Application timing: Preventive foliar sprays at initial symptom appearance or pre-blossom
Application Precautions and Thermal Sensitivity
Sulphur formulations possess vapor activity that intensifies under high ambient temperatures. Spraying when ambient daytime temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius can cause severe foliar phytotoxicity, scorch, and russeting on tender foliage or fruit skin.
Sulphur must never be tank-mixed or applied within 14 days of mineral oil, crop oils, or emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations containing petroleum solvents, as severe leaf drop and fruit burning may occur.
- Avoid high temperatures: Apply during cool morning or evening hours
- Oil incompatibility: Maintain a mandatory 14-day gap before or after oil sprays
- PPE protocols: Wear protective eye goggles and face mask to avoid conjunctival irritation
- Pre-harvest interval: Check CIBRC crop-specific waiting periods prior to harvest
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 is the difference between Sulphur 80% WDG and Sulphur 80% WP?
Sulphur 80% WDG consists of dust-free, free-flowing microgranules that disperse instantly in water with minimal nozzle clogging, whereas WP is a fine dry powder that requires pre-mixing and can generate airborne dust during handling.
Does Sulphur 80% act as a fertilizer?
Yes, once washed onto soil surfaces, soil microorganisms oxidize elemental sulphur into plant-absorbable sulfate ions, delivering essential sulphur nutrition for oilseed and pulse protein development.
Can Sulphur 80% be mixed with copper fungicides?
Co-application is generally avoided unless verified compatible by manufacturer labels, as multi-site inorganic mixtures can elevate phytotoxicity risks on sensitive cultivars under humid conditions.
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.