Active Chemical Profile & Mode of Action
Propiconazole is a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide belonging to the triazole chemical family (FRAC Group 3). It inhibits the 14-alpha-demethylase enzyme (CYP51) in the fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway.
Ergosterol is the essential sterol component of fungal cell membranes; without it, fungal membranes become permeable and leak essential ions, arresting fungal haustorial development and spore production.
- Active Ingredient: Propiconazole 25% w/w EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate)
- FRAC Classification: Group 3 (Sterol Biosynthesis Inhibitors / DMI)
- Systemic Translocation: Rapidly absorbed through green foliage and translocated acropetally via xylem streams
- Action Spectrum: Preventative spore barrier, early curative arrest, and anti-sporulant action
Approved Target Crops & Key Plant Pathogens
Tilt holds extensive CIBRC registrations across cereal staples and commercial crops. It is the gold standard for managing yellow (stripe) rust, brown rust, and Karnal bunt in wheat.
In paddy, it provides excellent control of sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and dirty panicle complex, while controlling Tikka disease in groundnut and Sigatoka leaf spot in banana plantations.
- Wheat: Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis), brown leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica)
- Paddy (Rice): Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and glume blotch/dirty panicle complex
- Groundnut: Early and late leaf spot (Tikka disease caused by Cercospora species)
- Tea & Coffee: Blister blight of tea and leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) of coffee
Application Guidelines & Resistance Stewardship
Apply Tilt at the first visible sign of disease or when atmospheric temperature and humidity models indicate high infection pressure. Ensure thorough canopy penetration.
Because DMI triazoles have a medium risk of fungal resistance development, limit applications to two sprays per season and rotate with multi-site contact fungicides (such as Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil).
- Foliar Spray: Apply during morning hours; rainfastness is achieved within 2 hours of drying on foliage
- Water Volume: Use 200 liters of water per acre for field crops and 400 to 500 liters for orchards and tea
- Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Comply with the statutory 30-day waiting period for wheat and labeled crops
- Safety Gear: Use chemical-resistant nitrile gloves, face mask, and eye goggles when handling the EC concentrate
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active chemical molecule in Syngenta Tilt?
Tilt contains Propiconazole 25% EC, an established systemic DMI triazole fungicide (FRAC Group 3).
Is Tilt effective against yellow rust in wheat?
Yes, Propiconazole 25% EC is one of the premier recommended fungicides by ICAR-IIWBR for controlling stripe (yellow) rust in wheat crops.
How does Propiconazole move inside the plant?
It is absorbed by leaves and moves acropetally (upward and outward toward leaf tips) through the plant's xylem vascular system.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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