Leading Protective Contact Fungicides
Contact protectants form a durable multi-site barrier on foliage that inhibits fungal spore germination and prevents host penetration.
Because they disrupt multiple metabolic enzymes simultaneously, pathogens do not develop chemical resistance against multi-site contact protectants.
- Mancozeb 75% WP (M-45): Foundational multi-site protectant controlling early/late blight, downy mildew, and leaf spots
- Copper Oxychloride 50% WP (Blitox / Blue Copper): Protective copper releasing bioactive ions against fungal blights and bacterial cankers
- Propineb 70% WP (Antracol): Zinc-complexed contact protectant for apple scab, late blight, and paddy false smut
- Captan 50% / 70% WP: Broad-spectrum contact protectant against anthracnose fruit rot and soil-borne damping-off
Leading Systemic and Translaminar Fungicides
Systemic fungicides penetrate plant tissues and translocate through vascular sap to cure incubating infections and protect new vegetative growth.
Rotating between differing FRAC chemical groups prevents single-site resistance from emerging in fungal pathogen populations.
- Azoxystrobin 23% SC (Amistar): Broad-spectrum strobilurin inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and delivering crop greening
- Tebuconazole 25.9% EC / WG: Systemic triazole providing curative and eradicative control of powdery mildew, rust, and blast
- Propiconazole 25% EC (Tilt): Acropetal systemic triazole for yellow rust, sheath blight, and Karnal bunt in cereals
- Difenoconazole 25% EC (Score): Premier curative triazole for apple scab, chili anthracnose, and Cercospora leaf spots
- Metalaxyl-M + Mancozeb (Ridomil Gold): High-potency oomycete specialist for potato late blight and grape downy mildew
- Carbendazim 50% WP (Bavistin): Systemic benzimidazole widely used for seed treatment and blast management
Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and Stewardship
Fungicide sprays should be deployed preventively ahead of rainy weather or at the earliest onset of disease lesions.
Always alternate single-site systemic fungicides with multi-site contact protectants to maintain long-term chemical efficacy.
- FRAC rotation: Alternate between different fungicide chemical groups across crop growth stages
- Nozzle type: Use fine hollow cone nozzles for thorough canopy coverage and underside leaf wetting
- Safety apparel: Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and an approved dust respirator during mixing
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the most widely used contact fungicide in India?
Mancozeb 75% WP (commonly known as M-45) is the most widely applied contact protective fungicide in Indian agriculture.
What is the difference between contact and systemic fungicides?
Contact fungicides stay on the leaf surface to prevent spore germination, while systemic fungicides penetrate plant tissues to cure internal mycelium.
Why is rotating fungicide FRAC groups recommended?
Rotating different FRAC groups prevents fungal pathogen populations from developing genetic resistance against specific chemical classes.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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