Contaf Plus Fungicide (Hexaconazole 5% SC) – Broad Spectrum Disease Control
Get superior protection against Sheath Blight and Powdery Mildew with the advanced "Green Triangle" phytotonic power.
Contaf Plus by Rallis India (a Tata Enterprise) is an advanced systemic fungicide containing Hexaconazole 5% SC. Unlike older EC formulations, this water-based Suspension Concentrate (SC) offers higher safety for your crops and better rainfastness. It not only cures fungal diseases but also acts as a plant tonic, keeping leaves greener for longer to boost your final yield.
Best For: Paddy (Rice), Mango, Grapes, and Vegetables.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Triple Action Defense: Works in three ways—Preventive (stops infection), Curative (cures existing disease), and Eradicant (stops spore spread).
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Systemic & Translaminar: Rapidly absorbs into the plant and moves upward (acropetal) to protect new leaves. It also moves across the leaf to kill fungus hiding underneath.
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Yield Booster (Phytotonic Effect): Delays aging (senescence) and keeps leaves green longer (Green Leaf Duration), leading to better grain filling and heavier fruits.
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Rainfastness & Safety: The SC formulation sticks better to leaves than older liquids and is water-based, reducing the risk of leaf burn even in hot weather.
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Cost-Effective ROI: At approximately ₹300–₹360 per acre, it offers premium protection at a fraction of the cost of expensive commercial blends.
Technical Specifications
[Image of Hexaconazole chemical structure]| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Contaf Plus |
| Technical Name | Hexaconazole 5% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3 (DMI Fungicide) |
| Chemical Group | Triazoles |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
[Image of Hexaconazole mode of action diagram]Hexaconazole works by targeting the fungal cell wall construction. Specifically, it inhibits Ergosterol Biosynthesis (via the CYP51 enzyme), which fungi need to build their cell membranes.
- Cell Collapse: Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membranes become "leaky" and unstable, causing the fungus to die.
- Systemic Protection: Once sprayed, it enters the plant sap and moves upwards (Acropetal), protecting new leaves that grow after the spray.
- Stop & Eradicate: It halts the growth of fungal tubes (mycelium) immediately and suppresses spore formation, stopping the disease from spreading to neighboring plants.
Bonus: It modifies plant hormones (gibberellins), resulting in sturdier plants and reduced lodging in paddy.
Target Crops & Pests
[Image of Sheath Blight in Rice]| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia), Brown Spot, Blast |
| Mango | Powdery Mildew |
| Grapes | Powdery Mildew |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | 400 ml | 200 L | 2.0 ml | 40 Days |
| Mango | Tree Size Dependent | As Needed | 1.5 - 2.0 ml | 27 Days |
| Grapes | 200 - 400 ml | 200 - 400 L | 1.0 ml | 14 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: For Rice, apply at the active tillering stage (40-45 days after transplanting) or immediately when you see the first lesions on the sheath. For Mango, apply before flower emergence.
- Mixing: Compatible with most insecticides like Chlorpyrifos and Quinalphos. Do NOT mix with alkaline products like Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulfur.
- Coverage: Ensure the spray reaches the lower parts of the plant (sheaths) for Rice, and covers the full canopy for fruits.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Contaf (EC) and Contaf Plus (SC)?
Contaf Plus is an SC (Suspension Concentrate) formulation. It is water-based, safer for crops (less risk of burning), has smaller particles for better coverage, and sticks better during rain compared to the older EC liquid.
2. Does Contaf Plus help increase yield?
Yes. Apart from killing fungus, it keeps the leaves green for longer (phytotonic effect). This allows the plant to produce more food via photosynthesis, leading to better grain filling in rice and better fruit quality.
3. Can I mix Contaf Plus with other pesticides?
Yes, it is compatible with common insecticides like Chlorpyrifos and Quinalphos. However, perform a small "jar test" first and never mix it with alkaline products like Bordeaux mixture.
4. Is it safe for honey bees?
It is moderately toxic. To protect pollinators, avoid spraying during peak foraging hours (mid-day). Spraying in the early morning or late evening is safer.
5. What is the waiting period (PHI) for Rice?
You must stop spraying Contaf Plus at least 40 days before harvesting rice to ensure the grain is safe for consumption and meets export standards.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application.
