Sofia Fungicide (Hexaconazole 4% + Carbendazim 16% SC)
The Ultimate Dual-Action Shield for Rice, Wheat, and Vegetables.
Sofia Fungicide by Insecticides (India) Limited is a powerful systemic solution designed to protect your crops from severe fungal diseases. By combining two potent active ingredients, it not only stops disease spread instantly but also boosts your crop's greenness and yield.
Best For: Controlling Blast and Sheath Blight in Paddy, Rust in Wheat, and Powdery Mildew in vegetables.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Dual-Action Power: Combines Systemic and Contact action to kill fungus from both inside and outside the plant.
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Broad Spectrum Defense: One spray controls multiple diseases like Blast, Sheath Blight, Rust, and Leaf Spots simultaneously.
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Long-Lasting Protection: Rapidly absorbed by the plant, providing protection for 15 to 20 days after spraying.
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Excellent Rainfastness: The SC formulation sticks well; it remains effective even if it rains 2-4 hours after application.
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Phyto-Tonic Effect: Keeps leaves green (chlorophyll retention) and delays aging, leading to higher yields and better grain quality.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Sofia |
| Technical Name | Hexaconazole 4% + Carbendazim 16% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3 (Triazole) + Group 1 (Benzimidazole) |
| Chemical Group | Triazole + Benzimidazole |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) Liquid |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Sofia uses a "double-engine" approach to defeat fungus:
- Systemic Entry: Being a liquid SC formulation, it is absorbed quickly through leaves and roots, moving upwards to protect new growth.
- Membrane Destruction (Hexaconazole): It blocks the production of Ergosterol (essential for cell walls), causing the fungus to collapse and stop growing.
- Cell Division Arrest (Carbendazim): It acts like a "nuclear assassin," attacking the fungal nucleus and preventing spores from germinating or multiplying.
[Image of fungal cell wall destruction diagram]
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Sheath Blight, Leaf Blast, Neck Blast [Image of rice blast disease symptoms] |
| Wheat | Yellow Rust (Stripe Rust), Brown Rust, Leaf Blight |
| Vegetables & Fruit | Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose, Leaf Spots, Early Blight |
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 - 500 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.5 ml | 40 Days |
| Wheat | 400 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.0 ml | - |
| Vegetables (Tomato/Chilli) | 350 - 400 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.0 ml | 7 - 14 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. (Critical for Rice exports).
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply preventively (before disease spreads) or immediately when you see the first symptoms (spots/lesions). For Paddy, spray at tillering or panicle initiation.
- Mixing: Compatible with most insecticides (like Imidacloprid). DO NOT MIX with Copper fungicides (Bordeaux mixture) or alkaline products. Always do a small "Jar Test" first.
- Coverage: Use a Hollow Cone Nozzle for a fine mist that reaches the underside of leaves. Ensure full canopy coverage.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not use near fish ponds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Sofia control Neck Blast in Paddy?
Yes. For best results against Neck Blast ("Rotten Neck"), apply Sofia at the panicle initiation stage.
2. Can I use Sofia on Groundnut or Cotton?
Yes, farmers widely use it to control Tikka Leaf Spot in Groundnut and Leaf Spots in Cotton due to its cost-effectiveness.
3. What is the benefit of the "SC" formulation?
Suspension Concentrates (SC) are water-based. They are safer for the plant (less burning) and stick better to leaves compared to older powders.
4. Can I mix Sofia with fertilizers?
It is generally not recommended to mix fungicides with heavy NPK fertilizers in the same tank as it may reduce efficacy.
5. Why are my plants greener after spraying?
This is the "Phyto-tonic" effect. The Hexaconazole and Carbendazim combination delays leaf aging and increases chlorophyll, keeping the plant healthy.
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.
