FMC Centaurus® Fungicide: The Ultimate Guard Against Fruit Rot & Scab
Stop fungal diseases instantly with the dual-power of Tebuconazole and Captan.
Fungal attacks like Fruit Rot in Chilli and Scab in Apple can destroy your harvest overnight. FMC Centaurus® is a premium "Suspension Concentrate" (SC) fungicide designed to solve this problem. It combines two powerful chemistries to provide a double shield: it cures infection from the inside and protects the plant from the outside.
Best For: Farmers looking for a rainfast, low-dust, and highly effective solution for high-value crops.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Fast "Knock-Down" Action: Stops the disease immediately upon contact, preventing further spread of spores.
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Dual Protection (Inside & Out): Contains a systemic agent that enters the plant to cure hidden disease, and a contact agent that forms a shield on the leaf surface.
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Resists Resistance: The multi-site action makes it very difficult for fungus to develop resistance, ensuring the product works year after year.
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Superior Rainfastness: The advanced SC liquid formulation sticks to leaves better than powders, meaning it won't wash off easily in light rain.
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Pollinator Friendly: Classified as non-toxic to bees, making it safer to use during flowering stages compared to older chemicals.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | FMC Centaurus® |
| Technical Name | Tebuconazole 6.7% + Captan 26.9% w/w SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | FRAC 3 (Systemic) + FRAC M4 (Contact) |
| Chemical Group | Triazole + Phthalimide |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (Liquid SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue/Yellow (Refer to Bottle Label) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Centaurus works by attacking the fungus on two fronts, making it a "Resistance Breaker."
- Systemic Cure (Tebuconazole): It penetrates the plant surface and travels inside the leaf/fruit. It stops the fungus from building cell walls, effectively curing existing infections.
- Contact Shield (Captan): It stays on the surface of the leaf. When fungal spores land, it destroys their ability to breathe (respiration), stopping them from germinating.
- Resistance Management: Because Captan attacks multiple parts of the fungus cell, it kills strains that might be resistant to other common fungicides.
This combination ensures that your crop stays disease-free for a longer period (10-15 days).
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Chilli (Peppers) | Fruit Rot (Anthracnose), Powdery Mildew |
| Apple | Scab, Premature Leaf Fall, Alternaria Leaf Spot |
| Potato / Tomato (Off-label) | Early Blight, Late 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilli | 400 ml | 200 Litres | 2.0 ml | 5 Days |
| Apple (Scab) | Based on Tree Size | High Volume Spray | 2.5 ml | 10 Days |
| Other Veg (General) | 400 - 500 ml | 200 Litres | 2.5 ml | Varies |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: For best results, spray preventively (before disease appears) or at the very first sign of spots. Repeat every 10-15 days.
- Mixing: Do NOT mix with Horticultural Oils (often used on apples) or highly alkaline products (like Bordeaux mixture). This will burn the leaves.
- Coverage: Use a Hollow Cone Nozzle to ensure fine mist reaches the underside of leaves and deep into the fruit clusters.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not spray near fish ponds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the price of FMC Centaurus 500ml?
The approximate market price is around ₹565 for a 500ml bottle, though this may vary slightly by region and dealer.
2. Is Centaurus safe for flowering crops?
Yes, it is classified as non-toxic to bees. However, to be 100% safe, avoid spraying during peak foraging hours (mid-day).
3. Can I mix oil with Centaurus for Apple Scab?
No. Mixing Captan (an ingredient in Centaurus) with oil sprays can cause severe phytotoxicity (leaf burn). Maintain a gap of 15 days between oil and Centaurus sprays.
4. Does it work on Powdery Mildew?
Yes, the Tebuconazole component is highly effective against Powdery Mildew in Chilli and Apples, in addition to controlling rot and scab.
5. Why use SC (liquid) instead of WP (powder)?
SC formulations are safer (no dust inhalation), mix easier in water, and stick to the plant better during rain, providing longer protection.
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. Toxic to aquatic life; do not use near water bodies.
