Blightwar Fungicide (Validamycin 3% L) | Expert Sheath Blight Control
Stop Sheath Blight in its tracks with Blightwar by Nichino India—a specialized antibiotic fungicide designed for superior rice protection.
Blightwar contains Validamycin 3% L, a unique antibiotic derived from fermentation technology. Unlike harsh chemicals that stress the plant, Blightwar acts by starving the fungus, effectively stopping the spread of Rhizoctonia solani (Sheath Blight). It is the ideal choice for farmers looking for a cost-effective, safe, and resistance-breaking solution to protect their paddy yield and grain quality.
Best For: Controlling Sheath Blight in Rice, Black Scurf in Potato, and Damping-off in vegetables.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Immediate Disease Stoppage: Acts as a "fungistat" to instantly stop the fungus from growing or spreading to the flag leaf.
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Resistance Breaker: Works differently than Triazoles or Strobilurins, making it perfect for controlling resistant fungal strains.
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Long-Lasting Inoculum Control: Suppresses the formation of sclerotia (fungal seeds), reducing disease pressure for the next season.
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Rainfast & Stable: Quickly absorbed into the leaf surface (translaminar), staying effective even after rainfall.
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Eco-Friendly & Safe: Safe for beneficial insects (spiders/bees), fish, and mammals. Ideal for IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Blightwar |
| Technical Name | Validamycin 3% L |
| IRAC MoA Code | U18 (Trehalase Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Aminoglycoside Antibiotic |
| Formulation | Liquid (Soluble Concentrate) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue/Green Triangle (Low Toxicity) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Blightwar operates on a unique "starvation" mechanism known as Trehalase Inhibition.
- Blocks Energy Breakdown: The fungus relies on a sugar called "Trehalose" for energy. Blightwar blocks the enzyme needed to break this sugar down.
- Starves the Pathogen: Even though the fungus has food reserves, it cannot use them. It essentially starves in the midst of plenty.
- Halts Progression: The fungal threads (hyphae) stop extending immediately. This prevents the "runner hyphae" from moving up the plant to attack the valuable flag leaf.
Note: This action is "fungistatic," meaning it freezes fungal growth rather than burning the tissue, allowing the plant to recover naturally.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani) |
| Potato | Black Scurf |
| Vegetables (Tomato/Brinjal) | Damping-Off (Soil-borne) |
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 | 14 Days |
| Vegetables | 400 - 500 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.5 ml | 14 Days |
| Other Crops | Refer to Label | 150 - 200 L | 2.0 - 2.5 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: Start spraying at the "Maximum Tillering" stage or as soon as you see greenish-grey spots near the water line. Early application prevents upward spread.
- Mixing: Compatible with most insecticides (like Cartap or Flubendiamide) and fungicides (like Hexaconazole). Avoid mixing with alkaline chemicals like Bordeaux mixture.
- Coverage: High water volume (150-200 Liters/acre) is mandatory. Ensure the spray reaches the bottom sheaths where the disease starts.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Blightwar a systemic fungicide?
It is primarily a translaminar and selective contact fungicide. It penetrates the leaf tissue locally but does not travel up the plant stems like some systemics. This is why thorough coverage of lower sheaths is critical.
2. Does Blightwar kill the fungus immediately?
No, it is "fungistatic." It stops the fungus from feeding and growing immediately, but the lesion may take time to dry out completely. This is normal and effective.
3. Can I mix Blightwar with other products?
Yes, it is physically compatible with most common insecticides used for Stem Borer or Leaf Folder. It can also be mixed with Triazoles for a "sandwich" spray program.
4. Is it safe for fish and bees?
Yes, Blightwar has low toxicity for fish and bees, making it a safer choice for rice-fish ecosystems and during flowering stages.
5. What is the cost per acre?
Blightwar is a very economical solution, costing approximately ₹250 per acre for the chemical, making it much cheaper than premium systemic blends.
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.
