Gretel Fungicide (Carbendazim 50% WP)
The Broad-Spectrum Systemic Solution for Blast, Smut, and Mildews.
Gretel (by Nichino India) is a high-performance systemic fungicide containing Carbendazim 50% WP. It works from the inside out to protect your crops. Whether you need to treat an existing infection (Curative) or prevent disease before it starts (Protective), Gretel provides a robust shield for crops like Paddy, Wheat, Cotton, and Vegetables.
Best For: Controlling internal seed-borne diseases (Loose Smut), Rice Blast, Sheath Blight, and Powdery Mildew.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Double Action Power: Acts as both a "Curative" medicine to stop disease spread and a "Protective" shield to prevent new infections.
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Systemic Protection: Absorbed rapidly by roots and leaves, it travels inside the plant (via Xylem) to protect new growth that wasn't even sprayed.
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Japanese Technology: Produced by Nichino India (a subsidiary of Nihon Nohyaku, Japan), ensuring superior purity and formulation stability compared to generics.
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Rainfastness: Because it absorbs into the plant system quickly, it is less likely to wash off if it rains shortly after application.
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Cost-Effective ROI: One of the most economical solutions for managing widespread diseases like Rice Blast and Tikka Leaf Spot.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Gretel |
| Technical Name | Carbendazim 50% WP |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 1 (Benzimidazole) |
| Chemical Group | MBC Fungicide |
| Formulation | Wettable Powder (WP) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Gretel targets the fungal cell's ability to divide. It acts as a "mitotic poison," effectively stopping the fungus from growing and colonizing the plant.
- Absorption: Upon spraying, the active ingredient penetrates the leaf surface or seed coat.
- Translocation: It travels upward through the plant's water vessels (Xylem), reaching the tips of the leaves (Acropetal movement).
- Eradication: It binds to the fungal Beta-Tubulin protein, stopping cell division. The fungus starves and dies because it cannot reproduce.
Note: Because it moves upward, it is excellent for protecting new leaves, but it does not move down to the roots when sprayed on leaves.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Blast (Leaf & Neck), Sheath Blight |
| Wheat & Barley | Loose Smut (Seed Treatment) |
| Cotton & Groundnut | Leaf Spot (Cercospora), Tikka Disease |
| Vegetables (Brinjal, Peas) | Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Fruit Rot |
| Fruits (Apple, Grape) | Scab, Anthracnose, Downy Leaf Spot |
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 (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy | 100 - 200 g | 150 - 200 L | 1.0 g | 28 |
| Wheat (Seed Treat) | 2g / kg Seed | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Vegetables/Pulses | 100 - 150 g | 150 L | 1.0 g | 7 - 14 |
| Fruits (Apple/Grape) | Based on Tree Size | Variable | 0.5 - 1.0 g | 15 - 20 |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply at the first sign of disease (necrotic spots, powder) or preventively during humid weather.
- Mixing: Create a "slurry" first by mixing the powder with a little water, then add to the main tank. Stir well.
- Coverage: Ensure full canopy coverage. For seed treatment, coat seeds uniformly and dry in shade before sowing.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. DO NOT mix with alkaline products like Bordeaux mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Gretel cure a disease after it has started?
Yes, Gretel has curative properties. It can stop the growth of the fungus even after it has entered the plant, provided the infection is in the early stages.
2. Can I mix Gretel with other pesticides?
Yes, it is compatible with most insecticides and fungicides (like Mancozeb). However, DO NOT mix it with alkaline solutions like Lime Sulphur or Bordeaux Mixture.
3. How do I use it for seed treatment?
Mix 2g of Gretel per 1kg of seed. Add a little water to make a paste/slurry, coat the seeds evenly, and let them dry in the shade before sowing. This prevents soil-borne diseases.
4. Does it work on Root Rot?
Yes, but you must apply it as a "Soil Drench" (pouring the solution around the base of the plant) so the roots can absorb it. Spraying leaves will not cure root rot.
5. Is Gretel safe for home gardens?
It is effective for ornamental plants (like Roses for Powdery Mildew), but strictly follow safety precautions. Keep away from pets and children, and do not use on edible greens close to harvest.
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. Avoid use near water bodies as it is toxic to aquatic life.
