Albright Fungicide - Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC by Insecticides India

Albright is a premium dual-action fungicide from Insecticides India Limited (IIL), formulated as a Suspension Concentrate (SC) containing Azoxystrobin 18.2% w/w and Difenoconazole 11.4% w/w. This combination brings together two powerful fungicide chemistries from different groups—Strobilurin (Group 11) and Triazole (Group 3)—to provide broad-spectrum disease control across a wide range of crops. Albright is designed to protect crops from major fungal diseases such as sheath blight, blast, blights, rusts, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spots, making it a versatile solution for paddy, wheat, tomato, chilli, maize, cotton, sugarcane, onion, and turmeric growers.

The product works through two distinct modes of action. Azoxystrobin belongs to the QoI (Quinone outside Inhibitor) group and blocks energy production in fungal cells by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. Difenoconazole belongs to the DMI (Demethylation Inhibitor) group and disrupts ergosterol biosynthesis, which is essential for fungal cell wall integrity. Together, they attack the fungus from two different angles, reducing the risk of resistance development. Albright has systemic and translaminar movement, meaning it is absorbed into the plant and moves upward to protect new growth and the underside of leaves. It offers both preventive action—stopping fungal spores before they infect—and curative action—arresting the development of existing infections.

Albright is classified under the Blue Triangle toxicity label (moderately hazardous) and comes as a light yellow to yellow liquid suspension concentrate. As per BIS standards, it meets strict quality parameters including pH range of 5-9, minimum suspensibility of 70%, and maximum persistent foam of 60 ml after 1 minute. The product is suitable for dilution in water and provides long-lasting residual activity. Farmers using Albright can expect healthier crops with better grain filling, improved marketable quality, and reduced disease-related losses from seed to harvest.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action disease control: Combines preventive (stops spore germination) and curative (kills active infection) action in a single product, giving complete protection.
• Broad-spectrum coverage: Controls multiple diseases including sheath blight, blast, early and late blight, rusts, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spots across many crops.
• Systemic protection: The fungicide moves inside the plant upward (acropetal), protecting new leaves and stems that grow after spraying.
• Reduced resistance risk: Two different modes of action (Group 11 + Group 3) make it difficult for fungi to develop resistance, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
• Greening effect: Azoxystrobin helps keep crops green longer, improves photosynthetic efficiency, and supports better grain filling and higher yields.
• Rainfast SC formulation: The suspension concentrate sticks well to leaves and resists washing off by light rain, giving reliable protection.
• Improved crop quality: Vegetables and fruits get a shiny, market-ready finish, and grains fill better for higher market value.

How It Works

Albright uses a two-pronged attack strategy that targets the fungus at two critical points in its life cycle, making it extremely difficult for the disease to survive or develop resistance.

First action – Energy block by Azoxystrobin: Azoxystrobin belongs to the strobilurin group (QoI inhibitors, IRAC Group 11). It works by blocking the electron transport chain in the mitochondria of fungal cells. Specifically, it inhibits the cytochrome bc1 complex, which stops the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the energy currency of the cell. Without energy, fungal spores cannot germinate, and existing fungal growth cannot spread. This action is primarily preventive, stopping infection before it takes hold.

Second action – Wall destruction by Difenoconazole: Difenoconazole belongs to the triazole group (DMI inhibitors, IRAC Group 3). It works by inhibiting the enzyme C14-demethylase, which is essential for the production of ergosterol. Ergosterol is a key structural component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes weak, leaky, and eventually collapses, killing the fungus. This action is both preventive and curative, as it can stop active infections.

Systemic movement: Once sprayed on the crop, Albright is rapidly absorbed into the plant tissue. It moves upward (acropetal movement) through the xylem, protecting stems, leaves, and new growth that were not directly hit by the spray. The translaminar movement also allows the product to reach the underside of leaves, which is often where fungal infections start. This systemic behavior ensures thorough protection throughout the plant canopy.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Albright (IIL)
Manufacturer	Insecticides India Limited
Active Ingredients	Azoxystrobin 18.2% w/w + Difenoconazole 11.4% w/w
Formulation Type	Suspension Concentrate (SC) - Liquid
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 11 (Strobilurin) + Group 3 (Triazole)
Chemical Group	QoI Inhibitor + DMI (Demethylation Inhibitor)
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Hazardous)
Physical Appearance	Light yellow to yellow liquid
pH of 1% aqueous solution	5 - 9
Suspensibility (Min)	70%
HSN Code	38089199
GST Slab	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

The standard recommended concentration is 0.1%, which means 1 ml of Albright per 1 litre of water. Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results.

Crop	Target Diseases	Dose (ml/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (ml/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Paddy (Rice)	Sheath Blight, Blast (Leaf & Neck)	200 ml	200 L	1 ml	31 days
Wheat	Rusts (Yellow/Brown), Leaf Blights	200 ml	200 L	1 ml	35 days
Tomato / Chilli	Early Blight, Late Blight, Anthracnose (Fruit Rot)	200 ml	200 L	1 ml	5 days
Maize	Rusts, Leaf Blights, Downy Mildew	200 ml	200 L	1 ml	—

Application Method: Foliar spray. Ensure uniform coverage of the entire plant canopy.

For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer: Use approximately 15 ml of Albright per 15 litres of water.

When to Use

Apply Albright at the right crop stage for best results. For paddy, the ideal time is at the booting to heading stage, which supports better grain filling and protects the crop during the most critical growth phase. For vegetables like tomato and chilli, apply at the first sign of disease or as a preventive measure when weather conditions (high humidity, rainfall, or moderate temperatures) favour fungal development. For wheat and other cereals, apply during early disease appearance or when rust or blight symptoms are first noticed. As a general rule, early application when disease pressure is low gives the best preventive results. For curative action, apply as soon as disease symptoms are visible but before the infection becomes severe.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Shake the bottle well before opening. Albright is a thick Suspension Concentrate (SC), and the active ingredients settle at the bottom. Shaking ensures even mixing.
2. Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water.
3. Measure the correct dose using a measuring cup. Use 1 ml per litre of water or 200 ml per acre as per the crop table above.
4. Add the measured Albright to the tank and mix thoroughly.
5. Add the remaining water and continue stirring to ensure a uniform spray solution.
6. Spray immediately after mixing. Do not store the diluted solution for later use.
7. Ensure thorough coverage — for paddy, make sure the spray reaches the lower sheath area. For vegetables, cover the underside of leaves where diseases often start.
8. Clean the sprayer thoroughly with water after use.
9. Wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles) during mixing and spraying. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after application.

Compatibility

Albright is generally compatible with commonly used insecticides such as Thiamethoxam. However, avoid mixing with highly acidic or alkaline solutions as this may reduce effectiveness. Always perform a small jar test before mixing with any new product to check for physical compatibility. Do not mix with products containing sulfur or strong alkaline compounds unless specifically advised.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protection: Always wear gloves, a face mask, and goggles while handling and spraying Albright. Wear full-sleeve clothing and boots during application.
• During Spraying: Avoid inhalation of spray mist. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product. Spray in the direction of the wind to avoid drift.
• After Use: Wash hands, face, and all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep away from food, feed, and drinking water. Store out of reach of children and animals.
• Environmental Safety: Do not allow spray drift to reach water bodies, ponds, or wells. Avoid spraying during heavy rain or strong winds.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Dispose of them safely by crushing or burying away from water sources.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Paddy (Rice)	31 days
Wheat	35 days
Tomato / Chilli	5 days

Storage: Store in original container in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Shelf life as per manufacturer specifications on the product label.