Crystal Mentor Fungicide - Azoxystrobin 14% + Epoxiconazole 9% SC for Sheath Blight, Rust & Powdery Mildew

Crystal Mentor is a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide from Crystal Crop Protection Limited that combines two powerful active ingredients — Azoxystrobin 14% and Epoxiconazole 9% in a Suspension Concentrate (SC) formulation. This dual-action fungicide is designed to protect crops from major fungal diseases like sheath blight, rust, powdery mildew, scab, and anthracnose. It provides both preventive and curative action, making it a reliable choice for farmers growing paddy, wheat, grapes, apple, groundnut, soybean, and vegetable crops.

Azoxystrobin belongs to the strobilurin group (IRAC Group 11) and works by blocking fungal respiration, cutting off the energy supply to the fungus. Epoxiconazole belongs to the triazole group (IRAC Group 3) and inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis, which is essential for fungal cell membrane formation. Together, these two chemistries attack the fungus on two fronts — stopping new infections and curing existing ones. The product also has anti-sporulation activity, which prevents the fungus from producing new spores and spreading to healthy plants. Additionally, Mentor offers a phytotonic effect that keeps crops greener for longer, supporting better grain filling and higher yields.

Mentor is applied as a foliar spray at a recommended dose of 300 ml per acre mixed in 150 litres of water. It is rainfast within 2 to 4 hours after application, making it suitable for use during monsoon conditions. The product has been tested extensively across State Agricultural Universities in India, with over 1,000 field demonstrations conducted in paddy-growing regions. It is available in 1 litre packs and is manufactured in India.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action disease control — Provides both preventive protection against new infections and curative action on existing fungal diseases.
• Broad-spectrum effectiveness — Controls multiple fungal diseases including sheath blight, rust, powdery mildew, scab, and anthracnose across various crops.
• Phytotonic greening effect — Delays crop aging and keeps leaves green longer, leading to better grain filling and improved yield quality.
• Anti-sporulation activity — Prevents the fungus from producing new spores, stopping disease spread to nearby healthy plants.
• Low resistance risk — Combines two different chemical classes (Strobilurin + Triazole), reducing the chance of fungi developing resistance.
• Rainfast within 2-4 hours — Once absorbed, the product stays effective even if it rains soon after spraying, ideal for monsoon conditions.
• Systemic movement in plant — Moves upward within the plant (acropetal movement) to protect new leaves that grow after application.

How It Works

Crystal Mentor uses a dual mechanism of action to attack fungi on two fronts. The first active ingredient, Azoxystrobin (Strobilurin group, IRAC Group 11), blocks the respiration process inside fungal cells. This cuts off the energy production that fungi need to survive and grow. Without energy, fungal spores cannot germinate and enter the plant tissue. The second active ingredient, Epoxiconazole (Triazole group, IRAC Group 3), inhibits the production of ergosterol — a vital component of the fungal cell wall. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell wall becomes weak and collapses, killing the existing infection.

Together, these two actions provide complete blockage of the fungal lifecycle — from spore germination to mycelial growth. The product also has anti-sporulation properties, meaning it stops the fungus from producing new spores that could spread to healthy plants nearby. Because Mentor is a systemic fungicide in SC (Suspension Concentrate) formulation, it is rapidly absorbed into the plant tissue and moves upward (acropetal movement) to protect new growth. This systemic movement ensures that even parts of the plant not directly sprayed receive protection.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval — the minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.

When to Use

For best results, apply Crystal Mentor at the early stage of disease infection — either preventively before disease appears or at the very first sign of symptoms. In paddy, apply when sheath blight symptoms first appear on the lower stems. In wheat, spray at the first signs of rust or powdery mildew on leaves. For grapes and vegetables, apply before flowering or at early vegetative stage when powdery mildew or anthracnose is observed. On apple, spray at pre-flowering stage for scab control. Spray during morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler and wind is low. Avoid spraying during rain or high wind conditions to ensure proper coverage and absorption.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare — Wear gloves, mask, goggles, and protective clothing before handling the product.
2. Shake the bottle — Since Mentor is a Suspension Concentrate (SC), shake the bottle well before use to ensure the contents are properly mixed.
3. Mix — Add the required amount (300 ml per acre) to a small amount of clean water and stir well. Then add this mixture to the spray tank containing the remaining water (total 150 litres per acre).
4. Stir thoroughly — Mix the solution well to ensure a uniform suspension before spraying.
5. Spray evenly — Use a knapsack sprayer with a hollow cone nozzle to create a fine mist. Ensure complete coverage of both upper and lower leaf surfaces, especially the lower stems where sheath blight attacks.
6. Post-application — Wash hands and equipment thoroughly after use. Do not drain leftover spray solution into water bodies.

Compatibility

Crystal Mentor is generally compatible with common insecticides used for pests like BPH (Brown Plant Hopper) or Stem Borer. However, before mixing with any other product, always perform a small physical compatibility test by mixing small quantities in a jar to check for any adverse reaction (clotting, separation, or heating). Do not mix with alkaline substances or products without expert guidance.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear gloves, mask, goggles, and protective clothing while handling and spraying.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. In case of contact, wash immediately with plenty of water.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Store in original container in a cool, dry place away from children, food, and animal feed.
• Do not drain or dispose of leftover spray solution into ponds, rivers, or fish farms — Azoxystrobin can be toxic to aquatic life.
• Triple rinse empty containers before disposal and dispose of them safely.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Azoxystrobin can be toxic to aquatic life. Do not drain water from treated paddy fields directly into fish ponds or natural water bodies immediately after application. Use standard safety precautions as indicated by the Blue/Yellow toxicity label. No specific antidote is available — treat symptomatically if exposed and seek medical attention immediately.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): 14 days for all recommended crops.
• Rainfastness: 2 to 4 hours after application.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in original container. Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Keep out of reach of children and animals.