Crystal Pluton Fungicide - Azoxystrobin 11.5% + Mancozeb 30% WP for Tomato, Potato & Grapes

Crystal Pluton is a broad-spectrum fungicide from Crystal Crop Protection that combines two powerful active ingredients — Azoxystrobin 11.5% and Mancozeb 30% — in a wettable powder (WP) formulation. It offers both contact and systemic action, providing protective and curative control against major fungal diseases in crops like tomato, potato, grapes, and mango. The dual-mode formula targets diseases such as early blight, late blight, downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot, making it a versatile choice for farmers managing multiple fungal threats.

Pluton works through a unique "double-lock" mechanism. Azoxystrobin penetrates plant tissues and blocks energy production inside fungal cells, stopping the infection from within. Mancozeb stays on the leaf surface and forms a protective barrier that prevents new spores from germinating. Together, they provide long-lasting protection for 12 to 14 days. Additionally, Pluton delivers a Phytotonic effect — it helps keep leaves greener for longer by delaying natural aging, which supports better photosynthesis, improved fruit quality, and higher yields.

This product is recommended for preventive application at the early appearance of disease or as a prophylactic measure. It is classified under IRAC MoA Group 11 (Strobilurin) + Group M3 (Multi-site) and carries a Blue/Green Triangle toxicity label (moderately hazardous). Please note that this product is restricted in the state of Kerala.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action protection: Combines systemic (Azoxystrobin) and contact (Mancozeb) action for thorough disease control — inside the leaf and on the surface.
• Longer residual effect: Provides 12 to 14 days of protection, compared to 5–7 days with plain Mancozeb, reducing the number of sprays needed.
• Resistance management: Multi-site action of Mancozeb reduces the risk of fungi developing resistance, making it effective even where single-site fungicides fail.
• Curative kick-back activity: Can stop infections that are 24–48 hours old, acting quickly on early outbreaks before they spread.
• Phytotonic effect for better yield: Delays leaf aging and enhances nitrogen absorption, resulting in greener foliage, healthier plants, and improved fruit quality and size.
• Broad-spectrum control: Effective against early blight, late blight, downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and anthracnose across multiple crops.

How It Works

Crystal Pluton uses a "double-lock" mechanism that attacks fungi through two different pathways at the same time. Azoxystrobin, belonging to the strobilurin (QoI inhibitor) group, is absorbed into the leaf tissue and moves systemically within the plant. Once inside, it blocks the mitochondrial respiration of fungal cells — essentially cutting off the energy supply (ATP) that the fungus needs to grow and reproduce. Without energy, the infection stops spreading from within.

Mancozeb, a multi-site contact fungicide from the dithiocarbamate group, remains on the leaf surface. It disrupts several key enzymes in fungal spores, preventing them from germinating and penetrating the plant tissue. This creates a protective shield on the leaf surface that stops new infections before they start.

Because the two active ingredients work through completely different modes of action, the risk of fungi developing resistance is significantly lower compared to using Azoxystrobin alone. Additionally, Azoxystrobin inhibits ethylene production in the plant, which delays leaf senescence (aging). This Phytotonic effect keeps the crop canopy green and active for longer, allowing the plant to produce more food for developing fruits and improving overall yield.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	Crystal Crop Protection Ltd.
Product Name	Pluton
Active Ingredients	Azoxystrobin 11.5% + Mancozeb 30% WP
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
Chemical Group	Methoxyacrylates (QoI Inhibitor) + Dithiocarbamates
IRAC MoA Code	Group 11 (Strobilurin) + Group M3 (Multi-site)
Mode of Action	Systemic & Contact
Toxicity Label	Blue/Green Triangle (Moderately Hazardous)
Classification	Chemical
Country of Origin	India
HSN Code	380892
GST Rate	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Disease	Dose (g/acre)	Water (L/acre)	Dose (g/L water)	PHI (Days)
Tomato	Early & Late Blight	350 g	150–200 L	2.0–2.5 g	3–7 days
Potato	Early & Late Blight	350 g	150–200 L	2.0–2.5 g	—
Grapes	Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew	350–500 g	200 L	2.0–2.5 g	Check MRL
Mango	Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot	350 g	150–200 L	2.0–2.5 g	—

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval — minimum days between last spray and harvest.

When to Use

Pluton is most effective when applied preventively — before disease symptoms appear or at the very first sign of leaf spots. For best results, apply at the early appearance of disease or as a prophylactic (preventive) measure during periods when weather conditions favour fungal development, such as high humidity, rainfall, or cool temperatures.

For tomato and potato crops, apply at the vegetative stage or when early/late blight conditions are forecasted. For grapes, apply before flowering and during fruiting stages to protect against downy and powdery mildew. For mango, apply during pre-bloom and fruiting stages. Reapply every 10–15 days depending on disease pressure. Avoid application during heavy rain or extreme heat. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for spraying.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the spray solution: Take the required quantity of Pluton (e.g., 350 g per acre) and mix it in a small amount of water to form a smooth slurry. This ensures the wettable powder dissolves evenly.
2. Dilute in main tank: Add the slurry to the recommended volume of water (150–200 litres per acre) in the spray tank. Stir well to ensure uniform mixing.
3. Spray evenly: Use a knapsack sprayer or power sprayer to apply the solution evenly over the entire crop foliage. Ensure full coverage of both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
4. Timing of spray: Apply during early morning or late afternoon to avoid sunburn and evaporation loss. Avoid spraying during windy conditions or when rain is expected.
5. Repeat application: Reapply every 10–15 days based on disease pressure and weather conditions. Follow the recommended dosage per acre for each application.
6. Post-application care: Do not enter the sprayed area until the spray has dried. Wash spray equipment thoroughly after use. Do not dispose of leftover solution or wash water near water bodies.

Compatibility

Pluton is compatible with most commonly used insecticides (such as Abamectin) and soluble fertilizers in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. However, do not mix Pluton with Lime Sulfur or Bordeaux mixture. Always perform a jar test before mixing with any new product to check for physical compatibility. Mix in the correct order: wettable powders first, then liquids, then adjuvants.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) — gloves, mask, and goggles — during mixing and spraying.
• Wear full-sleeve clothing and avoid skin contact with the spray solution.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or applying the product.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and animal contact. Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not contaminate ponds, rivers, or other water bodies with product or spray residue — Azoxystrobin is toxic to aquatic life.
• Dispose of empty containers safely as per local guidelines. Do not reuse for any purpose.
• No specific antidote is available. In case of accidental exposure, treat symptomatically and seek medical advice immediately.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Tomato	3 to 7 days
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Grapes	Check MRL (Maximum Residue Limit)
Shelf Life	Store in original packaging in a dry, cool place