HPM Hitalaxyl Fungicide - Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP for Downy Mildew & Late Blight Control

HPM Hitalaxyl is a dual-action fungicide that combines two powerful active ingredients — Metalaxyl 8% and Mancozeb 64% — in a wettable powder (WP) formulation. This combination gives farmers both systemic (curative) and contact (protective) control against some of the most damaging fungal diseases in high-value crops. It is manufactured by HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd., a trusted name in Indian agriculture.

HPM Hitalaxyl is specially designed to tackle diseases like Downy Mildew, Late Blight, Early Blight, White Rust, and Alternaria Blight. It is widely used on crops such as Grapes, Potato, Tomato, and Mustard. The product works by stopping fungal growth from inside the plant while also forming a protective barrier on the leaf surface. This dual action ensures that existing infections are controlled and new infections are prevented for up to 14 days after application.

Farmers value HPM Hitalaxyl for its reliable disease control, ease of mixing, and compatibility with other common crop protection inputs. The Mancozeb component also provides essential micronutrients like Zinc and Manganese, which help keep the crop green and healthy. Whether used as a preventive spray or at the first sign of disease, this fungicide delivers consistent results in the field.

Key Benefits

• Dual action protection: Systemic Metalaxyl cures infection from inside the plant, while contact Mancozeb kills spores on the leaf surface — giving complete coverage.
• Up to 14 days of control: Provides a longer protection window compared to contact-only fungicides, reducing the number of sprays needed.
• Stops disease quickly: The systemic component has kick-back action that can stop fungal growth even 24 to 48 hours after infection has started.
• Resistance management: Two different modes of action (Group 4 + M03) make it very difficult for fungi to develop resistance, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
• Greener, healthier crop: Mancozeb naturally contains Zinc and Manganese, which help correct micronutrient deficiencies and improve leaf health and photosynthesis.
• Rainfast once absorbed: The systemic part absorbs quickly into plant tissue, so even if rain occurs after spraying, protection continues.
• Good compatibility: Can be mixed with most common insecticides and fungicides, making it easy to include in regular spray schedules.

How It Works

HPM Hitalaxyl uses a smart two-pronged approach to protect crops from fungal diseases. The first component, Metalaxyl (Group 4 - Phenylamide), is systemic in nature. Once applied, it penetrates the leaves and roots and moves upward through the plant's vascular system. Inside the plant, it inhibits protein synthesis in the fungus, effectively stopping the infection from spreading further. This gives the product its curative or "kick-back" action — it can stop disease even after the fungus has entered the plant tissue.

The second component, Mancozeb (Group M03 - Dithiocarbamate), works as a contact fungicide. It stays on the leaf surface and forms a protective toxic barrier. When fungal spores land on the treated surface, Mancozeb kills them instantly by disrupting multiple enzyme systems, preventing them from germinating and infecting the plant. This provides the protective shield that keeps new infections away.

Because Mancozeb kills spores that may be resistant to Metalaxyl, this combination is excellent for resistance management. The two different modes of action work together to ensure that even if some fungi survive one mechanism, they are stopped by the other. This makes HPM Hitalaxyl a reliable choice for long-term disease management programs.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	HPM Hitalaxyl
Manufacturer	HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.
Technical Name	Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
IRAC MoA Code	Group 4 (Metalaxyl) + M03 (Mancozeb)
Chemical Group	Phenylamide + Dithiocarbamate
Mode of Action	Systemic + Contact (Dual)
Toxicity Label	Blue/Yellow (Refer to Pack)
Country of Origin	India
HSN Code	3808
GST Rate	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

Use HPM Hitalaxyl as a foliar spray. Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. The general dosage range is 400 to 600 grams per acre. Below are crop-specific recommendations:

Crop	Target Disease	Dose per Acre	Water per Acre	Dose per Litre	PHI (Days)
Grapes	Downy Mildew	1000 gm	200 L	5 gm	49
Potato	Late Blight, Early Blight	1000 gm	400 L	2.5 gm	49
Tomato	Late Blight, Early Blight	800 gm	200 L	4 gm	49
Mustard	White Rust, Alternaria Blight	400 to 600 gm	—	—	—

Note: PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval) is the minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. For general foliar application on other crops, use 400 to 600 gm per acre.

When to Use

HPM Hitalaxyl is most effective when applied preventively, before disease appears in the field. However, it also works curatively if applied at the very first signs of infection. Look for early symptoms such as "oil spots" on leaves (a classic sign of Downy Mildew) or water-soaked lesions (for Late Blight).

For potatoes and tomatoes, plan the first spray as the crop canopy begins to close — this is when humidity increases and blight risk is highest. For grapes, apply before or during humid and rainy periods when Downy Mildew pressure is high. For mustard, apply at the onset of flowering or when white rust spots first appear on leaves.

Repeat applications may be needed depending on disease pressure and weather conditions. The product provides protection for approximately 14 days after each application.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the spray solution using the Slurry Method: Take the required amount of HPM Hitalaxyl powder in a separate small bucket. Add a little water and mix thoroughly to make a smooth, lump-free paste.
2. Add to main tank: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Pour the prepared slurry into the tank while stirring continuously. Add the remaining water and mix well.
3. Spray immediately: Apply the prepared solution as a foliar spray within a few hours of mixing. Do not store the mixed solution for later use.
4. Ensure thorough coverage: Spray evenly on both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Good coverage is essential for effective disease control, especially for contact action.
5. Wear proper PPE: Use gloves, mask, and goggles while mixing and spraying. Avoid inhaling the spray mist.
6. Clean equipment after use: Wash the spray tank and all equipment thoroughly with clean water after application.
7. Observe PHI: Wait at least 49 days after the last spray before harvesting grapes, potatoes, or tomatoes.

Compatibility

HPM Hitalaxyl is compatible with most common insecticides and fungicides used in regular spray schedules. However, do not mix it with alkaline substances such as Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulphur, as these can reduce effectiveness. When mixing with other products, always do a small jar test first to check for any adverse reaction. Follow the correct mixing order: wettable powders first, then liquids, then adjuvants.

Precautions & Safety

• Always read the product label and instructions carefully before use.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — gloves, mask, and goggles — during mixing and spraying.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.
• Avoid inhaling the spray mist or powder dust during preparation and application.
• Store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children, pets, and livestock.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product.
• This product is toxic to fish. Avoid application near water bodies, ponds, or drainage channels.
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Grapes	49 days
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Potato	49 days
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) - Tomato	49 days
Storage	Keep in a dry and cool area, away from moisture and direct sunlight

Note: HPM Hitalaxyl fungicide is restricted in the state of Kerala and is for agricultural use only.