HPM Hitazol Hexaconazole 5% SC Fungicide - Controls Powdery Mildew, Sheath Blight in Rice, Mango, Grapes

HPM Hitazol is a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide containing Hexaconazole 5% SC (Suspension Concentrate), manufactured by HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. This water-based fungicide provides protective, curative, and eradicant action against major fungal diseases in key Indian crops. It is specifically effective against Powdery Mildew in Mango and Grapes, and Sheath Blight, Leaf Blast, and Brown Spot in Paddy (Rice).

Unlike older oil-based EC formulations, the SC (Suspension Concentrate) formulation is water-based, making it safer for crops during sensitive stages like flowering and fruit setting. It offers improved stability, better leaf retention, and reduced risk of phytotoxicity. With its systemic and translaminar action, Hitazol is rapidly absorbed into plant tissues and moves upward (acropetally) through the plant's vascular system, protecting new growth that emerges after application.

Hitazol belongs to the Triazole chemical group and is classified under IRAC MoA Group 3 (DMI Fungicide). It carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (moderately toxic). This fungicide is an economical solution for farmers, offering effective disease management at a low per-acre cost without compromising on quality or crop safety.

Key Benefits

• Triple action protection – Works as a preventive, curative, and eradicant fungicide, stopping disease at multiple stages
• Systemic & translaminar action – Rapidly absorbed and moves upward within the plant, protecting new leaves and unsprayed parts
• Broad-spectrum efficacy – Effective against Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and Deuteromycetes fungal groups covering multiple diseases
• Long-lasting control – Provides extended disease protection with low dosage requirements, reducing the need for frequent sprays
• Safe for crops – Water-based SC formulation minimizes leaf burn and flower drop, making it safe for use during flowering and fruit setting
• Weather resistant – Excellent retention on plant surface minimizes wash-off from unexpected rain or irrigation
• Economical solution – Cost-effective disease management at approximately ₹160/acre, delivering reliable results
• Strong antisporulant action – Prevents the fungus from producing and spreading spores to healthy plants nearby

How It Works

HPM Hitazol works by targeting the specific biological processes of fungi to stop infection and prevent further spread. The active ingredient Hexaconazole belongs to the DMI (Demethylation Inhibitor) group of fungicides under IRAC MoA Group 3. It works by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cells. Ergosterol is a vital component of fungal cell membranes. Without it, the fungus cannot build or maintain its cell walls, which stops its growth and eventually kills it.

Once sprayed on the crop, Hitazol is rapidly absorbed through leaves and stems. It moves systemically within the plant, traveling acropetally (upward) through the xylem vessels. This means it can protect new leaves and shoots that grow after the spray has been applied. The translaminar action allows the fungicide to move from the upper leaf surface to the lower surface, providing complete leaf coverage.

Additionally, Hitazol acts as a strong antisporulant. It prevents the fungus from producing spores, which stops the disease from spreading to nearby healthy plants. If applied within 24 to 48 hours of infection (the latent period), it can stop fungal growth completely and prevent visible lesions from forming. This combination of systemic movement, cell membrane disruption, and spore prevention makes Hitazol highly effective for both preventing and curing fungal diseases.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Hitazol (HPM)
Technical Content	Hexaconazole 5% SC
Formulation Type	Suspension Concentrate (SC) – Water-based
Chemical Group	Triazoles
IRAC MoA Code	Group 3 (DMI Fungicide)
Mode of Action	Systemic – Inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cell membranes
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
Manufacturer	HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.
Available Pack Sizes	100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 L, 5 L
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Disease	Dosage (ml/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dosage (ml/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Paddy (Rice)	Sheath Blight, Leaf Blast, Brown Spot	200 – 400 ml	150 – 200 L	2 ml	40 Days
Mango	Powdery Mildew (Oidium mangiferae)	Based on tree size (high volume spray)	High Volume	2 ml	27 Days
Grapes	Powdery Mildew (Uncinula necator)	200 – 400 ml	Standard volume	1 – 2 ml	14 Days

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval – the minimum number of days between last spray and harvest.

General dilution: Mix 30 ml per pump (knapsack sprayer of 15-16 L capacity) or 300-400 ml per acre in recommended water volume.

When to Use

Apply HPM Hitazol preventively before disease starts, or as soon as the first symptoms of disease are observed. Early application gives the best results. For Rice (Paddy), the ideal time to spray is at the tillering stage when Sheath Blight and Leaf Blast are most likely to appear. For Mango, apply during the flowering and fruit-setting stages when Powdery Mildew is common. For Grapes, apply at the first sign of Powdery Mildew infection.

For best results, ensure thorough coverage of the foliage. For Sheath Blight in Paddy, target the lower leaf sheaths near the waterline where the disease typically starts. Apply during cool hours of the day (early morning or late evening) to avoid heat stress and ensure better absorption.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Shake the bottle well – Hitazol is thixotropic (thickens when sitting). Shake the bottle thoroughly before opening to ensure the product flows freely and mixes evenly with water.
2. Prepare the spray solution – Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the measured quantity of Hitazol as per the recommended dosage. Mix well. Add the remaining water and stir again to ensure uniform mixing.
3. Use correct dosage – Follow the dose per acre as recommended for your crop. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
4. Spray evenly – Apply the mixture uniformly on the crop foliage. Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the lower parts of the plant for diseases like Sheath Blight.
5. Clean equipment after use – Rinse the spray tank and nozzles thoroughly with clean water after application.
6. Wear protective gear – Always use gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and spraying. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid inhaling spray mist.

Compatibility

HPM Hitazol is compatible with most common insecticides and fungicides. However, do not mix with highly alkaline products such as Bordeaux mixture or Lime Sulphur. 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 SC formulations, then EC formulations, and adjuvants last.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protection: Always wear gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the product. Wear full-sleeve clothing and boots during application.
• During Application: Avoid inhaling spray mist. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while spraying. Spray in the direction of the wind to avoid drift onto the body.
• After Use: Wash hands, face, and all exposed body parts 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 pets.
• Environmental Safety: Avoid spray drift to water bodies, ponds, and non-target crops. Do not contaminate water sources during mixing or equipment cleaning.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Dispose of them safely by crushing or burying away from water sources.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

HPM Hitazol is non-phytotoxic and safe for all recommended crops when used as per the recommended dosage and instructions. The water-based SC formulation reduces the risk of leaf burn and flower drop compared to older EC formulations. However, always follow the recommended dosage – overdosing may cause crop stress. Avoid spraying during extreme heat or when the crop is under moisture stress.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
PHI – Paddy (Rice)	40 Days
PHI – Mango	27 Days
PHI – Grapes	14 Days
Shelf Life	2 years from date of manufacture (when stored properly)
Storage Conditions	Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture