HPM Karishma Propineb 70% WP Fungicide – Broad-Spectrum Contact Disease Control for Grapes, Chilli & Potato

HPM Karishma is a broad-spectrum contact fungicide containing Propineb 70% WP, designed for preventive and protective control of a wide range of fungal diseases in high-value crops. It belongs to the Dithiocarbamate chemical group and works through a multisite contact mode of action, making it highly effective against diseases like Downy Mildew, Early and Late Blight, Leaf Spot, Fruit Rot, Tikka disease, and Apple Scab. Karishma is suitable for crops such as grapes, pomegranate, apple, potato, tomato, chilli, and groundnut.

What makes Karishma different is its dual benefit — it not only protects crops from fungal infections but also provides bioavailable zinc to plants. This zinc content supports chlorophyll formation, improves plant immunity, and promotes greener, healthier foliage — a benefit known as the phytotonic effect. The formulation has fine particle size for excellent suspension in water, ensuring uniform spray coverage. It also sticks firmly to plant surfaces and offers good rainfastness, making it reliable even during light to moderate rainfall. Its multisite mode of action reduces the risk of fungicide resistance, making it a valuable partner in resistance management programs.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum contact action controls multiple fungal diseases including Downy Mildew, Blight, Leaf Spot, Fruit Rot, and Scab
• Multisite mode of action makes it difficult for fungi to develop resistance, ensuring long-term effectiveness
• Fine particle formulation provides excellent suspension in water and uniform spray coverage without clogging nozzles
• Good rainfastness — sticks to plant surfaces and stays effective even after light to moderate rainfall
• Contains bioavailable zinc that boosts chlorophyll, promotes greener leaves, and improves overall plant health (phytotonic effect)
• Suitable for preventive application before disease appears, reducing the need for curative treatments
• Compatible as a rotation partner with systemic fungicides for effective resistance management

How It Works

HPM Karishma works as a contact fungicide with a multisite mode of action. Unlike systemic fungicides that target a single biological pathway, Karishma interferes with multiple critical processes inside the fungal cell at the same time. First, it disrupts the fungal mitochondria, cutting off the energy (ATP) supply that the fungus needs to survive. Second, it stops the synthesis of essential proteins and lipids required to build and maintain the fungal cell wall. Third, it completely inhibits spore production and germ tube formation, preventing the infection from spreading to new leaves and plant parts.

Because Karishma attacks the fungus at several different points simultaneously, it is extremely difficult for pathogens to develop resistance. The product remains mainly on the plant surface where it forms a protective layer. When fungal spores land on treated leaves, they are unable to germinate or penetrate the plant tissue. This makes Karishma highly effective as a preventive treatment. The zinc content in the formulation is released onto the leaf surface and absorbed by the plant, supporting photosynthesis and natural defense mechanisms.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	HPM
Product Name	Karishma
Active Ingredient	Propineb 70% WP
Chemical Group	Dithiocarbamate
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
Mode of Action	Multisite Contact Action (IRAC MoA Code: M03)
Toxicity Label	Blue/Green
Available Pack Sizes	100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg
HSN Code	3808
GST Rate	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Disease	Dose (g/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (g/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Grapes	Downy Mildew	600 – 800 g	200 – 300 L	3 g/L	10 – 14
Pomegranate	Leaf Rot, Fruit Rot	600 g	200 L	3 g/L	10 – 14
Apple	Scab	600 g	200 L	3 g/L	30
Chilli	Die-Back, Fruit Rot (Anthracnose), Leaf Spot	500 – 600 g	200 L	2.5 – 3 g/L	10 – 14
Tomato	Early Blight, Leaf Spot	500 – 600 g	200 L	2.5 – 3 g/L	10 – 14
Potato	Early & Late Blight	600 g	200 L	3 g/L	10 – 14
Groundnut	Tikka Disease, Rust	600 g	200 L	3 g/L	10 – 14

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval — minimum days between last spray and harvest. Dosages are approximate; always refer to the product label for exact recommendations.

When to Use

HPM Karishma works best when applied as a preventive treatment before disease symptoms appear or immediately upon seeing the first signs of infection. For grapes and pomegranate, apply during early vegetative growth and berry/fruit formation stages. For apple, early application before flowering helps prevent scab establishment. For potato, apply at 20–25 days after planting to protect against early and late blight. For chilli and tomato, apply at disease appearance or during humid weather conditions that favor fungal development. For groundnut, application around 30 days after sowing provides effective protection against Tikka disease and rust. Avoid spraying during strong winds or extreme heat for best results.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gear — gloves, mask, and goggles before handling the product.
2. Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water.
3. Pre-mix the required quantity of Karishma powder in a small bucket with water to form a smooth slurry.
4. Add the slurry to the spray tank while stirring continuously.
5. Add the remaining water and mix well until a uniform suspension is formed.
6. Use a knapsack or power sprayer with a hollow cone nozzle for even coverage.
7. Spray uniformly over the crop foliage, ensuring thorough coverage of both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
8. For grapes and pomegranate, ensure fruit clusters are also well covered.
9. Clean the sprayer thoroughly with water after use.
10. Observe the recommended pre-harvest interval before harvesting.

Compatibility

Karishma is compatible with most common insecticides and fungicides used in crop protection programs. However, do not mix with highly alkaline substances such as lime sulfur or Bordeaux mixture. When mixing with other products, always perform a jar test first by mixing small quantities in a clear container to check for any adverse reaction like clumping, gas formation, or separation. If the mixture remains stable, it is safe to use.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and application
• Avoid inhalation of dust or spray mist — use a face mask or respirator
• 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 drinking water
• Keep out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
• Prevent spray drift toward water bodies, ponds, or non-target crops
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose
• In case of accidental contact with eyes or skin, wash immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

When used as per recommended dosage and application guidelines, Karishma is safe for target crops. Avoid application during extreme heat or when plants are under moisture stress, as this may increase the risk of phytotoxicity. The product is considered safe for beneficial insects based on its toxicity label (Blue/Green). Always follow label instructions to minimize any risk of crop injury.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) – Grapes, Pomegranate, Chilli, Tomato, Potato, Groundnut	10 – 14 days
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) – Apple	30 days
Storage Conditions	Cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight
Shelf Life	As per manufacturer's label — store in original sealed packaging