IIL Force 11 Tricyclazole 75% WP Systemic Fungicide for Rice Blast Control

IIL Force 11 is a systemic fungicide manufactured by Insecticides India Limited (IIL), containing Tricyclazole 75% WP (Wettable Powder). It is specifically designed to control Rice Blast Disease — one of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting paddy crops in India. Force 11 targets all three forms of blast: Leaf Blast, Neck Blast (Panicle Blast), and Node Blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

What makes Force 11 unique is its anti-penetrant mode of action. Instead of killing the fungus after infection, it stops the fungus from entering the plant in the first place. It works as a Melanin Biosynthesis Inhibitor (MBI) — blocking the production of melanin in the fungal attack cell (appressorium). Without melanin, the fungus cannot build the hydraulic pressure needed to puncture the rice leaf, so the spore dies on the surface without causing infection.

Force 11 is absorbed rapidly by the leaves and moves upward (acropetally) within the plant, reaching new growth and leaf tips where dew collects and disease often starts. It provides long-lasting protection and has a good phytotonic effect — farmers often observe healthier, greener plants after application. It can also be used for seed treatment to protect young seedlings from early-stage blast infection. This product is a trusted, cost-effective choice for paddy farmers, especially during the high-risk Kharif season.

Note: This product is restricted in Kerala state. Also, it is not recommended for Basmati rice intended for export to the EU or USA due to strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).

Key Benefits

• Effective blast control — Specifically targets Leaf Blast, Neck Blast, and Node Blast in paddy, preventing yield loss from this destructive disease.
• Anti-penetrant action — Stops the fungus before it enters the plant, providing preventive protection rather than just curative control.
• Rapid rainfastness — Absorbed within 1-2 hours of application, making it ideal for use during the rainy Kharif season without fear of wash-off.
• Systemic movement — Moves upward inside the plant to protect new leaves and growing tips where blast infection commonly starts.
• Long-lasting protection — Stays active inside the plant tissue for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent sprays.
• Phytotonic effect — Promotes healthier, greener plants with improved vigour, contributing to better overall crop growth and yield.
• Cost-effective — Low dose requirement (120-160 g per acre) makes it an economical choice for blast management.
• Dual use — Can be used both as a foliar spray and for seed treatment, offering flexible application options.

How It Works

Force 11 works through a unique mechanism called Melanin Biosynthesis Inhibition (MBI). When the Rice Blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae) lands on a rice leaf, it forms a specialized structure called an appressorium — a kind of "attack cell" that needs to build high internal pressure to punch through the tough leaf surface. To create this pressure, the fungus normally produces melanin, a dark pigment that makes the appressorium wall rigid and watertight.

Tricyclazole, the active ingredient in Force 11, blocks the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Without melanin, the appressorium becomes like a "leaky balloon" — it cannot build the necessary hydraulic pressure to penetrate the rice leaf. The fungal spore germinates on the leaf surface but fails to enter the plant, eventually dying without causing any infection.

Because Force 11 prevents entry rather than curing established infection, it works best as a preventive or early-stage treatment. Once absorbed by the leaves (within 1-2 hours), it moves systemically upward through the plant's vascular system, reaching new leaf tips and growing points. This systemic movement ensures that even parts of the plant that emerge after spraying receive some protection. The product is rapidly and extensively metabolised within the plant, contributing to its good safety profile for the crop.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Force 11 (Tractor Brand)
Manufacturer	Insecticides India Limited (IIL)
Technical Name	Tricyclazole 75% WP
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
Chemical Group	Triazolobenzothiazole
IRAC MoA Code	Group 16.1 (MBI-D - Melanin Biosynthesis Inhibitor)
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
HSN Code	38089199
GST Slab	18%
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.

Use	Dose (g/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (g/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Foliar Spray (Paddy)	120 - 160 g	200 L	0.6 - 0.8 g	30
Seed Treatment	—	Slurry Mix	3 - 4 g per kg seed	—

PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Minimum days between last spray and harvest.

When to Use

Force 11 is most effective when applied prophylactically — before the disease appears or at the very first signs of infection. The most critical timing for blast control in paddy is during the reproductive stage of the crop.

• Leaf Blast: Apply when early symptoms (diamond-shaped lesions with grey centres) are first noticed on leaves, or as a preventive spray during favourable conditions (high humidity, frequent rain, cloudy weather).
• Neck Blast (Panicle Blast): The most critical sprays are at the Late Booting Stage (just before panicle emergence) and the Heading Stage. Once the neck turns black, the damage cannot be reversed — prevention at this stage is essential.
• Node Blast: Apply during active tillering and stem elongation stages if conditions favour disease development.
• Seed Treatment: Treat seeds before sowing to protect young seedlings from early blast infection in the nursery.

High-risk conditions for blast include: continuous rainfall, high humidity (above 90%), temperatures between 24-28°C, excessive nitrogen fertilization, and dense planting. Under such conditions, preventive spraying is strongly recommended.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Calculate the dose: Measure 120-160 g of Force 11 per acre based on disease pressure. Use the higher dose when disease risk is high.
2. Prepare the spray solution: Fill a spray tank with the required amount of water (200 litres per acre for foliar spray).
3. Pre-mix (slurry method): In a separate small bucket, mix the measured quantity of Force 11 with a little water to form a smooth slurry or paste. This ensures the wettable powder dissolves evenly without lumps.
4. Add to main tank: Pour the slurry into the main spray tank while stirring or agitating the water continuously.
5. Mix well: Ensure the solution is uniformly mixed before spraying. Keep the tank agitated during application to prevent settling.
6. Spray thoroughly: Apply the solution evenly on all plant parts, especially the leaves, stems, and panicles. Ensure complete coverage for best results.
7. Timing of spray: Apply in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are moderate. Avoid spraying during peak heat or when rain is expected within 1-2 hours (though the product becomes rainfast quickly).
8. For seed treatment: Mix 3-4 g of Force 11 per kg of seeds with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Coat the seeds evenly and dry them in shade before sowing.
9. Clean up: After spraying, thoroughly wash all equipment. Do not dispose of leftover spray solution into water bodies.

Compatibility

Force 11 is compatible with most commonly used fungicides. It can be tank-mixed with Hexaconazole or Propiconazole for broad-spectrum control of both Blast and Sheath Blight in paddy. Always perform a small jar test before mixing with any new product. Do not mix with alkaline substances or products with high pH without checking compatibility.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, face mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the product.
• Avoid inhalation: Do not breathe in the dust while mixing the wettable powder. Mix in a well-ventilated area.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during application.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Environmental safety: Toxic to aquatic life. Do not contaminate ponds, rivers, or other water bodies during spraying or equipment cleaning.
• Restricted use: This product is restricted in Kerala state. Check local regulations before purchase and use.
• Export restriction: Not recommended for Basmati rice intended for export to EU or USA markets due to strict MRL limits.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Force 11 has a good safety profile for paddy when used at recommended doses. The product has a good phytotonic effect, meaning it can actually improve plant vigour rather than cause harm. However, as with all chemical fungicides, avoid over-application or use under extreme weather conditions. Do not exceed the recommended dose of 160 g per acre. The product is classified as Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) — handle with appropriate care.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): 30 days for foliar spray on paddy.
• Rainfastness: 1-2 hours after application.
• Shelf Life: Store in original container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Use before the expiry date mentioned on the pack.
• Storage conditions: Keep in a dry place, away from moisture and heat. Do not store near food, animal feed, or seeds.