IIL Himil-M-Super Fungicide - Metalaxyl-M 4% + Mancozeb 64% WP for Potato, Grape & Vegetable Diseases

Himil-M-Super is a specialized dual-action fungicide manufactured by Insecticides (India) Limited, designed to protect high-value crops from devastating fungal diseases. It combines two powerful chemistries in a wettable powder (WP) formulation: Metalaxyl-M 4% and Mancozeb 64%. This combination gives farmers both curative and protective action in a single product.

Metalaxyl-M is the pure "R-isomer" form of Metalaxyl, which is rapidly absorbed by the plant and moves upward through the tissues to kill fungi hiding inside. Mancozeb stays on the leaf surface as a protective layer, preventing new spores from germinating and attacking the plant. Together, they provide a "double-engine" approach that is highly effective against Oomycete fungi (water molds) that cause diseases like Late Blight in Potato, Downy Mildew in Grapes, and Phytophthora Foot Rot in Black Pepper.

This fungicide is widely trusted by Indian farmers for its reliable field performance, resistance management benefits, and cost-effectiveness. It is suitable for use on Potato, Grapes, Mustard, Black Pepper, Chilli, Pomegranate, Onion, Tomato, and other vegetables. With proper timing and application, Himil-M-Super helps farmers prevent major crop losses and achieve healthier yields.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action protection: Metalaxyl-M works systemically inside the plant to cure infection, while Mancozeb forms a protective shield on the leaf surface to prevent new attacks.
• Curative kick-back effect: If applied within 24-48 hours of infection, it can stop disease development even after early symptoms like oil spots have appeared.
• Resistance management: The multi-site contact action of Mancozeb reduces the risk of fungi developing resistance, ensuring long-term effectiveness of the product.
• Rapid systemic absorption: Metalaxyl-M (R-isomer) is quickly absorbed by leaves, stems, and roots, providing protection to new growth that emerges after spraying.
• Good rainfastness: The systemic component penetrates leaf tissue quickly, so the product does not wash off easily if rain occurs a few hours after application.
• Cost-effective protection: Provides premium disease control for high-value crops, helping farmers avoid total crop loss at a practical per-acre cost.
• Versatile application: Can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench, making it suitable for different crops and farming situations including nursery beds.

How It Works

Himil-M-Super attacks Oomycete fungi (water molds) through two distinct modes of action that work together for complete disease control.

Systemic action of Metalaxyl-M: Metalaxyl-M belongs to the Phenylamide chemical group (IRAC Group 4). It is rapidly absorbed by the plant through leaves, stems, and roots. Once inside, it moves upward (acropetal movement) through the plant's vascular system, reaching new leaves and growing points. It works by inhibiting RNA synthesis in the fungal cells, effectively stopping the fungus from growing and multiplying inside the plant tissue. This means it can cure infections that have already started.

Contact action of Mancozeb: Mancozeb belongs to the Dithiocarbamate chemical group (IRAC Group M03). It remains on the leaf surface as a protective layer. It acts on multiple sites within the fungal cell, disrupting essential metabolic processes like respiration. This multi-site action kills fungal spores immediately upon contact, preventing them from germinating and infecting the plant.

Kick-back effect: Because Metalaxyl-M moves inside the plant tissue, Himil-M-Super has a "kick-back" or curative effect. If applied within 24-48 hours of infection, it can stop disease development even if early symptoms like oily spots are visible. This gives farmers a small but valuable window to act after infection occurs.

The combination of a single-site systemic fungicide (Metalaxyl-M) with a multi-site contact fungicide (Mancozeb) is a proven strategy for resistance management. The fungus would need to develop resistance to both modes of action simultaneously, which is extremely difficult.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Himil-M-Super
Technical Name	Metalaxyl-M 4% + Mancozeb 64% WP
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 4 (Phenylamides) + Group M03
Chemical Group	Acylalanine + Dithiocarbamate
Toxicity Label	Blue / Yellow Triangle (Check Package)
Manufacturer	Insecticides (India) Limited
Available Pack Sizes	500 g, 1 kg

Recommended Dosage & Application

The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Crop	Target Disease	Dose per Acre	Water per Acre	Dose per Litre	PHI (Days)
Potato	Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)	1000 g (1 kg)	200-400 L	2.5 g/L	60 days
Grapes	Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola)	1000 g (1 kg)	400-800 L	2.5 g/L	Verify export rules*
Mustard	Downy Mildew & White Rust	1000 g (1 kg)	400 L	2.5 g/L	60 days
Black Pepper	Phytophthora Foot Rot (Quick Wilt)	Soil drench	2-3 L per vine	2.5 g/L	-

PHI Note: For export grapes, do not use after fruit set (approximately 21 weeks PHI). For domestic grape crops, follow label instructions.

Mixing instructions: Premix the required quantity of powder with a little water to form a smooth paste. Then add this paste to the main water tank while stirring continuously to ensure even mixing.

When to Use

For best results, apply Himil-M-Super prophylactically — that is, before the disease starts or at the very first sign of disease. Do not wait until more than 5% of the crop area shows infection, as control becomes more difficult at higher disease pressure.

Potato: Start spraying when weather conditions favor Late Blight development (cool, humid weather with rainfall or heavy dew). Apply at the first appearance of symptoms or as a preventive spray during the susceptible growth stage.

Grapes: Apply before or at the early stages of Downy Mildew infection, especially during the monsoon season when humidity is high. Pay attention to young, tender shoots and leaves which are most susceptible.

Mustard: Spray at the onset of flowering or when Downy Mildew and White Rust symptoms first appear. Cool and moist conditions favor these diseases.

Black Pepper: Use as a soil drench during the monsoon season when Phytophthora Foot Rot is most active. Apply around the base of the vine.

General guidance: Ensure thorough coverage of both upper and lower leaf surfaces. For waxy crops like Onion, add a silicon-based spreader to improve coverage and effectiveness.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check disease stage: Inspect your crop. Use Himil-M-Super preventively or at the very first sign of disease (before 5% infection).
2. Calculate required quantity: Measure the correct dose based on your crop and acreage. Refer to the dosage table above.
3. Prepare the mixture: Take the required amount of Himil-M-Super powder in a separate container. Add a small amount of water and mix thoroughly to form a smooth, lump-free paste.
4. Add to spray tank: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the prepared paste while stirring continuously. Then add the remaining water and stir well.
5. Add spreader (if needed): For waxy crops like Onion or Cabbage, add a silicon-based spreader to improve droplet spread and coverage on leaves.
6. Spray application: Apply the mixture using a clean, well-maintained sprayer. Ensure thorough coverage of both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Use the recommended water volume per acre for complete coverage.
7. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly clean all spray equipment with water. Do not dispose of leftover mixture or rinse water near water bodies.
8. Post-application hygiene: Wash hands, face, and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash protective clothing separately.

Compatibility

Himil-M-Super is generally compatible with common insecticides such as Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid, and Cypermethrin. However, do not mix with highly alkaline substances such as Bordeaux mixture, Lime Sulphur, or other alkaline products, as this can reduce effectiveness. Always perform a jar test before mixing with any new product to check for physical compatibility. When mixing multiple products, add Himil-M-Super to the tank first and ensure it is fully dissolved before adding other products.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, a face mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the product.
• Avoid inhalation and contact: Do not breathe the dust or spray mist. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after handling and spraying. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and livestock.
• Environmental safety: Do not spray near water bodies, ponds, or wells. Avoid drift to non-target crops and flowering plants visited by bees.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Dispose of them safely according to local regulations. Do not dump in water sources.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

When used as per recommended dosage and timing, Himil-M-Super is safe for the target crops. However, avoid spraying during extreme heat or when the crop is under moisture stress, as this may increase the risk of phytotoxicity. Always follow the recommended dose per acre — do not exceed the specified dosage. For export grapes, verify the PHI and usage restrictions with your buyer or export agency before application.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
PHI (Potato)	60 days
PHI (Mustard)	60 days
PHI (Grapes - Export)	Do not use after fruit set (approx 21 weeks)
Storage Conditions	Cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight