IIL Izuki Fungicide – Thifluzamide 26% + Kasugamycin 6% SC for Paddy Blast & Sheath Blight Control

IIL Izuki is a systemic fungicide developed by Insecticides India Limited in technical collaboration with Nissan Chemical Corporation, Japan. It contains a dual-active formulation of Thifluzamide 26% and Kasugamycin 6% in Suspension Concentrate (SC) form. This fungicide is specifically designed to protect paddy (rice) crops from two major fungal diseases: blast (leaf blast and neck blast) and sheath blight.

What makes Izuki different is its two-mode attack on fungal pathogens. Thifluzamide belongs to the SDHI chemical group (Carboxamide) and blocks energy production in fungal cells, while Kasugamycin is an antibiotic (Aminoglycoside group) that stops protein synthesis. Together, they provide both preventive and curative protection. The product is rainfast within about 2 hours of application, has long residual activity of 17–21 days, and helps manage resistance by attacking fungi through multiple pathways. It is classified with a Blue toxicity label (moderately toxic) and should be handled with proper safety measures.

IIL Izuki is a low-dose, high-potency product. The recommended dosage is 150–160 ml per acre mixed in 200 litres of water, applied as a foliar spray. It is suitable for use at the maximum tillering and booting stages of paddy. The product is available in pack sizes including 75 ml, 150 ml, 500 ml, and 1 litre.

Key Benefits

• Dual disease control – Effectively controls both blast (leaf blast and neck blast) and sheath blight in paddy with a single product.
• Preventive and curative action – Can be used before disease appears or at the first sign of infection, giving farmers flexibility in application timing.
• Rainfast within 2 hours – Once dried on the leaf, light rain after application will not wash away the effectiveness, protecting your investment.
• Long-lasting protection – Provides extended residual effect for 17–21 days, reducing the need for frequent re-spraying and saving labour costs.
• Resistance management – Two active ingredients with different modes of action make it difficult for fungi to develop resistance, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Systemic movement – Absorbed and moves upward inside the plant (acropetal), protecting new growth and untreated upper leaves.
• Improves yield and grain quality – Prevents neck blast that causes empty panicles (chaffy grains), leading to a heavier, better-quality harvest.

How It Works

IIL Izuki works through two distinct mechanisms that attack fungal pathogens from different angles, making it highly effective and reducing the chance of resistance development.

Thifluzamide (SDHI – Group 7): This active ingredient targets the mitochondria, which is the energy powerhouse of the fungal cell. It blocks a key enzyme called Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) in the energy production chain. When this enzyme is blocked, the fungus cannot produce the energy it needs to grow, spread, and survive. Essentially, the fungus starves and dies. This mode of action is highly effective against Rhizoctonia solani (sheath blight pathogen).

Kasugamycin (Antibiotic – Group 24): This component is an antibiotic that enters the fungal (and bacterial) cells and binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit. Ribosomes are the protein-making factories of the cell. By binding to them, Kasugamycin prevents the formation of functional proteins that are essential for the pathogen's growth and reproduction. Without new proteins, the disease cannot spread or multiply.

Systemic distribution: Once sprayed, the SC formulation sticks to the leaf surface and is quickly absorbed into the plant tissue. It moves upward through the xylem (the plant's water-conducting system) to protect even the newly emerged leaves that were not directly sprayed. This systemic movement ensures complete protection throughout the plant canopy.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	IIL Izuki
Brand	Insecticides India Limited (in collaboration with Nissan Chemical Corporation, Japan)
Technical Content	Thifluzamide 26% + Kasugamycin 6% SC w/v
Formulation Type	Suspension Concentrate (SC)
Chemical Group	Carboxamide (Thifluzamide) + Aminoglycoside (Kasugamycin)
IRAC MoA Code	Group 7 (SDHI) + Group 24 (Antibiotic)
Mode of Entry	Systemic
Toxicity Label	Blue (Moderately Toxic)
Country of Origin	India
HSN Code	38089199
Available Pack Sizes	75 ml, 150 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Diseases	Dosage per Acre	Water per Acre	Dosage per Litre	PHI (Days)
Paddy (Rice)	Blast (Leaf Blast & Neck Blast), Sheath Blight	150–160 ml	200 litres	0.75 ml	21 days

Application Method: Foliar spray

Hectare Rate: 375 ml per hectare in 500 litres of water

When to Use

For best results, apply IIL Izuki as a preventive measure before disease symptoms appear, or at the very first sign of infection. The ideal crop stages for application are:

• Maximum Tillering stage – When the plant is producing maximum number of tillers, before sheath blight symptoms appear on the lower sheaths.
• Booting stage – This is the most critical time for preventing neck blast. Spraying at booting protects the panicle neck from infection, ensuring proper grain filling.

Look for early signs such as snake-skin pattern lesions on leaf sheaths (sheath blight) or diamond-shaped spots with grey centres on leaves (leaf blast). Apply immediately when these are noticed. For neck blast prevention, do not wait for symptoms — spray at the booting stage. Avoid application when the crop is under stress from drought, flooding, or extreme weather conditions.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Shake well – Shake the bottle thoroughly before use to ensure the SC formulation is properly mixed.
2. Prepare the spray solution – Fill the spray tank with half the required water (about 100 litres for 1 acre). Add the measured quantity of Izuki (150–160 ml per acre). Mix well. Add the remaining water and stir again.
3. Ensure full coverage – Aim the spray to cover the lower sheath area thoroughly, as sheath blight typically starts at the base. Use the full 200 litres of water per acre to ensure the spray penetrates the dense paddy canopy.
4. Spray timing – Apply in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are moderate and wind is low. Avoid spraying during peak heat or when rain is expected within 2 hours.
5. Clean equipment – After spraying, thoroughly clean all spray equipment with clean water. Do not dispose of leftover spray solution or rinse water near water bodies.

Compatibility

IIL Izuki is generally compatible with common insecticides used for stem borer control in paddy. However, do not mix with highly alkaline substances such as Bordeaux mixture. Before mixing with any other product on a large scale, always perform a small jar test to check for physical compatibility (no clumping, separation, or excessive foaming).

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a mask while handling and spraying the product.
• Avoid contact: Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, flush the affected area with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product.
• Wash thoroughly after application – wash hands, face, and all exposed skin with soap and water.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and children. Keep the product in its original container with the label intact.
• Environmental safety: Avoid spray drift to water bodies. This product is toxic to aquatic life. Do not apply near fish ponds or water sources.
• Do not apply on stressed crops – avoid spraying on crops suffering from drought, flooding, or other environmental stress.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

IIL Izuki is classified as moderately toxic (Blue label). Avoid application on crops under environmental stress as this may increase the risk of phytotoxicity. The product is toxic to aquatic organisms, so care must be taken to prevent runoff into water bodies and fish ponds.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): 21 days after last application for paddy
• REI (Re-Entry Interval): Wait until spray deposit has completely dried before re-entering the treated field
• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored under proper conditions
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in original container with lid tightly closed.