Mancozeb
Description
Mancozeb is a protective fungicide that works like a shield to prevent fungal diseases from attacking your crops. The word 'protective' means it works best when you spray it before you see any disease symptoms - it creates a barrier on the surface of your plants that stops fungal spores from getting in and causing problems. It's called 'broad-spectrum' because it works against many different types of fungal diseases, not just one. This makes it very useful because you don't have to figure out exactly which disease you're dealing with - it protects against most of them. It's especially effective against common problems like early blight and late blight (which cause dark spots and wilting on tomatoes and potatoes), downy mildew (gray or white fuzzy growth on leaves), anthracnose (dark sunken spots on fruits and leaves), and rust (orange or brown powdery spots on leaves). You can use it on vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and cucumbers, as well as on fruit trees and field crops like wheat and barley. The key to success with mancozeb is to start spraying early, before you see any disease, and then keep spraying every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, especially when the weather is humid or rainy. If you wait until you see disease symptoms, you'll need to use a higher amount, but it's still better than not treating at all. Always make sure to cover both the top and bottom of leaves when you spray, because that's where diseases often start. Wait 7 to 14 days after the last spray before harvesting your crops.
Application rates
General
1.5-3 kg per hectare
Preventive
1-2 kg per hectare
Curative
2.5-4 kg per hectare
Application method
Target pests
Application timing
Preventive: before disease onset, Repeat every 7-10 days
Safety period
7-14 days before harvest
Precautions
Wear protective equipment. Do not apply in windy conditions. Follow label instructions.
Crop compatibility
Benefits
- Broad-spectrum activity against major fungal diseases
- Multi-site mode of action reduces resistance risk
- Excellent preventive protection when applied early
- Cost-effective solution for large-scale disease management
- Compatible with most insecticides and other fungicides
- Proven track record in Omani agriculture for decades
Best for
- Potatoes and tomatoes (early and late blight control)
- Cucurbits (downy mildew, powdery mildew)
- Leafy vegetables (downy mildew, leaf spots)
- Field crops (wheat, barley rust and leaf diseases)
- Fruit trees (anthracnose, rust, leaf spots)
Usage tips
- Start applications before disease symptoms appear
- Maintain 7-10 day spray intervals during disease pressure
- Ensure thorough coverage of all plant surfaces
- Use higher rates for curative applications
- Combine with systemic fungicides for best results
- Apply in calm weather conditions for better coverage
Storage instructions
Store in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture.
Mixing compatibility
Compatible with most insecticides and other fungicides. Can be used in tank mixes with systemic fungicides for enhanced control.