Sofia - Hexaconazole 4% + Carbendazim 16% SC - Insecticides (India) Ltd
Item description
Sofia Fungicide (Hexaconazole 4% + Carbendazim 16% SC)
The Ultimate Dual-Action Systemic Fungicide for Blast and Sheath Blight Control.
Sofia is a powerful, broad-spectrum fungicide brought to you by Insecticides (India) Limited. It combines two highly effective chemistries to provide complete protection against fungal diseases. By working from both the inside (systemic) and outside (contact), Sofia not only cures infections but also prevents them from spreading.
Best for: Farmers looking for a "Mass Premium" solution that treats diseases like Rice Blast, Sheath Blight, and Rusts while keeping the crop green and healthy.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
- ⏱️ Fast-Acting & Long-Lasting: Starts working immediately to stop fungal growth and provides protection for weeks.
- ?️ Dual Mode of Action: Attacks the fungus at two different points (nucleus and cell wall), preventing resistance.
- ⏳ Phyto-tonic "Green" Effect: Keeps leaves green longer (delayed senescence), helping in better grain filling and higher yield.
- ?️ Rainfast Formula: Quickly absorbed by the plant; effective even if it rains 2-4 hours after spraying.
- ? Cost-Effective ROI: Provides premium disease control at an affordable price, ensuring high returns for farmers.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Sofia |
| Technical Name | Hexaconazole 4% + Carbendazim 16% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 3 (Triazole) + Group 1 (MBC) |
| Chemical Group | Triazole + Benzimidazole |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Sofia works through a synergistic "Double Engine" mechanism that targets the fungus in two fatal ways:
- Systemic Protection (Hexaconazole): Absorbed by leaves and moves upwards within the plant. It stops the fungus from building cell walls (Ergosterol inhibition), halting infection.
- Cell Shutdown (Carbendazim): Acts like a "nuclear assassin" by stopping fungal cell division (Mitosis). It kills the fungus instantly and prevents spore formation.
- Broad Coverage: The SC formulation ensures micro-particles cover the leaf surface evenly, protecting against new spores (Preventive) while killing existing fungus (Curative).
Result: Complete breakdown of the fungal lifecycle—spores cannot germinate, and mycelium cannot grow.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Blast (Leaf & Neck), Sheath Blight |
| Wheat | Yellow Rust, Brown Rust, Leaf Blight |
| Vegetables (Tomato, Chilli) | Leaf Spots, Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | 400 - 500 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.5 ml | 40 Days |
| Wheat | 400 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.0 - 2.5 ml | 30 Days |
| Vegetables | 300 - 400 ml | 150 L | 2.0 ml | 7 - 14 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. Vital for export crops like Basmati rice.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Spray preventively at the tillering/panicle initiation stage for Rice, or immediately when disease spots (like Rust or Leaf Spot) appear.
- Mixing: Conduct a "Jar Test" first. Compatible with common insecticides like Imidacloprid. Do NOT mix with Copper fungicides or Bordeaux mixture.
- Coverage: Use a Hollow Cone nozzle to ensure a fine mist reaches the underside of the leaves where fungus often hides.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not drain paddy water into fish ponds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Sofia effective against Sheath Blight in
Paddy?
Yes, Sofia is highly effective
for Sheath Blight. It stops the lesions from moving up the
plant, protecting the flag leaf and ensuring good grain
filling.
2. Does Sofia help in increasing yield?
Yes. Apart from disease control, Sofia has a
"phyto-tonic" effect that increases chlorophyll, keeping
the plant green longer and boosting yield.
3. Can I use Sofia on export-quality Basmati
rice?
Yes, but strictly follow the
40-day Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI). Do not spray after the
flowering stage to avoid residue issues in export markets.
4. What is the dose for a 15-Litre spray pump?
For most crops, use approximately 30 to 40 ml of
Sofia per 15-litre tank.
5. Is it rainfast?
Yes,
Sofia is rainfast within 2 to 4 hours after application.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application.
Quick Facts
Watering
Twice a week
Sunlight
Indirect light
Humidity
High 60-80%
Temperature
18-27°C