18 May 2025, New Delhi: Damping Off is a common and destructive disease that affects tomato seedlings, particularly during the nursery stage. Caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, this disease can lead to seed rot, wilting of young plants, and heavy losses before transplantation. To ensure healthy crop establishment, early intervention through seed treatment and soil drenching with appropriate fungicides is essential. Two effective fungicides for the management of Damping Off in tomatoes are Captan 75% WS and Metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES. These agrochemicals help protect the crop in its vulnerable initial stages and improve the chances of a successful harvest.
Captan 75% WS: A Protective Shield for Tomato Seeds
Captan 75% WS is a widely used contact fungicide known for its protective action against various fungal infections. In the case of tomatoes, it is particularly effective in controlling Damping Off when used either as a seed treatment or through soil drenching. The recommended dosage of Captan as an active ingredient is 15 to 25 grams per kilogram of seed, while the formulation dosage ranges from 20 to 30 grams per kilogram of seed. For soil drenching applications, it is diluted in approximately 1 liter of water per hectare. Captan forms a protective layer around the seed, acting as a barrier against soil-borne pathogens. Since it is mainly used at the seed stage, there is no specific waiting period mentioned from application to harvest. Its preventive action ensures healthy seedling emergence and reduces the risk of disease outbreaks in the nursery phase.
Metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES: A Systemic Solution for Damping Off
Metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES is a systemic fungicide with both protective and curative properties, particularly effective against Oomycete fungi such as Pythium, the primary cause of Damping Off. Unlike contact fungicides, Metalaxyl-M is absorbed into the seed and offers internal protection during the early stages of germination and seedling development. For effective use in tomatoes, the active ingredient dosage is 0.64 grams per kilogram of seed, with the formulation applied at 2.0 milliliters per kilogram of seed. It is used exclusively as a seed dresser, and therefore, no water dilution is required, nor is there a waiting period before harvest. By controlling internal infections, Metalaxyl-M complements the external protection provided by Captan, resulting in a more comprehensive disease management approach.
Combining the use of Captan 75% WS and Metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES as seed treatments provides tomato growers with an effective strategy to prevent Damping Off. While Captan offers external protection by forming a barrier around the seed, Metalaxyl-M delivers systemic action, targeting internal infections. Their proper application ensures healthy, vigorous seedlings, ultimately contributing to higher crop survival and better yields. For optimal results, farmers should follow the recommended dosages and consult agricultural experts when needed.
📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand! Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign? Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!
📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights.Click here to explore!
