Carbendazim + mancozeb (Saaf, Sprint)

The Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP pre-mix is one of the most widely used broad-spectrum fungicides in Indian agriculture, sold as UPL Saaf, Indofil Sprint and many generic equivalents. It combines a systemic curative with a contact protectant in one product.

Composition / Active ingredient

Composition: Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP
Chemical classes: Benzimidazole + Ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC)
Common brands: UPL Saaf, Indofil Sprint

Mode of action

Two complementary fungicide modes operate together:

Carbendazim is a benzimidazole that inhibits β-tubulin polymerisation, disrupting fungal mitotic spindle formation. It is systemic, absorbed through roots and foliage, with curative action. FRAC group 1.
Mancozeb is an EBDC multi-site contact fungicide that releases reactive sulphur compounds, inhibiting multiple fungal enzymes. FRAC group M03.

The mix is curative-plus-protective and very low risk of resistance to the EBDC component.

Target use and dose

Indian uses cover paddy (blast), chilli (fruit rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew), groundnut (tikka leaf spot), tomato, potato (early/late blight) and many other crops. Indofil Sprint (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WS form) is used at 400-500 g/acre for paddy leaf spot and blast, priced around ₹845 per 500 g. Standard foliar dose is 1.5-3.5 g/L of water (about 300-700 g/acre depending on disease pressure).

Safety and regulatory status

Carbendazim is under regulatory review in several jurisdictions due to reproductive-toxicity concerns; the EU has restricted some uses. Standard pre-harvest intervals on label must be observed. Benzimidazole resistance is documented in Botrytis, Sclerotinia and several other pathogens; rotation with QoI/DMI fungicides (Nativo Fungicide, Azoxystrobin Difenoconazole, Cabrio Top) preserves efficacy.

References

UPL Saaf — Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP. Cultree.
Saaf Fungicide. BigHaat.