Kasugamycin 3% SL Fungicide Uses

Kasugamycin 3% SL is an aminoglycoside antibiotic fungicide/bactericide, registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968, formulated as a soluble liquid (SL). It is registered for the control of blast in rice (paddy), early blight in tomato and potato, black rot in cabbage, and bacterial leaf spot, Cercospora leaf spot and die-back in chilli — giving it useful dual activity against both fungal and bacterial diseases. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the complete crop-wise recommended dosage as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) official list of approved fungicide uses.

Which Problem Is This For? (Symptom Guide)

Not sure whether what you're seeing in the field matches this fungicide's use case? This guide helps match symptoms to this fungicide's approved crop-wise uses.

Mode of Action

Kasugamycin is a naturally derived aminoglycoside antibiotic, produced by fermentation of the soil bacterium Streptomyces kasugaensis, with activity against both fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. It works primarily by inhibiting protein synthesis inside the target pathogen — it binds to the ribosome and interferes with the normal reading of genetic information during translation, preventing the pathogen from producing the proteins it needs to grow, germinate and infect plant tissue. In fungi such as the rice blast pathogen, kasugamycin specifically inhibits the germination and early growth (appressorium formation) of fungal spores on the leaf surface, stopping infection before it becomes established, while also giving some direct curative action against existing early-stage lesions. Because its mode of action differs from most conventional fungicide groups, it remains a useful option in disease-resistance management programs.

Features & Benefits

• Dual fungicidal-and-bactericidal action from a single product — effective against rice blast, early blight and black rot (fungal) as well as bacterial leaf spot and die-back (bacterial) on different crops.
• Distinct antibiotic mode of action (protein-synthesis inhibition) makes it a useful rotation partner alongside conventional fungicide chemistry as part of a resistance-management program.
• Strong preventive activity against spore germination, making early/preventive application particularly effective against rice blast.
• Soluble liquid (SL) formulation mixes readily and completely into the spray tank.

Recommended Usage of Kasugamycin 3% SL Fungicide

The table below gives the recommended dose per acre, based on the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) official list of approved fungicide uses (Government of India) — see the note below the table for the per-hectare-to-per-acre conversion. Always spray in the recommended water volume for uniform coverage, and confirm against the current product label before use.

All doses above are converted from the official rate published in the CIB&RC's list of approved fungicide uses (Government of India), which states the rate per hectare; converted here to a practical per-acre spray-tank quantity (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres) and rounded. Always confirm the current dose on your specific product's label, and consult your local agricultural extension office if in doubt.

How to Use

1. Identify your crop and target disease from the table above, and confirm the correct dose and water volume.
2. Measure the required quantity of Kasugamycin 3% SL and add it directly to the spray tank filled with water, stirring to mix, since this is a soluble liquid (SL) formulation.
3. Apply as a fine, uniform spray covering the entire crop canopy, including leaf undersides and, for rice blast, the neck/node region of the panicle at the appropriate growth stage.
4. Begin spraying preventively or at the very first appearance of disease symptoms, since kasugamycin works best against spore germination and early-stage infection.
5. Repeat sprays at 10–15 day intervals if disease pressure continues, or as advised by local agricultural extension, and rotate with fungicides/bactericides from a different chemical group to manage the risk of resistance.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask/respirator, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying, and avoid inhaling spray mist.
• Follow the recommended dose strictly — both underdosing (poor disease control and greater risk of resistant pathogen populations developing) and overdosing reduce field performance and increase cost.
• Respect the waiting period (PHI) given in the table above and on the current product label before harvesting the treated crop; note the shorter PHI on tomato compared to other listed crops.
• Since kasugamycin acts mainly by preventing infection at the germination stage, time sprays preventively or at the earliest visible symptoms for best results, rather than waiting for disease to become well established.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.