Tebuconazole 2% DS Fungicide Uses

Tebuconazole 2% DS is a systemic triazole fungicide formulated as a dust for seed treatment (DS), registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968. It is registered for treating wheat seed against loose smut and flag smut, and groundnut seed against collar rot, root rot and stem rot. Unlike a foliar spray fungicide, it is applied directly onto the seed before sowing so the fungicide is carried with the seed into the soil, protecting the emerging seedling from seed-borne and soil-borne infection. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the recommended seed-treatment 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 matches this fungicide's use case? This guide helps match symptoms to this fungicide's approved seed-treatment uses.

Mode of Action

Tebuconazole (FRAC Group 3, triazole/DMI) is a systemic fungicide that inhibits demethylation in the fungal cell membrane sterol biosynthesis pathway (ergosterol biosynthesis), disrupting cell membrane formation and halting fungal growth. Applied as a seed dressing, it is absorbed by the germinating seed and moves systemically into the emerging seedling, giving protection against seed-borne pathogens carried within or on the seed coat (such as wheat loose smut) as well as early soil-borne infection around the root and collar zone (such as groundnut collar rot). Because the fungicide is placed exactly where the seed and pathogen meet, seed treatment gives efficient, targeted protection using a much smaller total quantity of active ingredient than an equivalent foliar spray programme.

Features & Benefits

• Systemic seed-treatment (dust) fungicide that protects the seed and emerging seedling against both seed-borne (loose smut) and soil-borne (collar rot, root rot, stem rot) infection.
• Controls wheat loose smut, a disease that is invisible at sowing and only becomes visible at heading — by which time it is too late for any in-season treatment, making seed treatment the only effective control point.
• Improves plant stand and establishment in groundnut by protecting the vulnerable collar/root zone during germination and early seedling growth.
• Dust (DS) formulation applied directly to seed before sowing, using a small, precise quantity of active ingredient rather than a full-field foliar spray.

Recommended Usage of Tebuconazole 2% DS Fungicide

The table below gives the recommended seed-treatment dose as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) list of approved fungicide uses (Government of India), expressed per 10 kg of seed. This is a seed dressing/treatment applied before sowing, not a foliar or field spray, so there is no pre-harvest waiting period. Always confirm against the current product label before use.

Doses are as published in the CIB&RC's list of approved fungicide uses (Government of India), stated per 10 kg of seed for dry seed treatment. 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 weigh out the correct quantity of seed and Tebuconazole 2% DS.
2. Spread the seed in a thin layer on a clean tarpaulin or in a seed-treatment drum, and sprinkle the measured dust evenly over the seed.
3. Mix thoroughly by hand (wearing gloves) or by tumbling in a seed-treatment drum until every seed is uniformly coated with a fine layer of the dust.
4. Dry the treated seed in the shade for a short while before sowing if it feels damp, and sow on the same day for best results.
5. Sow the treated seed at the recommended seed rate and spacing for your crop and region.
6. Treated seed is for sowing only — never use it for food, feed, or oil extraction, and clearly label any treated seed kept in storage.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear a mask/respirator, gloves and full-sleeved clothing while handling the dust and treating seed, and avoid inhaling dust or letting it contact skin and eyes.
• Carry out seed treatment in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, away from food, feed and drinking-water sources.
• Follow the recommended dose strictly — underdosing gives poor disease control, while overdosing can affect seed germination.
• Treated seed must never be used for human or animal consumption; store it separately, clearly labelled, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Store the unused product in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling, 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.