Acrobat® Fungicide: The Reliable Shield Against Fungal Diseases

Introduction Of  Acrobat® Fungicide

 

Fungal diseases can drastically reduce crop yields and quality, posing a constant challenge for farmers. Among the wide range of fungicides available, Acrobat® Fungicide has earned a strong reputation for its dual-action disease control, long-lasting protection, and compatibility with various crops. Developed by BASF, Acrobat® offers a powerful solution against tough fungal infections like downy mildew, late blight, and other oomycete-related diseases that threaten valuable crops.

What Is Acrobat® Fungicide?

Acrobat® Fungicide is a systemic and contact fungicide that provides complete protection against a broad spectrum of fungal diseases. It contains Dimethomorph 50% WP (wettable powder) as its active ingredient, which belongs to the morpholine group of fungicides. This unique chemistry works by inhibiting cell wall formation in fungi, thereby stopping their growth and spread.

The fungicide is suitable for use in vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops, especially where downy mildew and late blight are persistent problems. Farmers trust Acrobat® for its preventive, curative, and antisporulant actions, making it one of the most dependable fungicides in modern agriculture.

Mode of Action Of  Acrobat® Fungicide

Acrobat® works through a multi-directional approach:

1. Systemic Action:
   Once absorbed, Dimethomorph moves within the plant tissues, protecting new growth and preventing the fungus from developing inside the plant.
   
2. Contact Protection:
   The formulation forms a protective barrier on the leaf surface, stopping fungal spores from germinating or entering plant tissues.
   
3. Anti-sporulation Effect:
   Acrobat® prevents the reproduction of fungal spores, reducing the spread of the disease within and across crops.
   

This triple-mode action ensures not only immediate control but also long-term protection against recurring infections.

Also Read: Score Fungicide: A Complete Guide for Farmers to Protect Their Crops from Fungal Diseases.

Key Features of Acrobat® Fungicide

• Highly Effective Against Oomycete Fungi:
  Targets tough pathogens like Phytophthora infestans (late blight) and Peronospora species (downy mildew).
  
• Systemic and Contact Protection:
  Dual-action ensures both internal and external defense.
  
• Long-Lasting Effect:
  Provides residual control even under challenging environmental conditions.
  
• Resistance Management Tool:
  Ideal for rotation programs due to its unique chemistry, helping prevent resistance buildup.
  
• Excellent Crop Safety:
  Gentle on crops when used as recommended, without affecting plant physiology or yield.
  

Benefits of Using Acrobat® Fungicide

1. Prevents Disease Spread Efficiently:
   By halting spore formation, Acrobat® reduces the risk of disease spread within the field.
   
2. Enhances Crop Health and Quality:
   Maintains green and healthy foliage, which supports better photosynthesis and yield.
   
3. Flexible Application Timing:
   Can be applied both as a preventive measure and during early infection stages for curative control.
   
4. Compatible with Other Fungicides:
   Works well in tank mixtures with other products for broader-spectrum control.
   
5. Economical and Effective:
   Provides excellent disease suppression with low application doses, making it cost-effective.
   

Recommended Crops and Target Diseases

Crop	Target Disease
Potato	Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)
Tomato	Late Blight
Grapes	Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola)
Cucurbits (Cucumber, Melon, etc.)	Downy Mildew
Onions	Downy Mildew (Peronospora destructor)

Dosage and Application Guidelines

• Formulation: Dimethomorph 50% WP
  
• Recommended Dose: 600–800 g per hectare (depending on crop and disease severity)
  
• Spray Volume: 500–1000 liters of water per hectare
  
• Application Timing:
  
  • First spray at disease appearance or just before favorable conditions develop.
    
  • Repeat applications every 7–10 days or as per local disease pressure.
    
• Method: Foliar spray with good coverage on both sides of leaves for maximum protection.
  

Tip: For best results, rotate Acrobat® with fungicides having different modes of action to avoid resistance.

Also Read: ICAR–KVK Nimbudera Hosts Training on Modern Paddy Cultivation Techniques.

Compatibility and Precautions

• Acrobat® is compatible with most commonly used fungicides and insecticides, but a small jar test is recommended before mixing.
  
• Avoid application during high wind or rainy conditions to prevent wash-off.
  
• Always follow label instructions for dose, timing, and safety precautions.
  
• Use protective clothing, gloves, and mask during mixing and spraying.
  

Alternate Fungicide Options

If Acrobat® is unavailable or resistance concerns arise, consider rotating with:

• Cabrio® Top (Pyraclostrobin + Metiram) – for broad-spectrum control and resistance management.
  
• Ridomil Gold® (Metalaxyl + Mancozeb) – excellent for soil-borne and foliar oomycete diseases.
  
• Revus® (Mandipropamid) – highly effective against late blight and downy mildew with translaminar movement.
  
• Mefenoxam-based fungicides – good systemic alternatives for oomycete management.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Acrobat® safe for beneficial insects?
Yes, Acrobat® is considered safe for beneficial insects when used as directed.

Q2: Can I mix Acrobat® with foliar fertilizers?
It can be mixed with most foliar nutrients, but always perform a compatibility test before large-scale application.

Q3: How soon can I harvest after spraying?
The pre-harvest interval (PHI) typically ranges between 7 to 10 days, depending on the crop.

Q4: Can Acrobat® control powdery mildew?
No, Acrobat® is specifically effective against downy mildew and late blight, not powdery mildew.

Final Thoughts

Acrobat® Fungicide stands as one of the most trusted and effective fungicides in modern agriculture. With its unique Dimethomorph-based formula, it provides reliable and long-lasting protection against some of the most damaging fungal diseases. Farmers across India and beyond value Acrobat® for its versatility, crop safety, and economic value.

Whether you’re growing potatoes, tomatoes, grapes, or cucurbits, incorporating Acrobat® Fungicide into your disease management program ensures healthier crops, higher yields, and peace of mind throughout the growing season.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Profitable Agriculture Companies in India.