Caramba fungicide: instructions for use and composition, dosage and analogues

Fungal diseases make up a significant portion of all diseases affecting crops. Their pathogens are literally everywhere. They do not have to wait long for a favorable hour, since precipitation, a cold snap, an insect bite or a broken leaf are enough impetus for an outbreak of incredible fungal activity. Fungicide from the world famous manufacturer, Karamba, protects rapeseed from this scourge.

Composition and release form of the product

The antifungal effect of Caramba is based on its active substance metconazole. The fungicide is produced by the German concern BASF. Packing - 5-liter plastic cans. Concentration of metconazole: 60 g in 1 liter of aqueous suspension.

Principle of action and purpose of application

The main crop for which caramba is used is winter and spring rapeseed.

Metconazole has a dual effect on the plant, as a fungicide and as a pesticide:

1. It penetrates the tissues of the plant and destroys pathogenic fungi in it. This is due to blocking the synthesis of substances and membranes vital for the pathogen.
2. It restrains the rate of crop growth, protecting spring rapeseed from shooting, and winter rapeseed from excessive vegetative mass gain. Skillful use of the drug forms the structure of the oil plant necessary for obtaining a high yield. As a result, the root system of rapeseed is strengthened, which affects the increased resistance to lodging. Uniform flowering and friendly ripening of the pods creates the most favorable conditions for harvesting.

Metconazole has a high stickiness.This prevents it from being quickly washed away by precipitation. Since "Karamba" spreads throughout the body of a cultivated plant within a few days, its roots and newly formed vegetative parts are also protected by the fungicide. The rapid penetration of the agent under the outer covers of the plantation prevents its destruction under the influence of sunlight or weathering.

In the body of the plant "Caramba" remains active for 6 weeks.

Processing times

Winter rapeseed is treated with a fungicide in the fall, after the culture has 4-6 leaves. Target:

• prevent rapid growth and stretching of green mass;
• strengthening the root;
• prevention of phomosis and alternariosis.

In spring, both winter and spring rape are sprayed against diseases, to suppress height growth in favor of better branching of the stem and strengthening of the root system. The height of the plant ready to be treated with the Karamba fungicide is 20-25 cm, pods appear in the lower tier.

Pesticide consumption rate and instructions for use

Depending on the density of crops and the amount of ground mass of plants, the amount of solution used varies from 200 l/ha to 400 l/ha.

The table gives the dosage for 300 liters of diluted suspension.

Winter rapeseed. PhomosisNumerous dark spots on the leaves grow. The appearance of concentric rings is likely, especially on older sheets. A black coating of spores remains on the fingers when touched. Perhaps the complete fall of the leaves. Young and ripe fruits are affected.Spring and winter rape

Disease	Signs	Culture	Karamba norm, l/ha
Alternariosis	Brown oblong spots on stems and pods. Seeds lose their luster, become thinner, smaller, have a defective shape. On the leaves, the spots have a variety of outlines. They curl up and dry up. The valves of the pod open, the middle plate separates from them. In the presence of moisture, a moss-like mass of spores of the fungus appears.	Sclerotinia	After the snow melts, a plant immersed in the thickness of white or gray cotton wool of the fruiting body of the fungus opens.The tender parts of the culture rot or dry out. The death of the whole plant is also possible.

Re-treatment possible after 60 days, at least 55 days before harvest.

Preparation of the solution is difficult due to the low solubility of the Karamba fungicide in water. The sequence is required:

1. Pour 1/3 of the water into the tank.
2. Turn on the hydraulic mixer and add the concentrated Caramba suspension to the container with a jet.
3. Knead for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the rest of the water and continue to dissolve for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Shake the mixture continuously while spraying.

Safety precautions when using the drug "Caramba"

The product is slightly toxic to beneficial insects and microorganisms. It poses a danger to aquatic life, breaking down in the aquatic environment for a long time and not evaporating from its surface.

During the first work with the drug, no negative effects on the skin, respiratory organs and vision were found. However, during long-term exercises with the Karamba fungicide and during repeated operations with it, it is necessary to use protective equipment. Recommended to wear:

• anti-chemical gloves;
• closed clothing or chemical protection suit;
• closed shoes;
• tight-fitting goggles with side protection.

Do not eat, drink, smoke, talk, lick lips while spraying Caramba fungicide. Also, do not touch the skin, eyes and hair with your hands. Before the lunch break and at the end of work, the exposed areas of the body are thoroughly washed with soap and water, clothes are left away from food, feed and places where people stay.

Terms and rules of storage

Caramba fungicide is usable for 5 years. It is stored in a ventilated, cool, impervious to sunlight room under lock and key. Not allowed near:

• finding heat sources;
• work causing sparks;
• faulty wiring or appliances on.

Possible storage temperature: not lower than 0 °C and not higher than +30 °C. It is required to avoid contact of the drug with static electricity.

Means-substitutes

There are drugs similar to the Karamba fungicide in terms of their effects that fight fungal diseases of rapeseed and other crops. Some of them are listed in the table.

Drug name KamzolBASFepoxiconazole, 56.25 g/l Metconazole, 80 g /l

Defenda (Ukraine)	metconazole, 60 g/l
	Metconazole, 41.25 g/l	Osiris
	Pyraclostrobin, 130 g/l	Karamba Duo
Syngenta (Switzerland) )	200 g/l azoxystrobin, 80 g/l cyproconazole	Amistar Extra, UK

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