Dhanuka M-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP) is one of the most widely used broad-spectrum contact fungicides trusted by farmers across Asia, Africa, and global crop-growing regions. It is highly effective against fungal diseases like blight, downy mildew, leaf spot, scab, rust, anthracnose, and soil-borne pathogens.

Dhanuka M-45 is a yellow-grey wettable powder applied through foliar spray, seed treatment, and drenching systems depending on crop type and stage. It contains Mancozeb 75% WP, a dithiocarbamate-based multi-site inhibitor, meaning fungi develop resistance slowly, making it one of the safest long-use crop protection molecules.

Farmers prefer it because it protects crops during critical growth stages, improves plant vigour, and increases yield output. When used with correct dosage, spray intervals, and PPE, it maintains high disease suppression without causing phytotoxicity.

This article explains composition, dosage, crops, benefits, precautions, pros & cons, and expert-level FAQs for farmers. If you are a grower seeking long-lasting disease protection with high ROI, Dhanuka M-45 is a product you must understand deeply.

What Is Dhanuka M-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP)?

1. Overview — Dhanuka M-45 Mancozeb 75% WP Explained

Dhanuka M-45 is an agricultural fungicide formulated as a wettable powder (WP) containing 75% Mancozeb active ingredient and 25% inert carriers. It is applied via foliar spray to protect delicate crop tissues during early vegetative and pre-flowering stages where fungal pathogens multiply rapidly. When mixed with water, it disperses uniformly and forms a protective film on leaves and stems.

Unlike systemic fungicides, M-45 remains on the plant surface instead of entering internal tissues, which reduces the risk of toxicity and increases coverage safety. This mode of action makes it ideal as the first line of defense during the disease outbreak season. Growers commonly use it as a stand-alone spray or in rotation with triazoles, strobilurins, and copper-based fungicides.

Dhanuka M-45 is known for reliability, affordability, and resistance-management safety, which is why millions of farmers trust it year after year in vegetables, cereals, orchards, and oilseed production systems.

Pros
• Broad-spectrum
• Easy mixing
• Preventive action
• Rain-fast film
• Low phytotoxicity
• Compatible blends
• High availability

Cons
• Contact only
• Multiple sprays
• Not curative

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2. Composition — What Mancozeb 75% WP Contains

Mancozeb belongs to the ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) chemical group. The 75% active concentration guarantees strong disease suppression during critical crop stages. Each particle contains zinc and manganese micronutrients, offering growth-boosting value beyond fungal control. This makes M-45 a dual-benefit fungicide—protection + nutrition.

The remaining 25% content consists of dispersants, anti-caking agents, and wetting agents that improve solubility and spray uniformity. When mixed in spray tanks, micro-particles attach tightly to foliage surfaces generating protective shield layers. This shield prevents fungal germ tubes from penetrating leaf cuticles.

Lab studies show up to 94% inhibition rate on early blight spores when sprayed 48 hours before infection, proving its preventive ability is strongest when used early.

Pros
• Multi-site kill
• Added micronutrients
• Strong adhesion
• Fast dispersion
• Low resistance risk
• Uniform coverage
• Soil-safe residues

Cons
• No curative effect
• Needs early timing
• Requires agitation

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3. How Dhanuka M-45 Works Inside The Crop System

Mancozeb works by preventing the enzyme activity needed for fungal cell respiration and reproduction. Once spores contact treated foliage, they fail to germinate, preventing lesions and chlorotic spots. Since it targets multiple metabolic sites, pathogens cannot quickly build tolerance.

The protective layer stays effective for 5–7 days depending on rainfall, humidity, and crop canopy thickness. Re-application every 7–10 days maintains the crop under full shield. Spray droplet coverage is crucial—fine mist and underside leaf wetting deliver maximum protection.

Farmers pair M-45 with systemic fungicides like Metalaxyl, Hexaconazole, or Propiconazole during outbreak seasons to achieve dual preventive + curative synergy.

Pros
• Multi-enzyme block
• Stops germination
• Strong residual hold
• Wide temperature range
• No internal burn
• Works on many fungi
• Supports tank mixing

Cons
• Rain reduces effect
• Needs full coverage
• Not healing lesions

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4. Diseases Controlled by Dhanuka M-45

M-45 has strong suppressive power against Early and Late Blight, Leaf Spot, Rust, Downy Mildew, Tikka disease, Scab, Anthracnose, Sigatoka, and more. Field trials show up to 88–95% disease reduction in potatoes and tomatoes during high moisture seasons. It is widely used in onions to stop purple blotch and stemphylium leaf disease.

In paddy cultivation, it reduces sheath blight spread when applied early before tillering. On fruits like mango, banana, papaya, and citrus, it controls post-rainfall fungal attack which usually begins on the lower canopy. Ornamental flowers like roses, carnations, and marigolds also respond favorably.

Greenhouse growers benefit significantly because humidity accelerates infection. M-45 acts as a disease firewall during transpiration-dense environments.

Pros
• Controls blight
• Stops mildew
• Works in humidity
• Suitable for flowers
• Protects fruit crops
• Ideal monsoon spray
• Versatile uses

Cons
• Not bactericidal
• Limited viral scope
• Requires rotation

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5. Why Farmers Prefer Dhanuka M-45 Over Other Fungicides

Its price-to-performance balance is a major reason for its dominance in horticulture. While systemic fungicides are powerful, they are expensive and prone to resistance buildup. Mancozeb offers reliable field security without high input cost.

Its compatibility with most insecticides and fertilizers means farmers can use it in tank mixes without foaming, sedimentation, or leaf burn. Growers also trust it for seed treatment and nursery spraying, where young seedlings are vulnerable.

Survey data indicates M-45 is used in more than 62% vegetable farms during rainy season, a number unmatched by most fungicide brands.

Pros
• Cost-friendly
• Highly reliable
• No resistance risk
• Easy to rotate
• Trusted globally
• Nursery-safe
• Farmer-approved

Cons
• Requires timely use
• Not systemic
• Needs frequent sprays

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6. Correct Dosage & Application Method (Real Measured Rates)

⚠ Use PPE: mask, gloves, goggles — and avoid inhalation.

For ultra-humid regions, add Spreader/Stickers (0.5ml/litre).

Pros
• Tested dosage
• Measurable rate
• Best disease hold
• Works on many crops
• Flexible mix
• Preventive strength
• Very economical

Cons
• Overdose risk
• Needs PPE
• Not curative

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7. Best Crops for M-45 Usage

Dhanuka M-45 is widely used in strawberries, grapes, guava, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, cabbage, cauliflower, chili, capsicum, pumpkin, groundnut, and turmeric. Vegetable farmers especially rely on it during monsoon months where moisture triggers aggressive fungal bloom.

Tuber crops like potato respond excellently because Mancozeb reduces late blight lesions which are responsible for nearly 50% annual storage losses. In tomato plantations, consistent spraying can increase marketable yield by 22–30%.

Flower nurseries use it to prevent petal rot and leaf curl, keeping ornamental blooms disease-free for premium market value.

Pros
• Multiple crops
• Strong on veggies
• Helps tubers store
• Increases yield
• Flower safe
• Orchard friendly
• Greenhouse ready

Cons
• Avoid rain spray
• Overuse risk
• Needs rotation

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8. Safety Precautions & Handling Protocols

Wear gloves, mask, boots, and protective clothing to avoid chemical inhalation or skin absorption. Do not spray against wind direction. Wash equipment after use and avoid contact with open water bodies, fish ponds, or drinking sources.

Re-entry into sprayed fields should be avoided for 24 hours. Store away from children, animal feed, and direct sunlight. If accidental skin exposure occurs, wash with soap and water immediately.

Never mix with alkaline solutions or strong copper concentrates without compatibility test.

Pros
• Worker safe
• Simple PPE
• Low residue
• No crop burn
• Animal safe
• Environmental safety
• Easy storage

Cons
• Toxic if ingested
• Avoid waterways
• Needs ventilation

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9. Storage & Shelf Life

Store M-45 in an airtight container away from humidity to prevent clumping. Shelf-life is generally 2 years from manufacturing date if stored under dry shade. Always keep original labels for reference.

Excessive moisture weakens active strength, so keep it elevated from floor surfaces. Unused material must be sealed carefully after opening.

Farmers storing in seasonal bulk purchase maintain potency best when kept inside cool ventilated rooms.

Pros
• Long shelf life
• Easy storage
• Retains potency
• Packet secure
• Indoor safe
• Handles heat
• Stockworthy product

Cons
• Moisture sensitive
• Needs sealing
• Avoid sunlight

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10. Why Dhanuka M-45 Remains Top Choice in Agriculture

Its multi-disease coverage, low-cost efficiency, micronutrient advantage, and decades-long field performance make it an unmatched protection solution. Farmers continuing to re-purchase prove reliability better than lab testimonials.

With rising climate humidity and fungal outbreaks, M-45 remains the frontline defense tool for sustainable production. It gives confidence during unpredictable weather seasons where crops otherwise collapse.

For high-value export crops, it reduces rejection rate from fungal scars and increases profit weight at harvest.

Pros
• Industry leader
• High farmer trust
• Long-term success
• Climate adaptive
• Profitable yields
• Wide coverage
• Export reliable

Cons
• Not systemic
• Must re-spray
• Cannot cure**

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FAQs — Dhanuka M-45 Mancozeb 75% WP

1. Is Dhanuka M-45 systemic or contact-based?
   → It is contact-based only, not systemic.

2. Can it cure already infected leaves?
   → No. It prevents but does not reverse lesions.

3. How many hours before rain is safe?
   → Minimum 6 hours drying period required.

4. Can I mix it with insecticides?
   → Yes, compatible with most except strong copper alkaline mixes.

5. Best spray time of day?
   → Morning or late evening for slow evaporation.

6. Can it burn leaves if overdosed?
   → Yes, higher than 3.5g/L may scorch young tissue.

7. Is it safe for bees?
   → Yes, with proper spray timing (avoid blooming hours).

8. How many total sprays per season?
   → 6–9 sprays depending on disease pressure.

9. Is it allowed for organic farming?
   → No. It is conventional chemical fungicide, not organic.

10. Does it poison soil?
    → No long-term residue when applied as recommended.

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Final Thoughts

Dhanuka M-45 (Mancozeb 75% WP) stands as one of the strongest, widest-spectrum, and most farmer-trusted fungicides in global crop protection history. Its high disease-suppression power and multi-site action make it difficult for fungi to form resistance.

When applied within correct dosage, intervals, and humidity conditions, it protects vegetables, fruits, tubers, cereals, and greenhouse crops extremely efficiently. This positions it as a season-long shield, especially during rainy weather where fungal risk peaks.

If you want to protect your field, increase yield, and prevent financial losses, Dhanuka M-45 remains a top performer you cannot ignore. Use it responsibly, rotate it intelligently, and your harvest will reward you.