Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) has recommended Best Agrolife Limited’s (BAL) patented fungicide, Tricolor™, for use in apple cultivation. The university has advised growers to apply the product at the petal fall stage and during the second stage of fruit development for disease management in apple orchards.
The recommendation follows three years of university field trials, during which Tricolor showed consistent results against Alternaria leaf spot, blight, powdery mildew and scab. The results were observed across successive seasons when the product was applied during the second stage of fruit development, approximately 20 days after the first stage, when the fruit reaches the walnut-size stage.
Surinder Mattoo, North Business Head, Best Agrolife Ltd., said, “Apple cultivation is a cornerstone of Kashmir’s agricultural economy, spanning approximately 1.72 lakh hectares and supporting the livelihoods of around 7 lakh families. Disease pressure during fruit development is a critical factor affecting both yield and fruit quality at harvest. Rapid fruit growth, coupled with humid monsoon conditions, can increase the risk of fungal diseases, potentially leading to fruit drop, skin scarring, defoliation, reduced yields and compromised fruit quality. Timely and targeted interventions, including application windows identified through scientific field trials, are therefore important for effective disease management.”Tricolor combines three active ingredients — trifloxystrobin (10%), difenoconazole (12.5%) and sulphur (3%) — in a single suspension concentrate formulation. According to Best Agrolife, the strobilurin-triazole-sulphur combination provides prophylactic, curative and eradicative activity, with multiple modes of action against fungal diseases. The product is also recommended for use in crops including paddy, tomato, grapes, chilli, wheat and mango.
Best Agrolife Limited manufactures and markets crop-protection products, including insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, in India and international markets.
