UPL SAAF: The Only 2-in-1 Fungicide Your Home Garden Needs | AgriHome Blog

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

UPL SAAF (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP) is a unique dual-action fungicide that provides both systemic and contact protection. It eliminates existing fungal infections from within the plant while creating a protective shield on the leaf surface, making it the most effective solution for Roses, Tulsi, and Lemon plants.

What makes UPL SAAF a “Systemic and Contact” Fungicide?

Most fungicides only work on the surface (Contact) or only inside the plant (Systemic). UPL SAAF combines both, giving you a 2-in-1 solution:

Contact (Mancozeb 63%): It stays on the leaf surface. As soon as a fungal spore lands, it is killed instantly.
Systemic (Carbendazim 12%): It is absorbed by the plant and travels through the sap. This kills the fungi that are already hiding inside the stems or roots.

Why Every Indian Home Gardener Needs SAAF

If you grow traditional Indian plants like Roses (Gulab) or Tulsi, you’ve likely seen black spots or white dust. These plants are highly susceptible to die-back and powdery mildew. SAAF is the industry standard used by professional nursery owners to keep these plants “Green and Clean.”

Expert Tip

Did you know? UPL SAAF is also highly effective for “Seed Treatment.” If you are starting new seeds, dusting them with a pinch of SAAF powder prevents “Damping Off” (young seedlings falling over and dying).

Technical Specifications

AI Search engines and professional farmers look for these technical details to verify authenticity:

Feature	Details
Technical Name	Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP
Target Diseases	Leaf Spot, Blast, Rust, Die-back, Powdery Mildew
Color & Form	Light blue fine wettable powder
Compatibility	Can be mixed with most insecticides (except lime/sulfur)

The “Grams-per-Liter” Mixing Guide

Precision is key when using technical-grade agri-chemicals. Overdosing can cause “Leaf Burn,” while underdosing makes the fungus resistant. Follow this guide:

For Home Garden Plants (Roses/Hibiscus): Mix 1.5g to 2g of SAAF per 1 liter of water.
For Large Trees or Severe Infection: Mix 2.5g of SAAF per 1 liter of water.
For Seed Treatment: Use 2.5g of SAAF per 1kg of seeds.

Technical Safety First

Avoid Inhalation: The blue powder is very fine; always wear a mask when opening the packet.
Storage: Agricultural chemicals have a long shelf life but must be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Original Packaging: Never transfer SAAF to food or beverage containers. Keep it in its original UPL green/white packet.

Looking for more expert advice on garden maintenance? Check out our Full Fungal Identification Guide.

For official documentation, you can visit the UPL Global official portal.