The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) has officially endorsed Tricolor, a patented fungicide from Best Agrolife Limited (BAL), for safeguarding apple orchards. To ensure highly effective disease management, the university recommends that apple growers execute applications at two critical milestones: the petal-fall stage and the second stage of fruit development.

Tricolor is officially recommended following three years of successful university field trials. Throughout the study, the product consistently defeated major threats including Alternaria leaf spot, blight, powdery mildew, and scab. For optimal results, apply Tricolor during the second stage of fruit development—approximately 20 days after the first stage, once the fruit reaches walnut size.

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. The synergistic strobilurin-triazole-sulphur combination provides prophylactic, curative, and eradicative activity and offers broad-spectrum disease protection through multiple modes of action. Tricolor is also recommended for use in crops including paddy, tomato, grapes, chilli, wheat, and mango.