Agricultural fungicides are chemical pesticides designed to directly kill fungal or bacterial spores and mycelia, or to inhibit the growth and development of pathogens. These products play a crucial role in protecting crops from diseases, ensuring healthy plant growth and high yields.
Fungicides should be applied before and during the early stages of crop disease outbreaks. Unlike insecticides, which target pests when they reach a certain population threshold, fungicides require a preventive approach. The key principle is to act early—before damage occurs or in the initial stages of infection. Once a disease has caused visible harm, even the most effective fungicide may struggle to reverse the damage. In severe cases, this can lead to significant yield losses or even total crop failure in fruit tree cultivation.
There are two main types of agricultural fungicides: protective and systemic. Protective fungicides create a barrier on the plant surface, preventing pathogen contact with leaves. However, they do not have curative properties, so they must be applied before infection occurs. Systemic fungicides, on the other hand, are absorbed by the plant and work internally to kill pathogens. They are most effective when used at the first sign of disease. If applied too late, their effectiveness decreases, and repeated applications may negatively affect plant health and fruit quality. Therefore, timely application is essential for successful disease control.
When using fungicides, proper preparation and application are vital. The mixture should be thoroughly stirred to ensure even distribution. Different formulations—such as wettable powders, suspensions, and emulsions—require specific mixing techniques. For example, with suspensions, it’s important to first add part of the water to the tank, then mix in the required amount of fungicide before topping up with the remaining water. Powders and wettable powders also need careful mixing to avoid clumping and ensure uniform coverage.
Spray quality significantly affects fungicide performance. The spray should form a fine mist rather than large droplets, especially for protective fungicides that rely on forming a protective layer on the leaves. Both sides of the foliage should be evenly covered to maximize effectiveness. Poor spraying can leave gaps where pathogens can enter, leading to ineffective disease prevention.
In many farming practices, fungicides are often combined with insecticides or acaricides for integrated pest management. However, long-term use of systemic fungicides can lead to resistance in pathogens. To prevent this, they should be alternated with protectant agents like mancozeb or inorganic sulfur. When mixing fungicides with other chemicals, compatibility must be considered to avoid adverse reactions. For instance, mancozeb should not be mixed with copper-based products, mercury compounds, or strong alkaline pesticides. Similarly, sulfur-based products should not be combined with copper-containing sprays like Bordeaux mixture. If such combinations are necessary, there should be a 7- to 10-day interval between applications to ensure safety and efficacy.
For more information on pesticides and agricultural chemicals, visit China's Pesticide Network—the most comprehensive pesticide information resource available.
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