Azoxystrobin

The pure product is light brown crystalline solid. Solubility: slightly soluble in hexane and n-octanol, soluble in methanol, toluene and acetone, and easily soluble in ethyl acetate, acetonitrile and dichloromethane.

Azoxystrobin is a new efficient, broad-spectrum, inhalable fungicide. It can be used for stem and leaf spray, seed treatment, and soil treatment.

Azoxystrobin is a systemic fungicide belonging to the strobilurin class, known for its broad-spectrum activity and effectiveness in controlling a variety of fungal diseases in agricultural and horticultural crops. It is widely used to manage diseases in crops such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Azoxystrobin works by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration in fungi, preventing them from producing the energy necessary for growth and reproduction.

Key Features

1. Chemical Class: Strobilurin

2. Mode of Action: Azoxystrobin inhibits the cytochrome bc1 complex in fungal mitochondria, disrupting the production of ATP, which is essential for fungal growth and reproduction.

3. Formulations: Available in various formulations, including suspension concentrates (SC), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), and wettable powders (WP).

4. Target Pathogens: Effective against a broad range of fungal diseases, including rusts, blights, powdery mildew, and molds.

Applications

Crops

• Fruits: Apples, grapes, citrus, strawberries, and bananas.

• Vegetables: Tomatoes, potatoes, cucurbits (cucumbers, melons), and peppers.

• Cereals: Wheat, barley, rice, and corn.

• Other Crops: Sugar beets, tobacco, and ornamental plants.

Target Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: On cucurbits, grapes, and other crops.

• Rusts: On cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

• Blights: Including early and late blight on potatoes and tomatoes.

• Leaf Spot: Septoria leaf spot and other fungal leaf diseases.

• Downy Mildew: On grapes, cucurbits, and other crops.

• Botrytis: Grey mold on various crops.

Mode of Action

Azoxystrobin acts by inhibiting the mitochondrial respiration of fungi. It specifically targets the cytochrome bc1 complex, which is essential for the production of ATP in fungal cells. Without ATP, the fungi cannot carry out vital cellular processes, leading to the cessation of growth and eventual death of the pathogen. This systemic action allows Azoxystrobin to be absorbed by plant tissues and provides protection against fungal infections.

Advantages

1. Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Azoxystrobin is effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, making it a versatile fungicide for various crops.

2. Systemic Action: It is absorbed by plant tissues, providing long-lasting protection and controlling fungal diseases even in hard-to-reach areas of the plant.

3. Preventive and Curative: Azoxystrobin provides both preventive and curative control of fungal infections, making it useful for managing early and established infections.

4. Low Toxicity to Humans and Animals: When used according to label instructions, Azoxystrobin has low toxicity to humans, animals, and beneficial insects.

5. Resistance Management: Azoxystrobin is part of a class of fungicides with a unique mode of action, which can help reduce the risk of resistance when used as part of a rotation program.

Usage Guidelines

1. Application Timing:

   • Prevention: Apply Azoxystrobin before fungal infections are visible or when conditions are favorable for disease development.

   • Curative Use: Can be applied to actively infected plants, though early application provides the best results.

   
   

2. Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for specific crops and diseases. Typical application rates range from 50 to 200 g per hectare, depending on the formulation and disease pressure.

3. Spray Coverage: Ensure thorough coverage of plant surfaces, particularly the undersides of leaves, for maximum efficacy.

4. Reapplication Interval: Generally, reapply every 7–14 days depending on the severity of the disease and environmental conditions.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling and Storage

• Protective Measures: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, when handling Azoxystrobin.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and water sources. Keep containers tightly closed.

Environmental Impact

• Aquatic Toxicity: Azoxystrobin is toxic to aquatic organisms, so care should be taken to avoid runoff into water bodies.

• Soil Persistence: Azoxystrobin has moderate persistence in the soil. Avoid overuse and ensure proper application techniques to minimize environmental impact.

• Non-Target Organisms: It has low toxicity to beneficial insects, such as bees, when used as directed.

Human Health Risks

• Toxicity: Azoxystrobin has low toxicity to humans when used according to label instructions. However, it is important to avoid inhalation or skin contact.

• First Aid:

  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water immediately.

  • Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

  
  

Resistance Management

To avoid the development of resistant fungal strains, it is recommended to rotate Azoxystrobin with fungicides from different chemical classes. Overuse of any single fungicide can lead to resistance, reducing its effectiveness over time.

Limitations

1. Resistance Risk: Azoxystrobin can be subject to resistance development if used repeatedly or in high concentrations.

2. Rainfastness: Azoxystrobin is rainfast after approximately 1–2 hours of application, so reapplication may be necessary after heavy rainfall.

3. Narrow Spectrum for Some Pathogens: While effective against many fungal diseases, Azoxystrobin may not control all types of fungi, particularly those with different modes of infection.

Conclusion

Azoxystrobin is a powerful, broad-spectrum fungicide that offers effective control of a wide range of fungal diseases. Its systemic action provides long-lasting protection for crops, making it a valuable tool for farmers in managing fungal infections. By following proper usage guidelines and integrating resistance management strategies, Azoxystrobin can help ensure healthy crops and reduce yield losses due to fungal diseases.