Fosetyl-aluminum

White crystal. Solubility is 120g/L in water at 20℃ , and very small in acetonitrile and propylene glycol, both <80mg/L.

High-efficiency, low-toxicity, broad-spectrum absorbable organophosphine fungicide is used to control diseases of vegetables, fruit trees, flowers and cash crops.

Fosetyl-aluminum is a systemic fungicide used in agriculture to control a variety of fungal diseases. It is particularly effective against oomycetes, which are responsible for diseases such as downy mildew, Phytophthora, and Pythium. Fosetyl-aluminum is commonly used on crops such as grapes, tomatoes, potatoes, and various ornamental plants. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi and boosting the plant's natural defenses.

Key Features

1. Chemical Class: Organophosphonate

2. Mode of Action: Fosetyl-aluminum is a systemic fungicide that is absorbed by plant tissues and translocated throughout the plant. It works by inhibiting the growth of the pathogen, affecting the fungal cell membrane and interfering with the pathogen's ability to infect the plant.

3. Formulations: Fosetyl-aluminum is available in several formulations, including suspension concentrates (SC) and water-dispersible granules (WDG).

4. Target Pathogens: It is primarily used to control oomycete pathogens such as Phytophthora, Pythium, Plasmopara, and Peronospora species, which cause downy mildew and root rot diseases.

Applications

Crops

• Grapes: Fosetyl-aluminum is widely used in vineyards to control downy mildew, a common fungal disease that affects grapevines.

• Potatoes: It helps control late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, a major threat to potato crops.

• Tomatoes: Used to prevent early and late blight diseases in tomatoes, improving crop yield and quality.

• Ornamental Plants: Fosetyl-aluminum is also applied to ornamental plants to control various fungal diseases, particularly downy mildew.

Target Diseases

• Downy Mildew: Caused by Plasmopara and Peronospora species, this disease affects the leaves and stems of plants, leading to yellowing and premature defoliation.

• Phytophthora Diseases: Phytophthora species cause root rot and blight in many crops, particularly in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils.

• Pythium Root Rot: Caused by Pythium species, this disease affects the roots of many crops, leading to stunted growth and plant death.

Mode of Action

Fosetyl-aluminum is absorbed by plant roots, stems, and leaves. Once inside the plant, it is translocated through the vascular system to provide systemic protection. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens, interfering with their ability to produce essential cell wall components. This disruption prevents the fungi from infecting plant tissues and reduces the severity of disease symptoms.

Advantages

1. Systemic Protection: Fosetyl-aluminum provides long-lasting protection by being absorbed and translocated within the plant, offering protection to new growth as well as older tissues.

2. Broad Spectrum: It is effective against a wide range of oomycete pathogens, making it a versatile tool for disease management.

3. Plant Resistance Inducer: In addition to its fungicidal properties, fosetyl-aluminum has been shown to stimulate the plant's natural defense mechanisms, enhancing its resistance to fungal infections.

4. Low Toxicity to Non-Target Organisms: When used as directed, fosetyl-aluminum has relatively low toxicity to beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life.

Usage Guidelines

1. Application Timing:

   • Preventive Application: Fosetyl-aluminum should be applied preventively, before the onset of disease symptoms, especially during periods of high humidity or rainfall.

   • Post-Symptom Application: It can also be used once symptoms appear, but it is more effective when applied preventively.

   
   

2. Dosage: The recommended dosage varies depending on the crop and disease pressure, typically ranging from 1–3 kg/ha.

3. Spray Coverage: Ensure thorough coverage of the plant, including both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, to maximize effectiveness.

4. Reapplication Interval: Fosetyl-aluminum should be reapplied every 7–14 days, depending on the severity of disease pressure and environmental conditions.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling and Storage

• Protective Measures: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling fosetyl-aluminum.

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

Environmental Impact

• Aquatic Toxicity: Fosetyl-aluminum has moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms, so care should be taken to avoid runoff into water bodies.

• Soil Persistence: It has low persistence in soil, which reduces the risk of long-term environmental contamination.

• Non-Target Organisms: Fosetyl-aluminum is generally safe for beneficial insects and pollinators when used as directed, but care should be taken to avoid exposure to bees during application.

Human Health Risks

• Toxicity: Fosetyl-aluminum is of 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 reduce the risk of resistance, it is recommended to rotate fosetyl-aluminum with fungicides from different chemical classes. Overuse of any single fungicide can lead to resistance, reducing its effectiveness over time.

Limitations

1. Resistance Risk: Like all fungicides, fosetyl-aluminum can contribute to resistance if overused. It is important to follow a resistance management strategy to avoid this.

2. Rainfastness: Fosetyl-aluminum is typically rainfast within 1–2 hours of application, but heavy rainfall shortly after application may reduce its effectiveness.

3. Limited Efficacy Against Non-Oomycete Fungi: Fosetyl-aluminum is most effective against oomycetes but may not control other types of fungal infections.

Conclusion

Fosetyl-aluminum is a highly effective systemic fungicide used to control a variety of oomycete pathogens, including downy mildew and Phytophthora diseases. Its ability to stimulate plant resistance and provide long-lasting protection makes it a valuable tool in integrated disease management programs. By following recommended usage guidelines and incorporating resistance management practices, fosetyl-aluminum can help protect crops and improve yields.