carbendazim

Pure product is white crystal, industrial product is light yellow-brown powder. m.p. 307-312℃ (decomposition) (industrial product 290℃ decomposition), vapor pressure is less than 1.33×10-5Pa (20℃ ), relative density 1.45. insoluble in water and general organic solvents, solubility at 20℃ (mass ratio) is: acetone 0.04%, ethanol 0.03%, chloroform 0.01%, benzene The solubility (mass ratio) at 20℃ is: acetone 0.04%, ethanol 0.03%, chloroform 0.01%, benzene, ether and water less than 0.001%. It is soluble in organic acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and acetic acid, and produces corresponding salts. It is stable to heat, but unstable to acid and base.

Carbendazim is a highly eff ective, low-toxic, broad-spectrum, internal absorption bactericide with a long duration of efficacy. It is effective for many ascomycetes, hemimycetes and various basidiomycetes, but not for algae.

Carbendazim is a systemic fungicide used to control a broad spectrum of fungal diseases in agricultural crops, as well as in ornamental plants. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of fungicides, which are known for their ability to inhibit fungal cell division. This fungicide is widely used in crop protection due to its effectiveness against various plant pathogens, particularly those affecting fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

Key Features

1. Chemical Class: Benzimidazole

2. Mode of Action: Carbendazim disrupts the cell division of fungi by inhibiting the polymerization of microtubules. This prevents the proper formation of fungal cells, effectively halting their growth and reproduction.

3. Formulations: Carbendazim is available in multiple formulations, including wettable powders (WP), suspension concentrates (SC), and emulsifiable concentrates (EC).

4. Target Pathogens: It is effective against a variety of fungal pathogens, such as powdery mildew, rusts, leaf spots, blight, and molds, affecting crops like cereals, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Applications

Crops

• Cereals (Wheat, Barley, Rice): Carbendazim is commonly applied to control rusts, blights, and powdery mildew in cereals, which helps to improve crop yield and quality.

• Fruits (Grapes, Apples, Citrus): It is used in the control of fruit diseases like scab, mildew, and blight, which can significantly reduce both quality and yield.

• Vegetables (Tomatoes, Lettuce, Peppers): Carbendazim is applied to control fungal diseases such as downy mildew, white mold, and leaf spots.

• Ornamentals: Carbendazim is also used to protect ornamental plants from a range of fungal infections, ensuring healthy and attractive flowers and foliage.

Target Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: A common fungal disease affecting a variety of crops, leading to white fungal growth on leaves, reducing photosynthesis and crop vigor.

• Rusts: Including wheat and barley rust, which damage the leaves and stems of crops, reducing yield and quality.

• Blight: Carbendazim is effective against various types of blight that can severely affect crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

• Leaf Spots: Caused by fungi such as Alternaria, these diseases lead to lesions on leaves, impacting plant health and reducing photosynthetic efficiency.

Mode of Action

Carbendazim is a systemic fungicide, meaning it is absorbed and translocated throughout the plant. It inhibits the formation of microtubules in fungal cells by blocking the polymerization of tubulin. Microtubules are essential for cell division and growth, and their inhibition effectively stops fungal cell division, preventing the pathogen from spreading. This mode of action provides both preventive and curative control of fungal infections.

Advantages

1. Broad-Spectrum Activity: Carbendazim is effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, making it suitable for use in diverse agricultural settings.

2. Systemic Action: Its systemic nature allows it to be absorbed by plant tissues and provide long-lasting protection, even in hard-to-reach areas of the plant.

3. Curative and Preventive: Carbendazim is effective when applied before symptoms appear (preventive) as well as after infection has started (curative).

4. Compatibility: It can be mixed with other pesticides and fungicides, offering flexibility in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Usage Guidelines

1. Application Timing:

   • Preventive Treatment: Apply carbendazim at the first sign of fungal infection or before disease conditions are favorable to prevent the onset of fungal diseases.

   • Curative Treatment: Carbendazim can also be applied after fungal symptoms appear, but it is most effective when used preventively.

   
   

2. Dosage: The recommended dosage typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 kg/ha, depending on the crop and disease severity.

3. Spray Coverage: Ensure thorough coverage of the entire plant, especially the undersides of leaves where fungal spores may be present.

4. Reapplication Interval: Depending on environmental conditions and disease pressure, reapply carbendazim every 14–21 days.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling and Storage

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

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and food or drink. Ensure containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination.

Environmental Impact

• Aquatic Toxicity: Carbendazim is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms. It is important to avoid spraying near water sources or during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent runoff.

• Soil Persistence: Carbendazim has moderate persistence in the soil, which can lead to long-term effects on non-target organisms if used excessively. Follow recommended application rates to minimize soil buildup.

• Non-Target Organisms: It has relatively low toxicity to beneficial insects when used according to label instructions. However, care should be taken to minimize exposure to pollinators, particularly during bloom periods.

Human Health Risks

• Toxicity: Carbendazim is considered moderately toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Proper handling and protective measures should always be followed.

• First Aid:

  • Skin Contact: Wash affected areas with soap and water immediately.

  • Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

  • Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

  
  

Resistance Management

To manage resistance, it is recommended to rotate carbendazim with fungicides from different chemical classes. Continuous use of the same mode of action can lead to the development of resistant fungal strains, reducing the effectiveness of the product over time. Integrating cultural practices, such as crop rotation, with fungicide application will help in managing resistance and ensuring sustainable use.

Conclusion

Carbendazim is an effective and versatile fungicide that provides both preventive and curative control of a wide range of fungal diseases in various crops. Its systemic nature ensures long-lasting protection, while its broad-spectrum activity makes it suitable for multiple crops and fungal pathogens. When used as part of an integrated pest management strategy, carbendazim helps improve crop health, yield, and quality, contributing to better agricultural productivity.

FAQ

1. How does carbendazim work?
Carbendazim works by inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin, a protein required for fungal cell division. This disrupts fungal cell growth and prevents the spread of infection.

2. Can carbendazim be used on all crops?
Carbendazim is effective on a wide variety of crops, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. However, always check the product label for specific crop recommendations.

3. Is carbendazim safe for humans and animals?
Carbendazim is moderately toxic to humans and animals, so it is essential to use protective equipment and follow all safety instructions during handling and application.

4. How often should carbendazim be applied?
Carbendazim should be applied at intervals of 14 to 21 days, depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions.

5. What diseases can carbendazim control?
Carbendazim controls a wide range of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rusts, blight, leaf spots, and molds.

6. Can carbendazim be mixed with other chemicals?
Yes, carbendazim can be mixed with other fungicides and pesticides, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for compatibility and effectiveness.