What Is Thiophanate-Methyl and How Does It Work as a Systemic Fungicide?

Technical Introduction

Thiophanate-methyl is a systemic benzimidazole fungicide that belongs to the FRAC Group 1 (mitosis and cell division inhibitors). It is one of the most widely used fungicides for controlling a broad range of foliar and soil-borne diseases in field crops, fruits, vegetables, turf, and ornamentals.

Once applied, Thiophanate-methyl is absorbed by plant tissues and undergoes metabolic transformation into carbendazim, which is the actual active compound responsible for inhibiting fungal growth. The mode of action involves disruption of microtubule assembly, preventing fungal cell division.

Applications

• Field Crops (Wheat, Barley, Soybean, Rice, Corn):

  • Controls leaf spots, powdery mildew, and Fusarium head blight.

• Fruit Crops (Apples, Grapes, Citrus, Bananas, Strawberries):

  • Effective against scab, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and Botrytis gray mold.

• Vegetables (Tomatoes, Cucurbits, Onions, Lettuce, Peppers):

  • Controls early blight, powdery mildew, and leaf spots.

• Turf & Ornamentals:

  • Widely used on golf courses and lawns for dollar spot, brown patch, and leaf spot diseases.

  • Protects ornamental flowers from powdery mildew and root rots.

• Seed Treatment:

  • Applied to cereals, beans, and peanuts to protect against seed-borne and soil-borne fungi.

Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum Fungicidal Activity: Effective against powdery mildew, leaf spots, blights, and root rots.

• Systemic Protection: Absorbed by leaves, stems, and roots, moving throughout plant tissues.

• Dual Action: Prevents fungal infections and suppresses early-stage infestations.

• Residual Effect: Provides long-lasting protection compared to many contact fungicides.

• Versatile Uses: Effective across cereals, fruits, vegetables, turf, ornamentals, and seed treatments.

• Compatible: Can be mixed with other fungicides or insecticides for integrated pest management.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: What is Thiophanate-methyl used for?
A: It controls powdery mildew, leaf spots, anthracnose, gray mold, and root rot in cereals, fruits, vegetables, turf, and ornamentals.

Q2: Is Thiophanate-methyl systemic?
A: Yes. It is absorbed and translocated throughout the plant, where it converts into carbendazim for effective fungal control.

Q3: Can Thiophanate-methyl be used as a seed treatment?
A: Yes, it is widely used for seed treatment to protect against soil-borne fungi and seedling damping-off.

Q4: What is the difference between Thiophanate-methyl and Carbendazim?
A: Thiophanate-methyl is a pro-fungicide that metabolizes into carbendazim, which is the actual active fungicide.

Q5: What about resistance risks?
A: Resistance can develop quickly in pathogens like Botrytis and Fusarium if Thiophanate-methyl is overused. It should be rotated with fungicides from different FRAC groups.

Q6: Can Thiophanate-methyl be used in turf management?
A: Yes, it is commonly used on golf courses and lawns for dollar spot, brown patch, and other turf diseases.