Azoxystrobin
Description
Mode of action
Azoxystrobin belongs to the strobilurin chemical class. It is a systemic, translaminar, and protective fungicide that effectively blocks the cellular respiration of plant pathogens.
The active substance inhibits the mitochondrial respiration of fungal cells by suppressing electron transport in complex III, which leads to a rapid cessation of the pathogen's energy metabolism.
The substance has the ability to redistribute across the leaf surface, providing protection to untreated areas that were reached by the spray solution or through diffusion.
In addition to its direct fungicidal effect, azoxystrobin has a positive influence on plant physiology, extending the photosynthesis process and increasing resistance to stress factors.
The product can be used for both disease prevention and at the initial stages of symptom appearance, providing a long-lasting period of protective action.
What it targets
Azoxystrobin demonstrates high efficacy against a broad spectrum of fungal diseases belonging to the Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes, and Oomycetes classes.
The list of controlled diseases includes powdery mildew, various types of rust, leaf spots, alternaria, late blight, and downy mildew.
The product is widely used on cereal crops to combat diseases of the ear and foliage, preventing the premature aging of the plants.
On vegetable crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes, azoxystrobin is used to protect against a complex of infections affecting both fruits and vegetative mass.
The agent is also in demand in horticulture for protecting fruit trees from scab and rots, ensuring yield preservation during the growing season and storage.
Rates and timing
Dosage rates vary depending on the cultivated crop, the intensity of the infection, and the specific formulation, usually ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 liters of product per hectare.
Application timing is determined by the crop growth stage and disease development forecasts, with preference given to treatments before massive symptoms appear.
To achieve maximum efficacy, it is recommended to ensure uniform coverage of the leaf surface with the spray solution, adhering to regulations regarding water volume per hectare.
In intensive cultivation systems, up to two treatments per season are allowed, requiring rotation with fungicides of other chemical classes to prevent resistance.
The number of treatments and intervals between them are strictly regulated by the instructions for each specific product and depend on the climatic conditions of the region.
Restrictions
Azoxystrobin is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, so spraying near fish-farming water bodies and protected buffer zones is strictly prohibited.
It is not recommended to carry out treatments during periods of high solar activity or at extremely high air temperatures, as this reduces the efficacy of the product.
There is a risk of pathogen resistance developing upon repeated use of fungicides from this group alone, which necessitates the implementation of anti-resistance strategies.
When working with the substance, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment for the skin, respiratory system, and eyes, following safety rules for handling pesticides.
Residue levels of azoxystrobin in produce are controlled by legal standards, so it is important to strictly observe the waiting periods before harvest after the last application.