When Should Fungicides Be Used For Plants?

Fungicides work in various ways, but most of them damage the fungal cell membrane or interfere with energy production in fungal cells. In agricultural products, fungicides protect the potential yield. Fungicides generally do not increase yield, and if applied after an infection occurs, they do not recover the lost yield.

When should fungicides be used?

• Leaf rust on plants

• Softening of stems and their shedding

• Brown spots on leaves and their shedding

• Powdery mildew on leaves and stems

Best Fungicides for Houseplants:

• Benomyl Fungicide: A benzimidazole fungicide that has been effectively used in various food crops and ornamental plants. Benomyl is primarily metabolized into carbendazim.

• Mancozeb Fungicide: A broad-spectrum contact fungicide used on many fruit, vegetable, nut, and field crops. It protects against a wide range of fungal diseases including potato blight, leaf spots, blight, and rust.

• Captan Fungicide: A fungicide belonging to the phthalimide class (chemicals connected to ammonia). It is non-systemic and often added to other pesticide formulations. It is used in agriculture and residential areas on fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Captan improves the appearance of fruit.

• Carbendazim Fungicide: A broad-spectrum, systemic fungicide from the benzimidazole class and a metabolite of benomyl.

• Iprodione Carbendazim: Iprodione carbendazim fungicides compete for absorption in the soil, increasing their viability in mixtures. Their conversion in mixtures is slower, which also increases their bioavailability.

• Bordeaux Fix Fungicide: A strong fungicide and bactericide solution containing copper compounds, providing protective contact effects. Bordeaux Fix is mostly used for prevention and treatment.

• Topas Fungicide: A systemic fungicide from the triazole chemical group with protective and curative effects, used against powdery mildew on fruit trees. It is compatible with most insecticides and fungicides.

Best Time to Use Fungicides on Fruit Trees:

Winter is the best time to apply fungicides to fruit trees because, during this period, the lack of leaves makes application easier and the amount of fungicide required is less. This ensures that the whole tree surface can be sprayed effectively. Also, during winter, trees do not bear fruit, preventing poisoning of the fruit.

Best Time of Day for Spraying Fungicides: According to research, fungicides are most effective when applied early in the morning or at night. Higher temperatures and lower humidity levels increase evaporation or volatilization of fungicides. Spraying in the early morning when temperatures are lower and humidity is higher prevents this. Dew is most prominent in the early morning or at night, which helps distribute the fungicide across plant parts that may be susceptible to infection.

General Guidelines for Using Fungicides:

• Use fungicides before a disease develops. Although many fungicides are systemic, they do not completely eradicate diseases once they start.

• Use shorter spraying intervals in favorable weather conditions for plant diseases.

• Apply fungicides in calm or mildly windy conditions for optimal coverage and to minimize drift potential.

• When possible, apply fungicides before rain to prevent them from being washed away.

• Replace fungicides regularly. Systemic fungicides, when used continuously, may lead to fungal resistance over time.