Systemic fungicides are a critical tool in modern agriculture and horticulture, providing an effective solution for managing fungal diseases in plants. Unlike contact fungicides, which remain on the surface of the plant, systemic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and transported through its tissues, offering longer-lasting protection. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of systemic fungicides, including their benefits, drawbacks, side effects, and availability in different countries.
What Are Systemic Fungicides?
Systemic fungicides are chemicals that are absorbed by plants and move throughout their tissues to combat fungal pathogens from the inside out. They are often used to treat a wide range of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rusts, blights, and root rot. These fungicides are particularly effective because they can reach parts of the plant that are difficult to protect with contact fungicides alone.
Frequency of Fungicide Application
The frequency of applying fungicides depends on the type of plant, the specific fungal disease being targeted, and environmental conditions. In general, these fungicides are applied less often than contact sprays because they provide long-lasting protection within the plant’s tissues.
- Fruit Trees (e.g., Apple, Peach): Apply fungicides like Myclobutanil or Tebuconazole every 10-14 days during the growing season, especially in wet or humid conditions when fungal diseases are more likely to thrive.
- Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes, Cucumbers): For crops like tomatoes, where diseases such as early blight are common, consider spraying products like Azoxystrobin every 7-10 days, particularly during rainy periods or when symptoms first appear.
- Ornamental Plants (e.g., Roses, Azaleas): Treatments like Propiconazole can be applied every 14-21 days. For roses, which are prone to black spot and powdery mildew, more frequent applications may be necessary if disease pressure is high.
- Lawns and Turf: For healthy turf maintenance, fungicidal treatments like Trifloxystrobin should be applied every 21-28 days, especially during peak fungal growth periods, such as in spring and fall.
- Greenhouse Plants: For plants grown in controlled environments like greenhouses, apply fungicidal treatments every 10-14 days, adjusting the frequency based on the humidity levels and any signs of fungal outbreaks.
Always follow the specific instructions on the product label, as over-application can lead to resistance and potential plant damage, while under-application may not provide sufficient protection against disease.
Country-wise List of Available Systemic Fungicides
Systemic fungicides are available under various brand names in different countries. Below is a list of some commonly used systemic fungicides, including their brand names and approximate prices.
United States
- Fungicide Name: Azoxystrobin
- Brand Name: Heritage
- Price: $350 per pound
- Fungicide Name: Myclobutanil
- Brand Name: Eagle 20EW
- Price: $70 per quart
- Fungicide Name: Propiconazole
- Brand Name: Banner Maxx II
- Price: $140 per gallon
United Kingdom
- Fungicide Name: Tebuconazole
- Brand Name: Folicur
- Price: £150 per liter
- Fungicide Name: Trifloxystrobin
- Brand Name: Flint
- Price: £250 per kilogram
India
- Fungicide Name: Carbendazim
- Brand Name: Bavistin
- Price: ₹600 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Metalaxyl
- Brand Name: Ridomil Gold
- Price: ₹1200 per kilogram
Australia
- Fungicide Name: Cyproconazole
- Brand Name: Alto
- Price: AUD 200 per liter
- Fungicide Name: Flutriafol
- Brand Name: Impact
- Price: AUD 400 per liter
Canada
- Fungicide Name: Tebuconazole
- Brand Name: Prosaro
- Price: CAD 150 per liter
- Fungicide Name: Propiconazole
- Brand Name: Tilt
- Price: CAD 180 per liter
Bangladesh
- Fungicide Name: Carbendazim
- Brand Name: Bavistin
- Price: ৳550 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Metalaxyl
- Brand Name: Ridomil Gold
- Price: ৳1150 per kilogram
Japan
- Fungicide Name: Thiophanate-methyl
- Brand Name: Topsin-M
- Price: ¥10,000 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Flutolanil
- Brand Name: Moncut
- Price: ¥12,000 per kilogram
Germany
- Fungicide Name: Fenhexamid
- Brand Name: Teldor
- Price: €200 per liter
- Fungicide Name: Pyrimethanil
- Brand Name: Scala
- Price: €150 per liter
France
- Fungicide Name: Fosetyl-Aluminum
- Brand Name: Aliette
- Price: €180 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Dimethomorph
- Brand Name: Acrobat
- Price: €120 per liter
Brazil
- Fungicide Name: Mancozeb
- Brand Name: Dithane M-45
- Price: R$200 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Cyproconazole
- Brand Name: Alto
- Price: R$350 per liter
South Africa
- Fungicide Name: Metalaxyl
- Brand Name: Ridomil Gold
- Price: ZAR 300 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Tebuconazole
- Brand Name: Folicur
- Price: ZAR 250 per liter
Italy
- Fungicide Name: Iprodione
- Brand Name: Rovral
- Price: €130 per liter
- Fungicide Name: Fludioxonil
- Brand Name: Geoxe
- Price: €160 per kilogram
Spain
- Fungicide Name: Azoxystrobin
- Brand Name: Amistar
- Price: €200 per liter
- Fungicide Name: Difenoconazole
- Brand Name: Score
- Price: €140 per liter
Netherlands
- Fungicide Name: Trifloxystrobin
- Brand Name: Flint
- Price: €230 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Pyrimethanil
- Brand Name: Scala
- Price: €150 per liter
China
- Fungicide Name: Carbendazim
- Brand Name: BaiCun
- Price: ¥120 per kilogram
- Fungicide Name: Azoxystrobin
- Brand Name: JinDu
- Price: ¥500 per liter
This list represents just a fraction of the systemic fungicides available globally. Prices vary depending on factors such as brand, formulation, and local market conditions.
Pros and Cons of Systemic Fungicides
Pros
- Long-Lasting Protection: Systemic fungicides are absorbed by plants and provide extended protection, often lasting several weeks, depending on the application and environmental conditions.
- Effective Treatment: These fungicides are highly effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, including those that infect internal plant tissues and roots.
- Preventive and Curative: Systemic fungicides can be used both preventively and curatively, making them versatile tools in disease management.
- Broad-Spectrum Activity: Many systemic fungicides offer broad-spectrum activity, meaning they can control multiple types of fungal diseases with a single application.
- Reduced Application Frequency: Because systemic fungicides are absorbed by plants and provide long-lasting protection, they typically require fewer applications than contact fungicides, saving time and labor.
Cons
- Development of Resistance: The overuse or misuse of systemic fungicides can lead to the development of resistant fungal strains, rendering the fungicide less effective or completely ineffective over time. So if you want to grow crops for your family ensuring safety, you can do Organic gardening.
- Potential Phytotoxicity: Some systemic fungicides can cause phytotoxicity (plant damage) if applied incorrectly or under unfavorable conditions, such as high temperatures or moisture stress.
- Environmental Impact: Systemic fungicides can have negative environmental effects, including contamination of soil and water, which may harm non-target organisms.
- Cost: Systemic fungicides are often more expensive than contact fungicides, making them less accessible to small-scale farmers or gardeners with limited budgets.
- Health Risks: Improper handling or overuse of systemic fungicides can pose health risks to humans and animals, which will be discussed in more detail later.
Side Effects of Systemic Fungicides on Health and Animals
Systemic fungicides are powerful tools for controlling fungal diseases, but they can also pose risks to human health and the environment if not used responsibly.
Health Risks to Humans
- Acute Toxicity: Some systemic fungicides can cause acute toxicity if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, respiratory distress or chemical burns.
- Chronic Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to systemic fungicides, especially in agricultural workers who handle these chemicals regularly, may lead to chronic health issues such as liver or kidney damage, reproductive harm, or even an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Allergic Reactions: Certain individuals may experience allergic reactions to systemic fungicides, resulting in skin rashes, respiratory issues, or other hypersensitivity reactions.
- Endocrine Disruption: Some systemic fungicides are suspected to be endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems, potentially leading to developmental, reproductive, and metabolic disorders.
Impact on Animals and Wildlife
- Toxicity to Pollinators: Systemic fungicides can be toxic to pollinators like bees, which play a crucial role in plant reproduction. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to weakened immune systems, impaired navigation, and even death in pollinators.
- Effects on Aquatic Life: When systemic fungicides enter water bodies through runoff, they can harm aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. These chemicals can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and lead to declines in biodiversity.
- Bioaccumulation: Some systemic fungicides can bioaccumulate in the tissues of animals, leading to higher concentrations of the chemical in the food chain. This can have detrimental effects on predators and other wildlife that consume contaminated prey.
- Impact on Soil Health: Systemic fungicides can affect beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi, which are essential for soil fertility and plant health. Disrupting these organisms can lead to poorer soil quality and reduced plant growth.
A Common Systemic Fungicide for All Plants at a Reasonable Price
One systemic fungicide that is commonly used across various types of plants and is available at a reasonable price is Carbendazim. It is effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, including those that cause leaf spots, blights, and root rot.
Why Carbendazim?
- Broad-Spectrum Activity: Carbendazim is effective against a variety of fungal diseases, making it a versatile option for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
- Affordable: Carbendazim is relatively inexpensive compared to other systemic fungicides, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Widely Available: Carbendazim is available in many countries under different brand names, such as Bavistin (India and Bangladesh), Derosal (Australia), and Topsin (United States).
- Ease of Application: It can be applied as a foliar spray or soil drench, providing flexibility in its use.
Price and Availability
- India: Bavistin – ₹600 per kilogram
- Bangladesh: Bavistin – ৳550 per kilogram
- Australia: Derosal – AUD 100 per kilogram
- United States: Topsin – $50 per pound
Carbendazim is a widely recommended fungicide for its effectiveness and affordability. However, users should always follow label instructions and consider local regulations when using this product.
Where to Buy Systemic Fungicide
Systemic fungicides are available through various channels, including agricultural supply stores, garden centers, and online retailers. Below are some reliable sources where you can purchase systemic fungicides:
Online Retailers
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of systemic fungicides, including brands like Heritage, Eagle 20EW, and Banner Maxx II. Prices and availability vary by region.
- eBay: eBay is another platform where you can find various systemic fungicides from different sellers. It’s important to verify the seller’s credibility before making a purchase.
- Daraz: In South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, Daraz is a popular online marketplace where you can find systemic fungicides like Bavistin and Ridomil Gold.
- Agri Supply: For those in the United States, Agri Supply offers a selection of systemic fungicides for both