Fungicides for crops: Types, Significance Advantages.

Diseases caused by plant pathogenic or disease-causing organisms are a major source of crop and plant damage. Fungi are the leading cause of crop loss worldwide, outnumbering all other plant pathogenic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and nematodes. In this blog, we will learn about fungicides, their types, and the significance and usefulness of eradicating fungi to ensure a healthy harvest.

What are fungicides?

A fungicide is a specific kind of pesticide that selectively inhibits or eradicates the fungus that causes plant disease in order to prevent crop loss. They also cause growth retardation in fungi and their spores. They’re normally used to control plant disease during crop development, reduce blemishes, and maximise crop productivity.

Types of fungicides

Depending upon their characteristics and mode of action, fungicides are broadly divided into three categories: contact, translaminar, and systemic. Let’s explore them.

Contact fungicide

As the name suggests, these fungicides exclusively eliminate the fungi they come into direct contact with. They are not absorbed by plant cells and remain on the surface where they are applied. Contact fungicides require repeated applications to get rid of fungal diseases.

Systemic Fungicide

Systemic fungicides, as opposed to contact fungicides, penetrate plant cells when applied and render the plant cells resistant to fungal attack. It is translocated throughout the plant system by vascular tissues, where it protects the plant from fungi and eliminates existing fungal infections. Systemic fungicides are the most effective because they work at the cellular level to eliminate the problem.

Translaminar fungicides

Translaminar fungicides prevent fungal infections by penetrating plant leaves and building up a fungicide reservoir there. It provides long-term control since it stays put for a long time. Translaminar fungicides differ from systemic fungicides in that they only move a small distance within the plant as opposed to covering the entire surface and offer excellent defence against fungal infections.

Apart from their mode of action, fungicides are classified in many ways based upon their characteristics as well. They are:

Preventive and curative

Contact herbicides are considered preventive, as they remain on the leaf surface in the form of residue for a longer time and prevent further infections. Whereas systemic fungicides are considered both preventive and curative as they move through the entire plant, eradicating and warding off fungal diseases at the same time.

Single and multi-site

Single-site fungicides narrow in on one single point of action and get rid of one particular component needed for the growth of the fungus. They’re easily absorbed by plants and stop the spread of disease. Whereas multi-site fungicides affect different types of fungi in different parts of plants.

Importance of fungicides in agriculture

Plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens are harder to control than other plant pathogenic organisms. Fungi release a lot of spores, which can spread over a wider area when transported by the wind or rainfall, making it challenging to completely eradicate them. They’re quite toxic in nature as well and can kill the plant over time by withdrawing nutrients from it. Fungal diseases in crops, when left untreated, can cause crop failure and lead to heavy economic losses.

Applying fungicides to plants can prevent the spread of fungal disease, stop the growth of fungal spores, and eliminate any fungi that exist within the plants. Modern fungicides such as Dhanuka Agritech’s Lustre have been formulated to do much more than prevent and eradicate disease. Synthetic chemical fungicides can protect the crop without being absorbed and can provide protection against a wide range of fungi. Nowadays, biofungicides have been developed as well, which can target specific fungi and encourage organic production. Fungicides are an integral part of modern agriculture because, without them, production would reduce significantly and farmer’s livelihoods would suffer as there’s no other protection from this severe disease.

Benefits of fungicides

Plant diseases have a substantial economic impact because they lead to crop failure and lower profits. As a result, controlling the growth of plant pathogens such as fungus and curing illnesses caused by them with the help of fungicide has become an integral part of agricultural management. Let’s explore the benefits of applying fungicides:

Disease prevention

Fungicides can restrict the spread of disease in crops and cure existing infections, leading to lesser chances of crop failure, improved yields, and lower costs.

Lessened post harvest loss

Sometimes, due to unfavourable conditions after harvest, crops can suffer from fungal diseases such as green and blue mold. These diseases lead to significant crop losses. Applying fungicides can reduce postharvest losses and secure farmers’ profits.

Enhance crop quality

Diseased crops have reduced economic value. Fungicide applications protect crops from serious diseases and give them a chance to grow to their full potential. They also improve the quality and yield of the crop.

Maximise production

Fungal diseases lead to crop failure and losses, reducing the amount of crop harvested. Fungicides help increase production by preventing crop failure.

Provides a better stress response

Preventive fungicides work by slowing down respiration in fungal cells, which leads to less water loss from plant cells. This helps plants thrive during extreme climatic conditions, such as during drought.

Prevent fungal growth without harming crops

Alternative methods of fungal disease control sometimes harm the crops. But fungicides control the diseases effectively without affecting the crop.

Conclusion

Fungicides are a vital part of the modern agricultural scenario. Farmers can prevent crop failure, maximise output, control and eliminate fungal infections, and boost earnings with the aid of fungicides. Fungicides have a significant potential to boost the agriculture sector’s productivity and profitability.

Dhanuka Agritech offers a variety of farm solutions and premium fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides to efficiently protect your farmland against plant pathogens insects, and other harmful pests. Check out www.dhanuka.com to read about the latest trends, discussions, and practical tips in agriculture.