Imazalil

Imazalil

Imazalil (also known as Enilconazole and marketed as Fungaflor or Freshgard) is a fungicide widely used in agriculture, particularly in the growth of citrus fruits. It is a member of the imidazole family of chemicals and is effective against a broad spectrum of fungi.

History

Imazalil was first registered for use in the United States in 1983. It was developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, a pharmaceutical company based in Belgium.

Uses

Imazalil is primarily used as a fungicide in the agricultural industry. It is particularly effective in controlling post-harvest diseases in citrus fruits, such as Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, which cause green and blue mold, respectively. It is also used in the treatment of fungal diseases in animals, including ringworm.

Mechanism of Action

Imazalil works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes. This disruption in cell membrane production leads to the death of the fungus.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Imazalil is classified as a potential endocrine disruptor and has been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity in animal studies. It is also toxic to aquatic organisms and can have long-lasting effects in the environment.

Regulation

In the United States, imazalil is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the European Union, it is regulated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

See Also

• Fungicide
• Imidazole
• Endocrine disruptor
• Ergosterol