Mancozeb

Mancozeb is a fungicide that is widely used in agriculture to control a broad spectrum of fungal diseases. It is a coordination complex of zinc and manganese with the ethylene bis(dithiocarbamate).

History[edit | edit source]

Mancozeb was first registered for use in the United States in 1962. It is a member of the ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) group of fungicides, which also includes maneb and metiram.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Mancozeb is used to control a wide range of fungal diseases in a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and field crops. It is also used in home gardens and on ornamental plants.

Mode of Action[edit | edit source]

Mancozeb acts by disrupting lipid metabolism in the fungus, which inhibits spore germination and mycelial growth. It is a multi-site inhibitor, meaning it affects multiple sites in the fungal cell.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to mancozeb can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health effects, including thyroid dysfunction and reproductive toxicity.

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Mancozeb is highly toxic to aquatic organisms and birds. It is also moderately toxic to honey bees. It has a low potential for bioaccumulation, but it can persist in the soil for several months.

Regulatory Status[edit | edit source]

In the United States, mancozeb is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is also included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) List of Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Medicine.