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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

See Also

• Fungicide
• Pesticide
• Ethylene bisdithiocarbamate
• Environmental impact of pesticides

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