Myclobutanil

Myclobutanil

Myclobutanil is a fungicide of the azole class. It is used in agriculture to control fungi that threaten various crops. Myclobutanil is a sterol demethylation inhibitor, meaning it interferes with the cell membrane synthesis in fungi, effectively stopping their growth.

History

Myclobutanil was first registered for use in the United States in 1988. It was developed by Dow AgroSciences, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical Company. Since then, it has been registered for use in many countries around the world.

Uses

Myclobutanil is used to control a wide range of fungi that cause diseases in crops. It is particularly effective against powdery mildew, rust, and scab. Crops that are commonly treated with myclobutanil include grapes, apples, peaches, and strawberries.

Mode of Action

Myclobutanil works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes. This disruption prevents the fungi from growing and reproducing.

Safety and Environmental Impact

Myclobutanil is considered to have low toxicity to humans and animals. However, it is not without potential risks. It has been found to be an endocrine disruptor, and there is evidence that it can cause developmental and reproductive problems in animals.

In the environment, myclobutanil is moderately persistent, with a half-life in soil of 14 to 60 days. It has low mobility in soil, which means it is unlikely to contaminate groundwater. However, it is toxic to aquatic organisms and non-target insects.

Regulatory Status

In the United States, myclobutanil is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means it can only be sold to and used by certified applicators.

In the European Union, myclobutanil was approved for use as a fungicide in 2009. However, in 2019, the approval was not renewed due to concerns about its potential endocrine disrupting properties.

See Also

• Fungicide
• Azole
• Sterol demethylation inhibitor
• Endocrine disruptor