Prochloraz

Prochloraz

Prochloraz is a fungicide and pesticide that belongs to the class of imidazole derivatives. It is widely used in agriculture to control a broad spectrum of fungi that cause diseases in crops. Prochloraz was first registered for use in the 1970s.

Chemistry

Prochloraz is an imidazole derivative. Its chemical formula is C15H16Cl3N3O2. It is a white to light beige powder that is slightly soluble in water. The compound works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes.

Uses

Prochloraz is used to control a wide range of fungi that cause diseases in crops. It is particularly effective against Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and fungi imperfecti. The fungicide is used on a variety of crops, including cereals, fruits, and vegetables. It is also used in post-harvest treatments to control storage diseases.

Health and Environmental Effects

Prochloraz is moderately toxic to mammals and birds but is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. It is not considered to be a carcinogen, but it can cause skin and eye irritation in humans. The fungicide is persistent in the environment and can leach into groundwater.

Regulation

In the European Union, the use of prochloraz is regulated under the Pesticides Directive. In the United States, it is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

See Also

• Fungicide
• Pesticide
• Imidazole
• Ergosterol
• Ascomycetes
• Basidiomycetes
• Pesticides Directive
• Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act