Procymidone

Procymidone is a fungicide that is commonly used in agriculture to control a wide range of fungal diseases. It is a member of the dichlorophenyl group of fungicides and is particularly effective against Botrytis cinerea, a fungus that causes grey mould in many crops.

History

Procymidone was first registered for use in the United States in 1979. It was developed by the Sumitomo Chemical company in Japan and is now used worldwide.

Uses

Procymidone is used to control a wide range of fungal diseases in a variety of crops. It is particularly effective against Botrytis cinerea, a fungus that causes grey mould in many crops, including grapes, strawberries, and tomatoes. It is also used to control Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungus that causes white mould in many crops, including beans, canola, and sunflowers.

Mode of Action

Procymidone works by inhibiting the growth of fungal cells. It does this by interfering with the normal functioning of the fungal cell membrane, preventing the fungus from growing and spreading.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Procymidone is considered to be moderately toxic to humans and animals. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and if ingested, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also considered to be a potential endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the body.

In the environment, procymidone is moderately persistent, with a half-life of between 30 and 60 days. It is not highly mobile in soil, which means it is unlikely to leach into groundwater. However, it is toxic to aquatic organisms and can have negative impacts on non-target organisms if not used properly.

Regulation

In the United States, procymidone is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP), which means it can only be used by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision.

In the European Union, procymidone has been banned since 2008 due to concerns about its potential to disrupt the endocrine system.

See Also

• Fungicide
• Botrytis cinerea
• Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
• Endocrine disruptor