Fluazinam: mechanism of action, applications and safety

General Description

Fluazinam is a broad-spectrum fungicide with a unique mode of action. It induces oxidative stress in fungal cells, leading to cellular damage and death. This multifaceted approach reduces the risk of resistance development. Fluazinam is widely used in agriculture to control fungal diseases in various crops, including fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamental plants. It can be applied as a foliar spray or soil drench, providing preventive and curative protection. In turfgrass management, it helps prevent diseases in golf courses, sports fields, and lawns. Fluazinam has a low toxicity profile and is safe for humans, animals, and the environment when used correctly. It does not leach into groundwater and is not harmful to non-target organisms. Overall, fluazinam is an effective and safe tool for disease management in agriculture and horticulture.

Figure 1. Fluazinam

Mechanism of action

Fluazinam is an important pyrimidine amine fungicide that has been widely used to control various fungal diseases in crops. It has a broad-spectrum antifungal activity and can inhibit the growth of several fungal pathogens. Fluazinam exerts its antifungal effect through a unique mode of action that involves multiple pathways. Specifically, it triggers oxidative stress in fungal cells by inducing ROS accumulation and caspase activation, leading to cellular damage and eventual cell death. Additionally, fluazinam causes fungal membrane permeabilization and protein carbonylation, which further exacerbate oxidative stress and hasten cell death. The multifaceted approach employed by fluazinam to kill fungal cells makes it highly effective against a wide range of plant pathogenic fungi. Furthermore, the unique mode of action of fluazinam also reduces the likelihood of the emergence of resistance to this fungicide. Overall, the use of fluazinam represents a crucial strategy for controlling fungal infections in crops while minimizing the risk of resistance development. ¹

Applications

Fluazinam is a versatile fungicide that finds applications in various agricultural and horticultural settings. Its broad-spectrum antifungal activity makes it effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, making it highly valuable for disease management in crops. In agriculture, fluazinam is commonly used to control fungal diseases in fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamental plants. It effectively combats diseases such as grey mold (Botrytis cinerea), white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.). It can be applied as a foliar spray or incorporated into the soil as a drench, providing preventive and curative protection. Fluazinam is particularly useful in the cultivation of high-value crops like grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, and potatoes, where fungal diseases can cause significant economic losses. It helps to prevent yield reduction, improve crop quality, and extend post-harvest shelf life by controlling fungal infections. Apart from its applications in agriculture, fluazinam also finds use in turfgrass management to prevent diseases like dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) and brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani). It can be applied to golf courses, sports fields, and residential lawns to maintain healthy, disease-free turf. Overall, fluazinam plays a crucial role in protecting plant health and ensuring optimal yields in various agricultural and horticultural sectors. Its effectiveness, broad spectrum of activity, and multiple application methods make it a valuable tool in disease management strategies. ²

Safety

Fluazinam has a low acute toxicity to mammals, birds, and aquatic organisms. It has a low potential for bioaccumulation and does not persist in the environment after application. Furthermore, it does not leach into groundwater and is not harmful to non-target organisms like bees and butterflies. In terms of human safety, fluazinam poses minimal risks when used according to label instructions. Workers handling the fungicide should take basic protective measures like wearing gloves and protective clothing, but there is no evidence of skin sensitization or major health hazards associated with its use. Fluazinam has been subjected to extensive toxicological testing, and it meets the safety standards established by regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has classified fluazinam as a class IV (low toxicity) pesticide, indicating its low risk potential. Overall, the safety profile of fluazinam is favorable, and it can be used safely in agricultural and horticultural settings with appropriate precautions and adherence to label instructions. ³

Reference

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2. Wu L, Wu Z, Zhao F, Hahn M, Zhou M, Hou Y. Activity and cell toxicology of fluazinam on Fusarium graminearum. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2022 Nov;188:105253.

3. Zhao J, Tan Z, Wen Y, Fan S, Liu C. Dissipation of fluazinam in citrus groves and a risk assessment for its dietary intake. J Sci Food Agric. 2020 Mar 30;100(5):2052-2056.