Contents
The main direction of the Shirlan contact fungicide is the protection of potato plantations from late blight damage. The active substance has a special effect that stops the development of the fungus from the soil. The drug protects tubers from late blight damage and prevents the disease from spreading through healthy tops. Using Shirlan fungicide for potatoes, the vegetable grower does not have to worry about the appearance of fungal diseases even during an epidemic.
Structure of the preparation
The drug belongs to the group of pyrimidinamines. The main active ingredient is fluazinam. It is he who has a depressing effect on the fungus. However, fluazinam alone is not able to penetrate into potato cells. Auxiliary substances are responsible for this work, the entire list of which is indicated by the manufacturer on the original packaging.
The concentration of the active substance in the preparation reaches 0,5 g / ml. Shirlan is sold in the form of a highly concentrated suspension. The consistency of the drug resembles liquid sour cream.
Positive characteristics
After reading the instructions for the Shirlan fungicide, positive impressions about this drug are already being formed. The advantages include the following points:
- Shirlan belongs to the category of safe fungicides. The drug will not harm potatoes and other nearby crops. The main indicator of fungicide is low phytotoxicity.
- If we compare Shirlan with other analogs of contact action, then the drug in question is superior in efficiency. Moreover, to achieve a positive result, a smaller dosage of Shirlan is required.
- During the studies, no cross-resistance was found with other drugs used to treat potatoes.
- A big plus is the long period of protective action. Shirlan continues to work even in wet weather.
- The fungicide destroys not only phytophthora. The drug blocks the development of fungal spores and their spread over the tops of healthy potatoes.
- The use of Shirlan allows you to slow down the development of fungal spores inside the potato and in the ground. There are many capillaries in the soil. The fungicide blocks them, preventing the penetration of spores to the surface of the earth. Due to the closure of the capillaries, the likelihood of infection with the fungus of young potato tops is reduced.
The main advantage of using Shirlan is safety for humans. Potato tubers do not accumulate toxic substances.
Mechanism of action
Shirlan begins to act instantly immediately after use. The active substance fluazinam penetrates deep into the soil and potato cells. The action begins by blocking the formation of new spores. A barrier is created for the growth and spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
Solution preparation rules
Considering Shirlan fungicide, solution preparation, video, it is worth touching a little on the preparatory period. The diluted preparation cannot be stored for a long time, therefore, at the time of treatment, the performance of the sprayer is checked.
First, make sure the tank, hose, and spray tip are clean. All elements of the sprayer are thoroughly washed, otherwise the dried components of other preparations remaining from the last treatment may react with the fungicide. Secondly, they test the uniformity of the liquid spray and the amount of its supply. This will allow you to correctly calculate the consumption of Shirlan’s working solution for the cultivated area.
Shirlan’s working solution is prepared directly at the place of work and before the start of their implementation. First, pour ¾ of the volume of clean water into the sprayer tank. According to the dosage indicated on the packaging of the fungicide, the drug is added. Water with Shirlan in the tank is well stirred. After complete dissolution, a liquid without flakes of sediment should be obtained. The required volume of water is added to the tank, mixed again, and the fungicide working solution is ready for use.
If other drugs must be used simultaneously with Shirlan, then their compatibility is first clarified. With positive results, each substance is dissolved in turn. The suitability of the working solution is 1 day.
Application of the solution and consumption rates
For the Shirlan fungicide, the instructions for use state that the drug should be used to prevent diseases. It is optimal to start processing potatoes at a time when weather conditions have set in that favorably affect the development of the fungus. However, on the culture itself, the disease should not yet manifest itself. If time is lost and the potato is heavily infected, the first treatment is performed with curative fungicides, and then with Shirlan.
The quality of spraying depends on the setting of the sprayer. Don’t go for fog. The atomizer is adjusted so that small or medium-sized drops fly out of the nozzle. The consumption rate of the fungicide solution is indicated on the package. This concept means abundant wetting of the stems and leaves of potatoes. However, during spraying, it is worth visually evaluating the result. Strong thickening, occasional gust of wind and other factors can interfere with uniform spraying. From this, the consumption of the working solution of the fungicide will increase.
A properly treated bush should be all wet, but so that the solution does not drip from the foliage to the ground. The approximate consumption of the concentrated suspension of Shirlan is 0,4 ml / 10 m2. The finished solution for a similar area goes from 200 to 500 ml.
The duration of the protective action
After treatment, the active substance protects potatoes from late blight, as well as alternariosis, on average for ten days. The terms of the protective action can decrease or increase by a couple of days, which depends on weather conditions, agrotechnics of cultivation, as well as the quality of spraying. It is important to follow the recommended frequency of processing. If repeated spraying is carried out before the agreed time, then the protective period is reduced, and the result worsens.
Toxicity and safety rules during spraying
For humans, Shirlan belongs to the second class of danger. When working with a fungicide, safety measures are required. Spraying and preparation of the solution is carried out in overalls. Goggles and a respirator will protect against fungicide entering the human body.
Careless handling of the solution or during the opening of the container with the suspension can lead to the fungicide getting into exposed areas of the body. The drug cannot be simply wiped off with a rag. The body area is thoroughly washed under running water with soap. Usually, allergic reactions do not occur, but in case of itching or redness, you should consult a doctor.
Shirlan is practically safe for bees and other beneficial insects. However, the drug negatively affects the inhabitants of water bodies. During spraying, measures should be taken to limit the entry of the fungicide into the water as much as possible.
Compatibility with other drugs
The fungicide can be mixed in the spray tank with other drugs, such as those that help control the Colorado potato beetle. Excellent compatibility is observed with insecticides and desiccants. As an example, the drugs “KARATE”, “REGLON SUPER”, “AKTARA”, etc.
Shirlan is completely incompatible with any preparations containing alkali or copper. For example, Bordeaux liquid leads to the complete decomposition of the active substance of the fungicide. It is undesirable to combine Shirlan with any herbicides. Incompatibility is due to a mismatch in the timing of the use of drugs.
Shirlan in concentrated form cannot be mixed even with compatible drugs. The emulsion is diluted in water, and then another agent is added. When mixing compatible drugs, their terms of use must match.
Suspension storage
The concentrated suspension of Shirlan is stored in the original packaging. Canisters are hidden from children. Direct exposure to sunlight is unacceptable. At temperatures from 0 to 40оC fungicide can be stored for up to three years.
On the video you can watch a webinar on fungicides for potatoes:
Shirlan and other fungicides for potatoes are safe only if they are used correctly. With reasonable use, the drug will help to get a good potato harvest.