Fungicides: application
Fungi attack crops. This leads to the occurrence of diseases and plant death. Fungicides stop the multiplication of pathogens. This helps to preserve the harvest.
When choosing a fungicide, you must pay attention to its chemical properties. The action of inorganic ones is based on the compounds of heavy metals that make up their composition. They contain nickel, mercury, copper and iron. This makes the drugs more resistant to degradation. They remain in the ground for a long time.
The use of fungicides protects crops from fungi
Organic products are less stable and degrade within a few days. They contain bacteria that cause the death of fungi. They are safe and can be used concurrently with pesticides.
Modern fungicides are versatile. They can be used for processing seeds, soil, tubers, plants during the growing season, as well as for crops in storage. By the nature of the effect on the plant, drugs are:
- Local – do not penetrate into plant tissues, but act on the surface. The effectiveness of such drugs depends on their properties, quantity and climatic conditions.
- Systemic – they penetrate the branching of blood vessels and destroy pathogenic fungi. Efficiency is determined by the rate of absorption into plant tissues.
The drugs can be used both to combat the causative agent of the disease, and for prophylactic purposes. Interacting with a pathogenic microorganism, the fungicide inhibits the growth of its cells and inhibits respiration. Once in plant tissues, it promotes the production of anti-fungal phytoalexins, which prevent the occurrence of fungus.
Instructions for the use of fungicides
Fungicides can be used in the form of a powder or solution. The form of application depends on the object of influence:
- Seeds – placed in a solution or powder before planting;
- Sprouted plants – sprayed with a solution several times during the season;
- Storage areas – treated with a solution;
- Soil – powder can be added during digging. A dissolved form is used for watering.
Processing is best done early in the morning or in the evening. The drug is more effective in the early stages of infection.
Fungicides destroy fungi and their spores. The preparations are non-toxic and can be used to process food. They can be used simultaneously with most of the products used for the treatment of crops.