SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
U21ASACE611 ELECTIVE III – AGROCHEMICALS (2+1)
ASSIGNMENT TOPIC
FUNGICIDES -CLASSIFICATION - INORGANIC FUNGICIDES –
CHARACTERISTICS, PREPARATION AND USE OF SULPHUR AND
COPPER ,MODE OF ACTION – BORDEAUX MIXTURE – COPPER
OXYCHLORIDE
SUBMITTED BY
Course teacher Name : BOOMIKA S
Mrs. R. HEMA Reg No. : 22AGR015
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ‘A’ Section
DEPARTMENT OF SOIL SCIENCE [Link].(Hons.)Agriculture
SMVEC – SAGS CAGS-SMVEC
Fungicides
• Fungicides are chemicals used to kill fungi or
control fungi which cause plant diseases are
called as fungicides.
• In India, Lawrence in 1904 used the Bordeaux
mixture for the first time.
• Subsequently a number of synthetic fungicides
were developed and have been widely used in
India.
Requirements of an ideal fungicide
• Broad spectrum of activity (kill in single spray)
• Low toxicity (safe to mammals and beneficial
to predators)
• Solubility (water soluble to give a cheap
hydrophilic spray)
• Stability (stable during storage and
application)
• Low fungi toxicity (not be toxic to plants)
Criteria for effective fungicide
• A fungicide itself or be converted into active
fungitoxicant with in the host plant.
• Have very low toxicity
• Capable of absorbed by roots, seeds or leaves
of the plant and translocated within the
plants.
Classification of fungicides
• The fungicides are classified into three major
categories. They are
– Based on mode of action
– Based on use and
– Based on chemical structure/constitution
• Based on the mode of action, the fungicides are
classified as the fungicides are classified as fungi
statics, protective, erdaicant, curative and systemic
fungicides.
• Fungistatics: Chemicals which do not kill the fungi but
inhibit the growth of the fungi.
• Protectants: Prevent fungal infection by sporicidal
activity. These arrest the germination of spores or kill
the fungal hypae as they penetrate the leaf or prevent
their penetration. eg. COC, Zineb
• Eradicant: are agents that control fungus even after
the symptoms become visible and that kill both newly
developed spores and the mycelium. eg Benomyl
• Therapeutant: Fungicide which eradicates a fungus
after it has caused infection by curing the plant is
called therapeutant. Usually chemotherapeutants are
systemic and eradicates deep seated infection. eg.
Carboxin, oxycarboxin, aureofungin
• Systemic fungicide: are chemicals taken up by the
plant and translocated within the plant thus
protecting from the fungal attack. eg. Vitavax,
plantvax
• Curative fungicide: Penetrate cuticle and kill young
fungal mycelium growing in the epidermis and this
prevents further development of fungal growth. Eg.
Fongarid
Based on use:
• Seed protectants e.g., Organomercurials, captan, thiram,
carbendazim, carboxin
• Soil fungicides - Pre-plant e.g., Bordeaux mixture, copper
oxychloride, vapam, chloropicrin, formaldehyde.
• Soil fungicides - when plants are in field e.g., Bordeaux
mixture, copper oxychloride, thiram, captan.
• Foliage and blossom protectants e.g., Bordeaux mixture,
copper oxychloride, ferbam, zineb, mancozeb, captan,
carbendazim, chlorothalonil,
• Fruit protectants e.g., maneb mancozeb, captan,
carbendazim, thiabendazole. Tree wound dresser e.g.,
Bordeaux paste, Chaubattia paste Antibiotics
e.g.,Streptomycin, streptocycline, griseofulvin
Based on chemical constitution/structure, the
fungicides grouped into two major groups
• Inorganics
– Sulphur fungicides
– Copper fungicides and
– Mercury fungicides
Inorganic fungicides
Sulfur based fungicides
• These include elemental sulphur (eg. wettable sulphur) and
inorganic sulphur compounds like lime sulphur.
• They have been used for long time particularly for controlling
powder mildew.
Copper based fungicides
• Ex include Bordeaux mixture, COC and copper hydroxide.
• They act by disturbing fungal enzyme system.
Mercury based fungicides
• These can be inorganic ([Link] chloride) or organic
([Link] mercury acetate).
• However, their high toxicity to humans and environment has
lead to restrictions on the use.
Inorganic Fungicides
• Usually contact fungicides.
• Broad-spectrum and inexpensive.
• Commonly used in fruit and vegetable crops.
Organic fungicides
Sulfur Containing compounds
• These includes organic sulphur compounds
like febram , ziram ,thiram ,zineb, maneb
nabam.
Heterocyclic nitrogen compounds
• Example include captan folpet and iprdione.
• Quione compounds ([Link] and dichlone)
• Oxanthin compounds
([Link] and carboxin)
• Benzimidazoles([Link] and MBC methyl
benzimidazol-2- oxycarbomate)
• Dithiocarbomates -This groups include mancozeb,
zineb and thiram.
• Organophosphorus fungicide ([Link] and
fosetyl)
• Phenylamide fungicide ([Link])
• Carboximides(eg metalaxyl and oxadixyl)
Bordeaux Mixture – Introduction
• Oldest known fungicide discovered by
Millardet in 1882 (France).
• A mixture of Copper sulphate (CuSO₄) and
Lime (Ca(OH)₂) in water.
Composition & Formula
• Typical ratio: [Link] (CuSO₄ : Ca(OH)₂ : H₂O)
• Reaction: CuSO₄ + Ca(OH)₂ → Cu(OH)₂ + CaSO₄
Preparation Procedure
• 1. Dissolve CuSO₄ in water in a plastic
container.
• 2. Slake quicklime in another container.
• 3. Mix both while stirring.
• 4. Avoid metal containers.
• Test: Knife test – reddish coating means add
more lime.
Mode of Action (Bordeaux Mixture)
• Acts as a protectant fungicide.
• Copper ions denature enzymes and proteins of
fungal spores.
• Prevents spore germination.
Uses of Bordeaux Mixture
• Controls downy mildew, leaf spots, blights.
• Used in grapes, potatoes, citrus, tomato.
• Also for nursery soil disinfection.
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages:
• Long-lasting, low-cost, broad-spectrum.
Limitations:
• Phytotoxic in excess.
• Leaves stains on leaves/fruits.
• Incompatible with other pesticides.
Copper Oxychloride – Introduction
• Modern inorganic copper fungicide.
• Formula: 3Cu(OH)₂·CuCl₂.
• Trade names: Blitox, Blue Copper, Fytolan.
Properties of Copper Oxychloride
• Green powder, water-insoluble.
• Used as wettable powder (WP).
• Less phytotoxic than Bordeaux mixture.
Mode of Action (Copper Oxychloride)
• Contact fungicide.
• Copper ions inhibit enzyme activity in fungal
spores.
• Forms protective film on leaves.
Uses of Copper Oxychloride
• Controls leaf spots, blights, mildews.
• Used in tomato, potato, paddy, coffee, citrus,
tea.
• Dose: 2–3 g per liter of water (0.25% spray).
Safety & Precautions
• Avoid overuse to prevent copper buildup.
• Wear gloves and mask during preparation.
• Avoid spraying during flowering/high
temperature.
Conclusion
• Inorganic fungicides are effective and
economical.
• Bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride are
important protectant fungicides.
• Proper preparation ensures safety and
effectiveness.
References
• Agrios, G.N. (2005). Plant Pathology.
• Pesticide Manual, British Crop Protection
Council.
• ICAR Agri-Chemical Syllabus Notes.
