Fungicidi per difendere le vostre piante
In order to control plant diseases in agriculture, the use of fungicides is highly recommended, which are nothing more than a particular category of pesticides aimed at fighting the pathogens that can affect the various types of crops.

Fungicides are therefore necessary and effective in fighting the diseases in a delicate period for cultivation, corresponding to its formation and development, and also causing an increase in crop productivity, as well as increasing the shelf life of harvested fruit, but also of vegetables, tubers, and seeds.

Another fundamental function of fungicides is to to eliminate any risk of disease and poisoning for humans and animals.

It is advisable to maximize the effectiveness of the fungicidal action by applying the product at the first signs of plant disease symptoms, since the damage caused by the disease to the plant is not subsequently compensated in any way. Fungicidal drugs are available in various forms: gaseous, liquid, as well as powder and tablets.

Let's see which are, in this regard, the most adopted solutions in agriculture. For the treatment of seedlings, bulbs, seeds, first of all we have the mix fundazol, in powder: this mix, is characterized by a wide range of action, it is to be diluted in water, in the ratio of 1 gram for each liter. Then there is the Maxim-COP solution, effectively used to season potatoes in the pre-sowing phase, it is a non-toxic solution for plants, insects, birds, but it is for fish, and it is no coincidence that the introduction of Maxim-COP is prohibited in the water. In the prevention phase, it is advisable to use fitosporin-M, a solution characterized by a very low degree of toxicity, it should be noted that it is not dangerous for bees.

Regarding the treatment aimed at the ground, prepared in furrows or holes, or divided over several levels, it is usually preferred to use liquid fungicides to ensure maximum impregnation, and in this case the fungicide is sprayed by drip irrigation, along the base of the plant.

For the treatment of the foliage, and, in general, of the aerial parts of the plant, the sprayer is used, whether they are of small size, or vice versa, of the larger format, to be used when using the tractor. It is then possible to administer it into trees via the grafting procedure. Finally, in the greenhouses, the processing plants inside release the fungicides in the form of gas, a method with a particular efficacy, since the fungicide gas covers the entire area covered by the greenhouse, and completely covers the volume of space affected by the greenhouse, in all its parts.

With regard to particular types, fungicides such as Topaz they are applied as a preventive measure, with a wide range of use; being toxic to insects, it should be borne in mind that its use is categorically prohibited during the flowering period of the plants. With fungicide of the Vectra type, the formation of pathogenic fungi on the plant is prevented, but also treated; it is not toxic at all for plants and has a very low degree of toxicity for humans and animals. Regarding the Home mix, it constitutes a fungicide with a broad spectrum of action, and you are allowed to use it within three weeks before harvesting.

We finally find, colloidal sulfur, powder format that is particularly suitable for fighting powdery mildew and scab; since it is not toxic, its use is allowed by the regulations in force even up to two days from harvest. In general, fungicides can kill fungi by damaging the cell membrane or inactivating enzymes essential for the life of the fungus, or by blocking proteins that play a key role in vital functions for the fungus itself (such as energy or respiratory function). There are other remedies that do not directly affect the fungus, but the plant that hosts them and which we wish to cure.

It is advised to strengthen the immune defenses of plants through the induction of chemical signals having the function of activating defense mechanisms that biologically translate into manifestations such as the thickening of cell walls (which are thus more protected) and the development of natural defenses that are typical of the plant itself, namely the antifungal proteins, reaching biological immunity with respect to pathogenic organisms.

June 20, 2019 — Alias Srl