'Fungicides' are chemical compounds used to prevent the spread of
fungi or plants in gardens and crops, which can cause serious damage resulting in loss of
yield and thus profit. Though
oomycetes are not fungi, they use the same mechanisms to infect plants
[1] and therefore in
phytopathology chemicals used to control oomycetes are also referred to as fungicides. Fungicides are also used to fight fungal infections.
Fungicides can either be contact or systemic. A contact fungicide kills fungi when sprayed on its surface; a systemic fungicide has to be absorbed by the plant.
Fungicide
residues have been found on food for human consumption, mostly from post-harvest treatments.
[2] Some fungicides are dangerous to human
health, such as
Vinclozolin, which has now been removed from use.
[3]
Like other
pesticides, fungicides can induce
pesticide resistance. Equivalently,
antifungal drugs can induce
drug resistance.
See also
★
Antifungal drug
★
List of fungicides
★
Phytopathology
★
QoI – quinone outside inhibitors, a group of fungicides used in agriculture
References
1. Latijnhouwers M, de Wit PJ, Govers F. ''Oomycetes and fungi: similar weaponry to attack plants.'' Trends in Microbiology Volume 11 462-469
2. Pesticide Chemistry and Biosciene edited by G.T Brooks and T.R Roberts. 1999. Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry
3. Hrelia ''et al.'' 1996 - The genetic and non-genetic toxicity of the fungicide Vinclozolin. Mutagenesis Volume 11 445-453