Propamocarb Hydrochloride 722g/L SL: A Potent Oomycete Fungicide

Active Ingredient and Chemical Properties

• Chemical Name: Propamocarb hydrochloride, which is propyl 3 – (dimethylamino) propyl carbamate hydrochloride.

• CAS Number: 25606 – 41 – 1

• Molecular Formula: C₉H₂₁ClN₂O₂

• Formulation: Soluble Liquid (SL), presenting as a clear to light – colored liquid. It has a density in the range that allows for easy mixing and application. The SL formulation ensures excellent solubility in water, facilitating uniform distribution during spraying.

• Physical and Chemical Characteristics: It has specific pH requirements for stability, typically within a range that is compatible with common agricultural spraying solutions. This helps in maintaining its chemical integrity and effectiveness during storage and application.

1. Inhibition of Fungal Membrane Synthesis: Propamocarb hydrochloride acts by inhibiting the biosynthesis of phospholipids and fatty acids in the cell membranes of oomycete fungi. These components are essential for the structural integrity and normal functioning of the fungal cell membrane.

2. Disruption of Fungal Growth Processes: As a result of this inhibition, the growth of hyphae (the thread – like structures of fungi) is impeded. The formation of spore sacs, which are crucial for the reproduction and spread of the fungus, is also disrupted. Additionally, the germination of fungal spores is inhibited, effectively halting the life cycle of the pathogen.

3. Differentiated Action Against Resistant Pathogens: One of the key advantages of propamocarb hydrochloride is that its mode of action is distinct from that of many other fungicides. This uniqueness makes it highly effective against oomycete pathogens that have developed resistance to commonly used fungicides, providing an important tool in the fight against resistant diseases.

• Vegetables: It is extensively used in vegetable cultivation, including cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and potatoes. In cucumber fields, for example, it helps safeguard the plants from various diseases, ensuring healthy growth and high yields.

• Fruit Crops: Strawberries benefit from the application of propamocarb hydrochloride 722g/L SL. It helps protect the fruit – bearing plants from diseases, maintaining the quality and quantity of the strawberry harvest.

• Tobacco: In tobacco plantations, this fungicide is used to keep the tobacco plants free from oomycete – related diseases, which can otherwise significantly reduce the quality of the tobacco leaves.

• Turf and Ornamental Plants: Turfgrass and ornamental plants such as those in lawns, gardens, and nurseries are also within the scope of application. It helps in maintaining the aesthetic appeal and health of these plants by controlling diseases.

• Downy Mildew: This is a common and destructive disease in many crops, characterized by the appearance of a downy growth on the undersides of leaves. Propamocarb hydrochloride effectively controls downy mildew in crops like cucurbits, lettuce, and grapevines.

• Blight: Whether it’s late blight in potatoes and tomatoes or other forms of blight in various crops, propamocarb hydrochloride can be a powerful weapon. It can prevent the spread of the blight – causing pathogens, reducing the damage to the crops.

• Damping – off: A major concern in seedling stages, damping – off can cause the death of young plants. Propamocarb hydrochloride, especially when applied during seedbed irrigation, can prevent damping – off by controlling the soil – borne oomycete pathogens.

• Foliar Spray:

• • Timing: For most crops, it is recommended to apply propamocarb hydrochloride 722g/L SL as a foliar spray before the onset of disease or in the early stages of disease symptoms. This proactive approach helps in preventing the spread of diseases.

• • Dilution and Application: Dilute the required amount of the SL formulation in an appropriate volume of water. As a general guideline, for foliar applications in vegetable crops, the dosage may range from 900 – 1500 ml/ha for controlling downy mildew in cucumbers. Use a calibrated sprayer to ensure an even and uniform coverage of the plant foliage. Make sure to spray both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves as oomycete pathogens can infect from both sides.

• • Frequency: In case of severe disease pressure, applications can be repeated every 7 – 10 days. However, it is important not to exceed the maximum number of applications per season as specified on the product label to prevent the development of resistance.

• Seedbed Irrigation:

• • Timing: This method is used for preventing damping – off and blight at the seedling stage. Irrigate the seedbed at the time of sowing and before transplanting the seedlings.

• • Dosage and Procedure: Apply 5 – 8 ml of the 722g/L SL product per square meter of the seedbed. Dilute it with 2 – 3 liters of water to ensure proper distribution. The goal is to ensure that the fungicide solution fully reaches the root zone of the seedlings. After irrigation, keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging as it can also create conditions conducive to other diseases.

• Safety Interval: The safety interval varies depending on the crop. For cucumbers, the safety interval is 3 days, which means that the crop should not be harvested within 3 days of application. For sweet peppers, the safety interval is 4 days. This ensures that any residues of the fungicide on the crop are within the acceptable limits for human consumption.

• Maximum Number of Uses per Season: To prevent the development of resistance in the oomycete pathogens, it is crucial not to exceed the maximum number of applications per season. Generally, for most crops, the maximum number of uses is no more than 3 times per growing season.

• Weather Conditions: Avoid applying propamocarb hydrochloride 722g/L SL on windy days as it can cause drift, leading to off – target application and potential damage to non – target plants. Also, do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application as the rain can wash away the fungicide, reducing its effectiveness.

• Mixing and Compatibility: While propamocarb hydrochloride can be tank – mixed with some other pesticides and fungicides, it is important to check for compatibility first. Avoid mixing it with alkaline substances as it decomposes under alkaline conditions, resulting in a loss of efficacy. Conduct a jar test before large – scale mixing to ensure that the products are compatible and will not cause any adverse reactions.

• Low Mammalian Toxicity: Propamocarb hydrochloride has relatively low toxicity to mammals when used as directed. However, it is still important to follow safety precautions during handling and application. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact. Avoid inhalation of the spray mist.

• Precautions for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid contact with propamocarb hydrochloride to minimize any potential risks to their health and the health of their unborn or nursing children.

• Degradation in the Environment: Propamocarb hydrochloride degrades relatively rapidly in the environment, which helps in minimizing its long – term impact. However, it is still important to use it according to the label instructions to prevent unnecessary environmental contamination.

• Impact on Aquatic Organisms: Although it has a relatively low impact on aquatic organisms compared to some other pesticides, it is still advisable to avoid direct application near water bodies. Runoff from treated areas should be managed to prevent the entry of the fungicide into streams, rivers, and lakes.

• Packaging Options: Propamocarb hydrochloride 722g/L SL is available in a variety of packaging sizes to meet different user needs. Common packaging includes 1 – liter, 5 – liter, and 20 – liter containers, usually made of high – density polyethylene (HDPE) to ensure durability and prevent leakage.

• Shelf Life: Under proper storage conditions (cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight and heat sources), the shelf life of propamocarb hydrochloride 722g/L SL is typically 2 years. However, it is always a good practice to check the product label for the specific expiration date.

• Can propamocarb hydrochloride 722g/L SL be used in organic farming?

• • Generally, it is not approved for use in organic farming as it is a synthetic chemical fungicide. Organic farming typically relies on natural and approved organic substances for pest and disease control.

• How does propamocarb hydrochloride compare to other oomycete fungicides?

• • Its unique mode of action gives it an edge against resistant pathogens. It can be more effective than some traditional fungicides in controlling diseases caused by oomycetes that have developed resistance to other products. However, the choice of fungicide also depends on factors such as the specific crop, disease pressure, and cost – effectiveness.

• Is it safe to use propamocarb hydrochloride on edible crops?

• • When used according to the recommended dosage and safety intervals, it is safe for use on edible crops. The residues on the crops are within the acceptable limits set by regulatory authorities for human consumption.

• Can propamocarb hydrochloride be used in greenhouses?

• • Yes, it is very suitable for use in greenhouses. The controlled environment in greenhouses allows for better application and monitoring of the fungicide, and it can effectively control oomycete diseases in greenhouse – grown crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and various ornamentals.