Fungicides are an essential tool for controlling plant diseases and maintaining crop health. However, not all fungicides are created equal. There are two main categories curative vs protective fungicides. Understanding the difference between these two types of fungicides is crucial for effective disease management and crop protection.
Curative fungicides are applied after the plant has been infected with a pathogen. These fungicides work by stopping the growth and spread of the pathogen within the plant tissues. Curative fungicides are most effective when applied within 24 to 72 hours after infection occurs, depending on the specific fungicide. They are also known as early-infection fungicides.
Protective fungicides, on the other hand, are applied before the plant is infected. These fungicides create a barrier on the surface of the plant that prevents the pathogen from entering and infecting the plant tissues. Protective fungicides must come into direct contact with the fungus and need to be reapplied as new plant tissues emerge or if the product washes off. They are also known as preventative fungicides.
What are Fungicides?
Fungicides are a type of pesticide that are used to prevent, control, or eliminate fungal diseases in plants. They can be applied to the plant foliage, fruit, or soil to protect the plant from fungal infections. Fungal infections can cause serious damage to crops, reducing yield and quality, and sometimes even leading to the complete loss of the crop.
There are different types of fungicides, and they work in different ways. Protective fungicides are applied before the plant is infected with the fungus, and they create a barrier on the surface of the plant that prevents the fungus from penetrating the plant tissue. Curative fungicides, on the other hand, are applied after the plant has been infected, and they work by killing the fungus or stopping its growth within the plant tissue.
Fungicides can be classified based on their mode of action, which is the way in which they work to control the fungus. Some fungicides work by disrupting the cell membrane of the fungus, while others inhibit the production of enzymes that the fungus needs to grow. Some fungicides work by interfering with the metabolism of the fungus, while others prevent the fungus from reproducing.
What are Curative Fungicides?
Curative fungicides are a type of fungicide that are used to control fungal infections that have already infected plants. They are applied after the infection has already occurred, and are designed to stop the growth of the pathogen within the plant tissue. Curative fungicides are most effective when applied within 24 to 72 hours after infection occurs, depending on the specific fungicide used.
Curative fungicides work by penetrating the plant tissue and inhibiting the growth of the pathogen. This can help to prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the plant, and can also help to reduce the severity of the infection. Curative fungicides are often used in combination with other control measures, such as cultural practices and preventative fungicides, to provide a comprehensive approach to disease control.
It is important to note that curative fungicides are not a substitute for good cultural practices and preventative measures. While they can be effective at controlling fungal infections, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other control measures. Additionally, curative fungicides should be used judiciously to prevent the development of resistance in fungal populations.
How do Curative Fungicides Work?
Curative fungicides are designed to stop the growth of fungi that have already infected a plant. They work by penetrating the plant tissue and inhibiting the fungal growth within the plant. This type of fungicide is usually most effective 24 to 72 hours after infection occurs, depending on the fungicide.
Curative fungicides can also be used to treat plants that are showing visible symptoms of fungal infection. They are often used in combination with preventative fungicides to provide complete protection against fungal diseases.
The mode of action of curative fungicides varies depending on the specific fungicide. Some fungicides work by damaging the cell membrane of the fungus, while others inhibit important processes that the fungi need to survive. Fungicides that can move within the plant tissue can be both preventative and curative.
It is important to note that curative fungicides are not always the best option for treating fungal infections. In some cases, preventative fungicides may be more effective at stopping the spread of fungal diseases. It is important to consult with a professional or refer to the product label to determine the most appropriate course of action when dealing with fungal infections.
What are Protective Fungicides?
Fungicides are pesticides that prevent, kill, mitigate, or inhibit the growth of fungi on plants. Protective fungicides are applied to plants before fungal infections occur. They create a barrier on the plant surface that prevents fungal spores from germinating or penetrating the plant tissue. Protective fungicides are also known as contact fungicides because they only protect the parts of the plant that come into contact with the fungicide.
Protective fungicides are most effective when applied preventatively, before the onset of disease symptoms. They are less effective once the disease has established itself in the plant tissue. Protective fungicides are often used in conjunction with cultural practices, such as crop rotation, to manage fungal diseases.
Some common examples of protective fungicides include sulfur, copper, and chlorothalonil. These fungicides are typically applied to the plant surface as a spray or dust. They can be systemic or non-systemic, meaning they may or may not move within the plant tissue. Protective fungicides can be classified based on their mode of action, mobility in the plant, and chemical structure.
How do Protective Fungicides Work?
Protective fungicides are applied to plants before they become infected with fungi. These fungicides work by creating a barrier on the surface of the plant that prevents fungal spores from germinating and penetrating the plant. The barrier can be physical or chemical, and it can last for different amounts of time depending on the fungicide used.
Physical barriers are created by applying a fungicide that forms a film or coating on the surface of the plant. This film can be sticky or waxy, and it physically blocks the fungal spores from landing on the plant surface. Chemical barriers, on the other hand, work by inhibiting the growth of the fungus. These fungicides are absorbed into the plant tissue and interfere with the metabolic processes of the fungus, preventing it from growing and spreading.
Protective fungicides are often used preventatively on crops that are susceptible to fungal diseases. They are applied in a timely manner to prevent the onset of infection and to protect the plant during the critical stages of growth. The effectiveness of protective fungicides depends on the timing of the application, the type of fungicide used, and the weather conditions. Applying fungicides when the weather is dry and warm can increase their effectiveness, as fungal spores need moisture to germinate and infect the plant.
Differences between Curative and Protective Fungicides
Fungicides are used to suppress the growth of fungi or fungal spores. However, not all fungicides are created equal. There are two types of fungicides: curative and protective. Understanding the differences between these two types of fungicides is crucial for effective crop management.
Curative fungicides are applied after the plant has been infected with the fungus. These fungicides work by stopping the early growth of the pathogen in the plant tissues. Curative fungicides are usually most effective 24 to 72 hours after infection occurs, depending on the fungicide. The goal of curative fungicides is to prevent the spread of the fungus and to limit the damage already done to the plant.
Protective fungicides, on the other hand, are applied before the plant has been infected. These fungicides form a protective barrier on the surface of the plant, preventing the fungus from penetrating the plant tissue. Protective fungicides must come into direct contact with the fungus, and they have to be reapplied to new plant tissues (as leaves or needles expand in the spring) or if the product washes off. The goal of protective fungicides is to prevent the fungus from infecting the plant in the first place.
It is important to note that the efficacy of both curative and protective fungicides decreases as the time from application to inoculation (preventative) or inoculation to application (curative) increases. Therefore, it is important to apply fungicides at the appropriate time to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Which Fungicide to Use?
Choosing the right fungicide for your crops can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between curative and protective fungicides:
- Timing: If you’re looking to prevent fungal infections, it’s best to use protective fungicides before any signs of infection appear. Curative fungicides, on the other hand, are best used after an infection has been identified.
- Severity: If your crops are already showing signs of infection, curative fungicides may be the better option. However, if you’re looking to prevent future infections, protective fungicides may be more effective.
- Mode of Action: It’s important to consider the mode of action of the fungicide you’re using. Curative fungicides work by stopping the growth of the pathogen within plant tissues, while protective fungicides create a barrier that prevents infection from occurring.
- Residue: Some fungicides leave residue on crops, which can affect their marketability. It’s important to consider the residue levels of the fungicide you’re using and whether it meets your specific market requirements.
Ultimately, the decision to use a curative or protective fungicide will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific crop, the severity of the infection, and the market requirements for the crop. It’s important to consult with a crop specialist or agronomist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Conclusion
When it comes to controlling fungal diseases in crops, the use of fungicides is a common practice. Fungicides can be classified into two broad categories: curative and protective. Curative fungicides are applied after the onset of disease symptoms, while protective fungicides are applied before the onset of symptoms.
Both types of fungicides have their benefits and drawbacks. Protective fungicides are effective at preventing the occurrence of diseases, but they may not be effective against all types of fungi. Curative fungicides, on the other hand, are effective at controlling the spread of diseases, but they may not be able to cure the plant completely.
It is important to note that the use of fungicides should be a part of an integrated pest management program. This program should include other measures such as crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of resistant cultivars. The use of fungicides should be minimized to reduce the risk of developing resistance in fungi.
Overall, the choice of fungicide to be used depends on the type of crop, the stage of disease, and the type of fungus causing the disease. It is important to follow the label instructions carefully and to use fungicides only when necessary.
Sources: Ivic, Dario. “Curative and eradicative effects of fungicides.” Fungicides (2010): 3-22. Link: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=NuaODwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=curative+fungicides&ots=aUDdDS7RTT&sig=4NwCiSGs0wyzFjpQ8m0kpL_4s40
Oliver, Richard P., and H. Geoff Hewitt. Fungicides in crop protection. Cabi, 2014. Link: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=4x0xBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR5&dq=protective+fungicides&ots=VW570w1VSR&sig=s2NLZNIMHH7-lOkyeCMo9qX_wt8
