Fludioxonil — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts
12/02/2017 / By Janine Acero
Fludioxonil is an odorless, colorless to yellowish synthetic compound of the phenylpyrrole group of substances. It is a non-systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide with a long residual activity that interferes with glucose transport across fungal membranes. It is effective against a range of fungal pathogens like seedling blight, stem-base browning, snow mold, and common bunt. In post-harvest, fludioxonil can be used to control gray mold, black spot, storage rot, and powdery mildew.
Fludioxonil is also effective as an insecticide seed treatment against insect pests when combined with other formulations like hiamethoxam and metalaxyl-M, fludioxonil. It can control peach-potato aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage stem flea beetles.
List of known side effects
Animal tests reveal the following side effects of experimental doses of fludioxonil:
- Liver necrosis, centrilobular hypertrophy, increased serum cholesterol and 5 ‘nucleotidase
- Nephropathy, inflammation, cysts in the kidneys
- Mild anemia
- Diarrhea
Fludioxonil is also known be very toxic to aquatic life with long-term effects.
Body systems affected by fludioxonil
Based on animal studies, fludioxonil affects the liver, kidneys and the hematopoietic system (blood cells). Fludioxonil also caused some developmental effects in offspring of pregnant rats. On the other hand, there was no evidence of carcinogenic potential with fludioxonil in the study in rat models.
Items that can contain fludioxonil
Fludioxonil inhibits transport-associated phosphorylation of glucose as well as preventing glycerol synthesis. It can be used to control fungal disease, making it a useful seed treatment as well as a post-harvest treatment for the following plants and crops:
- Oats, barley, wheat, rice, triticale and rye;
- Amenity grassland, managed amenity turf, fodder rape, mustard and oilseed rape;
- Apples, pears, plums, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, gooseberries, carrots, celery, black currants, red currants, white currants, broad beans, dwarf french beans, runner beans, crab apples, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet bell peppers, edible podded peas, quinces and ornamentals, among others.
Products that contain fludioxonil as an active ingredient include:
- Austral Plus
- Beret Gold
- Beret Multi
- Switch
- Wakil XL
- Celest 025FS
How to avoid fludioxonil
A material safety data sheet by the Syngenta Crop Protection website recommends the following steps to exposure controls and personal protection for the manufacture, formulation and packaging of fludioxonil:
- Use chemical splash goggles. In case of direct contact, immediately flush contaminated eyes with running water for a few minutes. Remove contact lenses first, if applicable.
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves (barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, PVC or Viton), coveralls, socks and chemical-resistant footwear. Discard any heavily-drenched or contaminated clothing and other absorbent materials; do not reuse them. Wash any contaminated area of the skin with soap and water.
- A respirator is not normally required when handling this substance, but in case of chemical aspiration, find a well-ventilated area or go outside where there is fresh air.
- Do not eat, drink, use tobacco and cosmetic applications in areas where there is a potential for exposure to fludioxonil. In case of accidental ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Refer to the workplace regulations regarding proper handling of equipment before applying fludioxonil.
Where to learn more
Summary
Fludioxonil is an odorless, colorless to yellowish, broad-spectrum fungicide. It interferes with glucose transport across fungal membranes.
Fludioxonil is used against seedling blight, stem-base browning, snow mold, common bunt, gray mold, black spot, storage rot and powdery mildew.
Fludioxonil is also effective as an insecticide seed treatment when combined with other formulations against peach-potato aphids, flea beetles and cabbage stem flea beetles.
Fludioxonil affects the liver, kidneys and blood cells.
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