Fungi and fungal-like organisms (FLOs) cause irreversible damages to food production. They negatively impact plant health and human nutrition. Some of the significant food losses in history, including the destruction of wheat crops in the middle ages, potato blight in Ireland, loss of grape vineyards of Central Europe etc., are linked to fungi and FLOs.

Most importantly, a study has found that airborne fungi are responsible for causing more damage and diseases to crops than bacteria and viruses. Given the extent of damages they cause, it is highly essential that plants are regularly checked for the presence of fungi. If spotted, an adequate amount of efficient fungicide products should be applied. This article explores different aspects of fungi and some of the leading fungicides available in the market.

Content of the article -

• Biotic and abiotic stresses in plants 
• More about fungi in plants - Source, how they damage plants, types of damages 
• What are fungicides? 
• About using fungicides
• Dhanuka range of fungicides

Biotic and abiotic stresses in plants

Plants can consistently grow in favorable conditions, including full sun, nutrient-rich soil, timely access to adequate amounts of water, etc. However, plants face a series of challenges throughout their growth cycles. They need regular inspection and proper care failing which could leave them vulnerable to several diseases and other issues. They are exposed to different types of biotic and abiotic stresses. Abiotic stresses may refer to physical forces like the lack or excess of water, different temperature levels, drought, deficiency of minerals, availability of pollutants etc. On the other hand, biotic stresses may refer to biological organisms such as insect bacteria, viruses, weeds, pests, fungus, etc.

These issues leave a severe impact on plants. Fungal infections, for example, are responsible for destroying millions of tons of the top five crops - rice, wheat, maize, potatoes and soybeans (Source).

More about fungi in plants

Fungi consist of the most significant number of plant pathogens and are responsible for causing several diseases in plants. Fungi damage plants by killing their cells or by causing plant stress.

They can be sourced to infected soil, crop debris, weeds, etc. They are often spread with the blow of winds, splash of water, movement of men, animals, machinery, tools, etc. Some fungal diseases are White blister/White rust, Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Clubroot, Fusarium wilts and rots, Cavity spot, Tuber diseases (Various species), Black root rot etc., to name a few.

What are fungicides?

Controlling fungal infection requires one to choose plant varieties with proven resistance to diseases, adequate irrigation, proper pruning and spacing etc., to name a few. It is essential to inspect plants regularly for any existing health conditions and if signs of fungal infection are spotted, apply fungicides.

Fungicides refer to biocidal chemical compounds or biological organisms that are used to kill or prevent the growth of fungi and fungi spores. The right use of fungicide can safeguard plants against different fungal infections, increase crop yields, support sustainable production and development of major crop types, and support farmers to meet their production targets.

About using fungicides

The use of a fungicide is beneficial, but it may not be enough if a disease already exists and has grown speedily, severely affecting the growth of a plant. Therefore, it is essential to closely watch plants in all their growth stages and take preventive action if anomalies are found. Fungicides should be used properly after reading the labels thoroughly and following all the instructions. If you are unsure about the type, quantity and usage direction, you should seek an expert’s help.

The best fungicide for plants

• LUSTRE 
• GODIWA SUPER 
• CONIKA 
• CURSOR 
• KASU-B 
• SIXER 
• FUJITA 
• SPECTRUM 
• SHEATHMAR 
• VITAVAX ULTRA 
• DHANUKA M-45 
• VITAVAX POWER 
• DHANUSTIN 
• DHANUCOP 
• HEXADHAN PLUS 
• ZEROX 
• KIRARI 
• NISSODIUM

To learn more about each product, their features and uses, organic fungicide for plants, natural fungicide for plant roots, etc., please feel free to click here.