What Is Iprodione?
Iprodione (C13H13Cl2N3O3) is a pesticide classified as a fungicide, used to protect crops from the harmful effects of plant pathogens such as filamentous fungi and bacteria.
It belongs to the dicarboximide fungicide class, falling under the signal transduction inhibitor group in the classification of pesticides by mechanism of action. It inhibits cell wall synthesis, preventing bacterial elongation, and its fungicidal action causes abnormal swelling and rupture of bacterial cells.
Characterized by its long-lasting effect, Iprodione is effective against various resistant strains of bacteria. It is highly effective against gray mold in crops such as cucumbers and strawberries, where resistance has become a problem, and also combats diseases like spotted leaf, black spot, and gray star disease in fruit trees.
At standard temperature and pressure, iprodione is an odorless, white powdery substance, primarily soluble in water.
Uses of Iprodione
Iprodione is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases in vegetables and fruit trees, being most effective against bacteria such as Alternaria, Botrytis, Sclerotinia, Monilia, Helminthosporium, and Cladosporium. It is applied in three main ways:
1. Spraying on Crops
The primary method involves diluting a fungicide containing iprodione in water and spraying it on crops. This approach is adopted from the early to late growth stages and applies to a wide range of diseases and crops, including vegetables like cucumbers, eggplants, strawberries, fruit trees such as Japanese apricots, grapes, and crops registered for use like buckwheat and tea.
2. Seed Treatment
As a second method, seeds are treated with a fungicide containing Iprodione. Typically, 0.5% of the seed’s weight in chemical is used, applied directly onto the seeds. This protects seeds from pathogens on the surface, inside, in the soil medium, or field soil, ensuring stable germination. It is notably effective against diseases like Alternaria alternata in vegetables and black leaf blight in carrots.
3. Fumigation
The third method involves fumigating with a fungicide containing Iprodione in enclosed spaces such as greenhouses. The fungicide is ignited on a special stand, and the area is vacated once smoke spreads. This method is registered for use against diseases like gray mold and is labor-saving, as pest control is achieved simply by ignition.
Types of Iprodione
Iprodione fungicides vary by the concentration of active ingredients:
1. Rovral Hydrate
Rovral Hydrate, containing 50.0% Iprodione, is a powdered fungicide used across a wide range of crops for diseases like mycorrhizal infections and vine blight in vegetables, and gray star disease and gray mold in fruit trees and ornamentals. It is applicable through water dilution, seed treatment, and fumigation.
2. Rovral Fumigant
Rovral Fumigant, a fuming product with 20.0% Iprodione, is designated for enclosed spaces such as greenhouses. It targets diseases like gray mold and mycorrhizal infections in tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and more.
3. Robdor Hydrate
Robdor Hydrate contains 16.5% Iprodione and 34.0% copper 8-hydroxyquinoline, providing exceptional control over major diseases in crops like pears and lettuce, also registered for ornamental use.
Other Information on Iprodione
Cautions for Use
- Due to its high irritation potential to the eyes and mucous membranes, protective gear such as gloves, masks, and eyewear is recommended during application to avoid contact with eyes, nose, and skin.
- Care should be taken to prevent contamination of water bodies, as aquatic life may be adversely affected.
- The product should not be used near fire sources, as it poses a risk of ignition from heat, sparks, or flames.