What Is Flusulfamide?
Flusulfamide is a soil fungicide primarily used to control diseases in crops. It is effective against potato blight in potatoes and other root crops, and root-knot blight in cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous crops. The active ingredient is 0.30% flusulfamide.
This benzene sulfonanilide fungicide is known for its environmentally friendly toxicity, as it is not classified as a poisonous, toxic, or deleterious substance.
Flusulfamide is applicable for crops such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and radishes against root-knot disease. It is also used for potatoes and burdock rootworm control.
Uses of Flusulfamide
Available in powder, fine granule, and liquid forms, Flusulfamide is used for soil disinfection. The powder or granules should be applied and mixed with the soil using a hoe or tractor. A depth of 10 to 15 cm is usually sufficient, as pathogens are most common on the soil surface.
After application, planting can proceed immediately. Flusulfamide is effective in controlling bacterial blight and root-knot blight, with pathogens often residing in the soil.
1. Potato Blight
Potato blight affects root crops, particularly potatoes, and is caused by soil-dwelling bacteria. It thrives in hot, dry, and alkaline conditions, leading to rough crop surfaces and lesions on leaves and fruit. This disease can slow plant growth and reduce yields.
Additionally, flusulfamide can control powdery mildew, another disease affecting potatoes in humid conditions.
2. Root-Knot Disease
Root-knot disease creates bumps on the roots of cruciferous vegetables and is caused by fungi. Symptoms include wilting leaves and stems, with roots developing large bumps that inhibit water and nutrient absorption, eventually killing the plant. This disease is more prevalent in humid or poorly drained soils.
Features of Flusulfamide
Pros
- Effectively controls pathogens dormant in soil over long periods.
- Registered for a wide range of Brassica crops, allowing for versatile use.
- Enables immediate planting post-application, facilitating smooth agricultural operations.
Cons
- High costs for chemicals and spraying equipment.
- While inhibiting germination and release of dormant spores, it doesn’t reduce pathogen spore density, requiring careful management.
Other Information on Flusulfamide
Precautions for Use
- Tillage is necessary after spraying to ensure proper soil mixing before seeding or planting.
- Usage limitations exist per cultivation cycle and for the total number of applications of Flusulfamide.
- The product has a shelf life of 5 years; it must be used within this timeframe.
- Protective gear like gloves and masks should be worn during application, especially with powder form in windy conditions, to avoid skin, eye, and respiratory exposure.