Fungicides are chemical or biological substances used to prevent, control, or eliminate fungal diseases in plants. They play a crucial role in agriculture by protecting crops from damage caused by fungi, which can reduce yield and quality.
?? What do fungi do?
Fungi can infect plants and cause various diseases, such as:
- Leaf spot – spots or lesions on leaves
- Rust – reddish or brown patches
- Powdery mildew – white powder-like coating on leaves
- Blight – rapid drying and death of plant parts
?? How do fungicides work?
1. Preventive (Protective):
→ Applied before infection occurs
→ Stops fungi from growing or spreading
2. Curative:
→ Applied after infection appears
→ Kills or suppresses existing fungi
?? Types of Fungicides
1. Contact Fungicides
→ Stay on the plant surface
→ Protect only the sprayed area
→ Example: Mancozeb
2. Systemic Fungicides
→ Absorbed into the plant
→ Provide internal protection
→ Example: Carbendazim
?? Why are fungicides important?
- Increase crop yield
- Improve crop quality
- Protect plants from diseases
- Reduce farmers’ losses