What Is Pyraclostrobin and Why Is It a Leading Strobilurin Fungicide?

Technical Introduction

Pyraclostrobin is a broad-spectrum fungicide from the strobilurin chemical class (QoI – Quinone outside Inhibitors). It is one of the most widely used fungicides in modern agriculture due to its protective, curative, and physiological benefits.

Its mode of action is the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in fungi. Pyraclostrobin binds to the Qo site of cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III), blocking electron transport and halting ATP production. Without energy, fungal cells rapidly die.

In addition to its antifungal activity, Pyraclostrobin is known for its AgCelence® effect (plant health benefits), such as enhanced photosynthesis, stress tolerance, and delayed senescence, leading to improved yield and quality.

Applications

• Cereal Crops (Wheat, Barley, Oats, Maize, Rice):

  • Controls rusts, powdery mildew, leaf spots, Septoria, Pyrenophora, and Fusarium (partially).

• Fruits (Grapes, Apple, Citrus, Banana, Strawberry):

  • Effective against powdery mildew, scab, alternaria, anthracnose, rusts.

• Vegetables (Tomato, Potato, Onion, Peppers, Beans, Cucurbits):

  • Controls early blight, downy mildew, powdery mildew, leaf spot, anthracnose.

• Soybeans & Oilseeds (Canola, Sunflower):

  • Protection against rusts, leaf spots, Sclerotinia.

• Turfgrass & Ornamentals:

  • Prevents dollar spot, leaf spot, rusts, and mildews.

Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum Control: Effective against more than 30 major fungal pathogens.

• Preventive, Curative & Eradicative: Active both before and shortly after infection.

• Systemic & Translaminar Movement: Moves inside leaves, protecting both surfaces.

• Long Residual Activity: Extended protection, reducing the number of sprays needed.

• Plant Health Benefits: Improves photosynthesis, nitrogen use efficiency, drought tolerance, and yield stability.

• Resistance Management Tool: Often used in mixtures with triazoles (DMIs) or SDHIs to reduce resistance risk.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: What crops benefit most from Pyraclostrobin?
A: It is widely used in cereals, soybeans, grapes, potatoes, and vegetables, where it controls key fungal diseases and improves yield.

Q2: Is Pyraclostrobin systemic?
A: Yes, it shows systemic and translaminar movement, protecting treated leaves and new growth.

Q3: Can Pyraclostrobin be used alone?
A: While effective alone, it is often formulated in mixtures with triazoles (e.g., epoxiconazole, tebuconazole) or SDHIs (fluxapyroxad, boscalid) for broader spectrum and resistance management.

Q4: Does Pyraclostrobin provide plant health benefits?
A: Yes, besides disease control, it improves photosynthetic efficiency, reduces stress, and enhances grain filling, contributing to higher yield.

Q5: How should Pyraclostrobin be applied?
A: Apply preventively or at first disease symptoms, ensuring thorough leaf coverage. Repeat as needed based on disease pressure and label recommendations.