What Is Imazalil and Why Is It a Key Post-Harvest Fungicide?
Technical Introduction
Imazalil (also known as Enilconazole) is a systemic imidazole fungicide primarily used in post-harvest protection of fruits and vegetables. It belongs to the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (EBIs), specifically interfering with fungal sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51 enzyme).
By blocking ergosterol production, Imazalil weakens fungal cell membranes, preventing growth and reproduction. Because of its systemic action, it penetrates fruit skins and provides internal protection against storage molds and rots.
Imazalil is considered one of the most important citrus post-harvest fungicides, often used in combination with other fungicides like thiabendazole or fludioxonil for resistance management.
Applications
Post-Harvest Fruit Protection:
Widely applied to citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruit) to control green mold (Penicillium digitatum) and blue mold (Penicillium italicum).
Used in bananas, apples, pears, and melons against storage rots.
Applied as dips, drenches, sprays, or wax additives immediately after harvest.
Seed Treatment:
Sometimes used for cereal and vegetable seeds to prevent seed-borne fungi.
Vegetables:
Limited use in potatoes and onions for protection against storage fungi.
Ornamental & Turf:
Registered in some countries for fungal disease prevention.
Advantages
Systemic Protection: Penetrates fruit peel, protecting against latent infections.
Post-Harvest Shelf-Life Extension: Significantly reduces fruit losses during storage and transport.
Highly Effective Against Penicillium: Controls the most economically damaging storage molds in citrus.
Versatile Application: Can be applied as spray, dip, drench, or in wax coatings.
Synergistic in Mixtures: Often used with thiabendazole or fludioxonil to broaden spectrum and delay resistance.
Global Adoption: Registered and widely used in major citrus-producing countries.
Specifications (Typical Parameters)
| Parameter | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 1-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2-propenyloxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazole | Imazalil |
| Chemical Formula | Molecular composition | C₁₄H₁₄Cl₂N₂O |
| Molecular Weight | ~297.18 g/mol | |
| Appearance | Physical state | Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid |
| Formulation Types | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC), Water-Dispersible Granules (WG), Post-harvest dips/waxes | Common: 500 g/L EC, 200 g/L SC |
| Solubility | In water (25°C) | ~140 mg/L (moderate) |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage | Slightly sensitive to UV light |
| Mode of Action | Inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis (CYP51 inhibitor) | Systemic fungicide |
FAQ
Q1: What is Imazalil mainly used for?
A: Imazalil is primarily used for post-harvest treatment of citrus fruits to control green and blue molds (Penicillium spp.).
Q2: Is Imazalil systemic?
A: Yes, it penetrates fruit tissues, offering internal protection against latent fungal infections.
Q3: Can Imazalil be used in the field?
A: It is mostly registered for post-harvest applications. Field use is limited, but it is occasionally used in seed treatment
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