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Crop Protection & Pesticides

Myclobutanil Fungicide: Scab & Powdery Mildew Care

Myclobutanil is a systemic triazole fungicide formulated primarily as a 10% WP (wettable powder) designed for protective, curative, and eradicative control of powdery mildews, scabs, and rusts. It acts as a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) that halts the biosynthesis of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, arresting pathogen growth even after initial infection has occurred. Widely utilized in commercial apple orchards, viticulture, and horticulture, myclobutanil provides long-lasting systemic protection with excellent crop safety.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Chemical Class and Systemic Mode of Action

Myclobutanil delivers translaminar and acropetal systemic protection throughout treated plant tissues.

Key biochemical attributes:

  • Chemical class: Triazole fungicide (DMI / FRAC Group 3).
  • Ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor: Inactivates the 14-alpha demethylase enzyme, disrupting fungal cell membrane permeability and function.
  • Curative reach-back action: Possesses strong curative action, stopping fungal infections within 72 to 96 hours of initial pathogen penetration.
  • Translaminar movement: Moves across leaf cuticles to defend untreated lower leaf surfaces against fungal sporulation.

Target Crops and Disease Complex Controlled

Myclobutanil is registered under CIBRC guidelines across key temperate fruit orchards and commercial vegetables.

Major registered crop uses:

  • Apple: Outstanding control against apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) and powdery mildew during pre-bloom, pink bud, and petal fall stages.
  • Grapes: Shields grapevine canopies, flower clusters, and developing berries against powdery mildew (Uncinula necator).
  • Chilli: Controls powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica), preventing leaf yellowing, defoliation, and fruit sunburn.
  • Pigeon pea and pulses: Suppresses rust and powdery mildew during reproductive flowering and pod set.

Application Guidelines and Resistance Management

Proper application scheduling preserves chemical efficacy against mutating fungal strains.

Safe spraying guidelines:

  • Label dose compliance: Measure strictly per manufacturer package instructions; mix thoroughly in clean water.
  • Fungicide rotation: Alternate myclobutanil applications with contact fungicides (such as captan or mancozeb) to manage resistance.
  • Weather timing: Spray during calm, dry weather to ensure uniform foliar deposition; allow 2 hours drying time for full rainfastness.
  • Operator safety: Wear personal protective equipment including rubber gloves, eye goggles, and a protective mask during spray mixing.

Official source

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Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage ↗

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Common questions

What type of fungicide is myclobutanil?

Myclobutanil is a systemic triazole fungicide that provides protective, curative, and eradicative activity by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis.

Why is myclobutanil widely used in commercial apple orchards?

It provides exceptional control against apple scab and powdery mildew, offering reach-back curative activity after infection events.

Does myclobutanil wash off easily during light rain?

No, it penetrates leaf cuticles rapidly and becomes rainfast within two hours of application.

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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