Fungi are microorganisms that frequently affect plants, but the worst thing is not the fungi themselves, but how quickly they act. In fact, they can cause significant losses unless we take action as soon as possible. To avoid problems, they have been studying, first the plants themselves and later other substances, which can be used as a fungicide.
Today we find a wide variety of products, especially compounds (chemicals) that have proven to be quite useful in the fight against diseases caused by fungi. But, What exactly is a fungicide and what types are there?
What is it?
The short answer would be: Toxic substances that eliminate (or try to ) fungi, but the reality is much more than that. It is a series of substances that inhibit and can even stop the growth and development of these microorganisms.
But we cannot forget that any fungicide, no matter how effective it may be, if used in excess will cause damage, often irreversible, both to plants and to the environment.
What types are there?
Fungicides can be classified according to their mode of action, according to their composition and according to their field of extension. Let's see what are the characteristics of each one:
Action mode
There are two sub-types:
Protectors or contact
They are that applied BEFORE plants show symptoms, since they only act when the spores have reached them and are about to germinate.
They apply, for example, to those specimens that have been in contact with diseased plants to protect them.
| Marca | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| compo Discover how to make a homemade fungicide | Good organic fungicide that protects plants from mildew and also does not harm bees.
It is sold in packages of 75 grams. |
10,96€
|
|
DIVER C PM
|
This fungicide based on copper oxychloride is a good preventive against a wide variety of fungi, among which those that cause rust and anthracnose stand out.
It is sold in packs of 6 sachets weighing 40 grams each. |
16,90€
|
|
FLOWER ORCHARD
|
A fungicide based on micronized sulfur that, in addition to serving as a preventive against powdery mildew and black powder, will also serve as an acaricide. It is sold in small bags of 500 grams. |
5,50€
|
Eradicators or systemic / systematic
Are the ones applied when plants already look sick. They are absorbed through the leaves or roots, and are carried to the rest of the plant.
| Marca | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
ALLIETTE 
|
It is a fungicide especially indicated for plants that have become ill from Phytophthora and Phytium fungi, something that makes it very suitable for conifers and lawns.
It is sold in boxes of 5kg. |
16,12€
|
|
BATTLE
|
Very suitable fungicide for all types of plants, especially ornamentals that are usually the most vulnerable to mildew, Phytophthora and gummosis.
It is sold in boxes of 250 grams. |
19,39€
|
|
BAYER |
An ideal fungicide for all types of crops, whether indoor or outdoor, as it acts against botrytis, anthracnose, powdery mildew and speckles. It is sold in boxes of 998 grams. |
19,04€
|
According to your field of application
Currently fungicides are increasingly selective, so it is becoming increasingly easy to find the ones we really need. These are some examples:
For conifers
Conifers, that is, pines, cypresses, yews, etc. They are very vulnerable to fungi that cause the leaves to brown. But with this fungicide you will have nothing to worry about because you will be able to revitalize them without problems.
For lawn
Having a well-groomed lawn is sometimes not easy, especially because of the fungi that are always lurking. Fortunately, in the market we have a fungicide like the one we recommend that acts both as a preventive and as a curative of the diseases of the wonderful green carpet in the garden.
For rose bushes
Rose bushes are very resistant plants, but if they are overwatered or kept in less than ideal conditions, they can be affected by fungi such as anthracnose, rust or powdery mildew. To protect or cure them, there is nothing like a ready-to-use fungicide spray .
According to its composition
Depending on their composition, they can be ecological or chemical:
Ecological fungicides
They are those that are composed of substances that come from nature and / or that do not harm the environment. They are used above all as preventives, but they also serve as curatives, such as:
| Marca | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
KB |
It is an excellent fungicide based on copper neutralized with lime, highly recommended against cankers, rust, alternaria and gummies. It is sold in boxes of 500 grams. |
12,40€
|
|
FLOWER |
This is a sulfur-based fungicide, which is very effective as both a preventive and a curative of mildew.
It is sold in boxes of 95,3 grams. |
12,40€
|
Chemical fungicides
They are those that are made with chemical / compound substances. They are used mainly as curatives, since they usually have a faster efficiency than the ecological ones. Some examples are:
| Marca | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
PROTECT GARDEN
|
A systemic fungicide spray, ready to use. Indicated to protect and / or cure plants that can or are sick with fungi. |
9,65€
|
|
MASSO GARDEN
|
With this systemic fungicide you can prevent and cure the most common plant diseases, such as powdery mildew, alternaria and rust. |
6,44€
|
|
compo |
You have no idea which fungus is damaging your crops? For those situations, you have this versatile fungicide effective against the most common diseases, such as powdery mildew, rust or septoria. It is sold in bottles of 100ml. |
8€
|
Are they harmful to the environment?
As we mentioned at the beginning, fungicide overused can harm plants that it should cure, but also insects, such as bees (unless otherwise indicated).
That is why, always, always, it will be better to use organic ones, because although they may take a little longer to take effect, they are not harmful to anyone, only to microorganisms that cause diseases.
In any case, to avoid problems you must read and follow the instructions specified on the container to the letter, as well as wear rubber gloves (at least) if you are going to apply chemical fungicides.
To learn more about the types of fungicides and their use in gardening, we recommend checking out the complete guide in our article. You can also learn how to make your own eco-friendly products at How to make an organic fungicide at home and on the use of natural ingredients in .
I hope you have learned a lot about this type of products .