Metalaxyl: A Versatile Fungicide
6 March 2009 
Ciba-Geigy (now Syngenta Crop Protection) introduced metalaxyl and first registered it in the US in 1979. It was first approved for use by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1982, and it requires periodic reviews by FAO.
Metalaxyl is a systemic, benzenoid fungicide used in mixtures as a foliar spray for tropical and subtropical crops, as a soil treatment for control of soil-borne pathogens, and as a seed treatment to control downy mildews.
Metalaxyl is registered for use on more than 100 agricultural crops, including more than 30 seed treatments. It is primarily used in potatoes, citrus, cotton, onions, cucurbits, tomatoes, tobacco, turfgrass, and in soybeans as a seed treatment.
Market News
In July 2008, a new strain of downy mildew attacked spinach in Salinas Valley, California, US. The Peronospora farinose pest was first identified in 1824, and it has evolved into at least 10 identified races. This new race could be No. 11, and some scientists surmise the new strain might have been encouraged because the area’s densely planted organic crops are not seed treated with metalaxyl.
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