Signum is a broad-spectrum fungicide belonging to the group known as strobilurins. These fungicides work by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration in fungal cells. Specifically, Signum targets complex III in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, preventing the transfer of electrons from bc1 complexes to cytochrome c. This blockade disrupts ATP production within fungal cells, effectively stopping their growth and reproduction. Without energy from respiration, fungi cannot carry out essential cellular processes and are unable to infect or damage crops.
Spectrum of Disease Control
Due to its novel mode of action, Signum provides effective control over many important plant fungal diseases. It inhibits a wide variety of fungal pathogens across numerous crop types. Some of the key diseases Signum is used against include:
- Powdery mildews: Pyraclostrobin is highly effective against numerous powdery mildew fungi that can infect crops like grapes, cucurbits, apples, strawberries, and more.
- Rusts: It controls rust fungi posing threats to wheat, barley, oats, soybeans, and other grains/oilseeds.
- Leaf spots: Diseases like brown leaf spot of rice and anthracnose leaf spot of various fruit and vegetable crops.
- Botrytis bunch rot: A serious post-harvest disease of grapes.
- Fusarium head blight: A devastating wheat disease also known as scab.
- Alternaria diseases: Leaf spot and fruit rot pathogens across many crop types.
This broad spectrum of activity makes Signum a useful component in integrated pest management programs, providing resilience against new and emerging disease problems. Its preventative and curative capabilities offer good protection for high-value crops.
Advantages for Growers
There are several key advantages that make Signum appealing for agricultural producers:
- It delivers strong disease control with one application or season-long protection with a regular spray schedule. This reliable performance helps maximize yields.
- As a contact and systemic fungicide, Signum attains excellent distribution over plant surfaces and within tissues for long-lasting protection.
- Its favourable toxicological profile means minimal pre-harvest intervals or other handling restrictions. Signum breaks down quickly in the environment.
- Resistance is slow to develop due to its novel mode of action on the respiratory system. It remains effective for many years of continuous use.
- Pyraclostrobin mixes well with many other crop protection products and can be easily incorporated into existing spray programs.
These beneficial properties have made it one of the broadest selling fungicides worldwide for high-value horticultural, fruit, cereal, and vegetable crops. Proactive use guarantees profitable harvests even in rainy seasons conducive to fungal outbreaks.
Regulatory Status
Signum was first registered for agricultural use in the European Union and United States in 2002. It gained approval in major markets like Brazil, Argentina, and Australia soon afterwards. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has also cleared Signum as a safe fungicide for food and feed crops.
Toxicology studies in rats, mice, and dogs established its low risk to mammals. No adverse effects were observed even at extremely high test doses vastly exceeding expected exposure levels. Further eco-toxicity research found Signum to present minimal hazard for birds, aquatic life, pollinators, and other non-target organisms. It also breaks down rapidly in soil and water.
Based on this strong safety profile, Pyraclostrobin is approved for use in organic agriculture in some nations. Maximum residue limits have been set for dozens of food commodities globally. With continued monitoring and reviews confirming its environmental and human safety, Signum looks poised to remain a frontline solution for sustainable disease management well into the future.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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