Fungicides

Why are fungicides important for Australian farming?

In Australia, common fungal diseases like rust, powdery mildew, and blackleg pose major threats to crops including wheat, barley, canola, pulses, and vegetables. Variable climates and intensive cropping systems create high disease pressure and yield risk, making effective control in the Australian context imperative.

Fungicides are essential for: 

• Protecting crop yields from financial losses
• Maintaining grain or produce quality for domestic and export markets
• Supporting sustainable farming by working along herbicides and insecticides as part of an integrated crop protection program.

When should fungicides be used?

Strategic use of fungicides helps protect crop health and reduces the risk of disease resistance building up in fungal populations.

Fungicides can be used at several crop stages to prevent or manage fungal pressure:

• Seed treatment: By coating the seed before planting, you can protect seedlings from early infestations.
• In-furrow applications: Apply during planting to safeguard both roots and germinating plants.
• Foliar sprays: Ideal for use during the growing season when conditions favour disease outbreaks, foliar formulas are sprayed onto leaves and stems.

As with most chemical treatments, timely and effective application of fungicides is critical for efficacy.

What types of fungicides are available?

Fungicides fall into two main groups, both of which present unique benefits for users:

• Protectant fungicides: These formulas work on the plant’s surface, stopping fungal spores from germinating. They are most effective when applied prior to infestation.
• Systemic fungicides: Systemic chemicals are absorbed into the plant and move through internal tissues to stop infections in their early stages. Because of their curative potential, systemic fungicides are preferred in high-pressure environments. 

Growers often use fungicide rotations or mixtures to maintain efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance.

At Specialist Sales, you’ll find a wide range of fungicide products from leading brands, designed to support growers with reliable, cost-effective solutions for disease management. If you need support picking the right fungicide for you, contact our team.