Fungicide's History
Early fungicides were inorganic compounds, such as sulfur powder and copper formulations (see Bordeaux), which are still in use today. In 1914, I. Rim of Germany first used organic mercury compounds to control wheat smut, marking the beginning of the development of organic fungicides.
In 1934, W.H. Tisdale of the United States discovered the bactericidal properties of dimethyldithiocarbamate, and organic fungicides began to develop rapidly thereafter. Developed in the 40s and 50s, there are three main series of organic sulfur fungicides: Fumei, Daisen (such as Daisen zinc) and trichloromethylthiocarbaimide, in addition to organic chlorine, organic mercury, Organic arsenic fungicides have also developed. Most of these fungicides are protective agents and have limitations in application.
Since the 1960s, more chemical types of fungicides have emerged, the most important of which is the advent of systemic fungicides.
In 1965, Japan developed the organophosphorus bactericide rice blast. In 1966, the United States developed the rust-free spirit. In 1967, the United States developed benomyl. In 1969, Japan developed thiocarbazone. In 1974, the Federal Republic of Germany developed oxazolone, 1975. In the United States, tricyclazole was developed in the United States. In 1977, Mexico developed the metalaxyl. In 1978, France developed aluminum triethylphosphate. The systemic agent represented by the above has become the mainstream of the development of fungicides since the 1970s. At the same time, agricultural antibiotics have also developed rapidly. Organic mercury, organic arsenic and certain organochlorine fungicides are being phased out due to toxicity or environmental pollution problems. A new generation of systemic agents has further expanded the market for fungicides due to improved control effects. By the 1980s, there were more than 200 types of fungicides. According to the survey, worldwide sales of fungicides reached US$2.54 billion in 1985, accounting for 18.4% of total pesticide sales.
In 1984, the sales of systemic agents in biocides accounted for 44.2%, and non-endrols accounted for 55.8%. In the past half century, the development of fungicides has mainly focused on the prevention and treatment of fungal diseases, and the research and development of agents for controlling bacteria and viruses has not been sufficiently developed. Since the 1950s, China has mainly developed protective fungicides. Since the 1970s, it has begun to develop systemic fungicides and agricultural antibiotics, and has stopped using organic amalgams. Due to the complicated application technology of fungicides, the development speed is not as fast as that of pesticides. However, the protective effect of fungicides on agricultural production has been increasingly recognized by farmers. With the modernization of Chinese agriculture, the development of fungicides will surely accelerate.
