What Are FRAC Groups in Fungicides?

If you frequently encounter FRAC Groups 3, 7, 11, M03, or 27 when selecting fungicides, what exactly do these codes represent? Why do some different active ingredients belong to the same FRAC Group, while fungicides with completely different modes of action can appear in the same formulated product?

Simply put, FRAC Groups are a classification system used to identify the modes of action of fungicides and associated resistance risks, helping growers, plant protection technicians, and pesticide buyers understand the relationships between different active ingredients.

For example, Tebuconazole and Difenoconazole are two different active ingredients, but both belong to FRAC Group 3. Azoxystrobin and Pyraclostrobin are also different active ingredients, yet both are classified under FRAC Group 11.

This means that changing the active ingredient does not necessarily mean changing the mode of action. If the target pathogen has already developed resistance to a particular FRAC Group, continuing to use other fungicides from the same group may still result in cross-resistance issues.

On the other hand, Mancozeb belongs to FRAC M03; it is a multi-site fungicide and has different resistance management characteristics compared to many single-site fungicides.

Therefore, understanding FRAC Groups is not just about memorizing a code table; more importantly, it involves knowing how to identify active ingredients, assess cross-resistance, and apply this information to practical disease management and product selection.

For pesticide importers, distributors, and brand owners, this also serves as a crucial technical foundation for planning their fungicide product portfolio. By understanding the distribution of products across different FRAC groups, they can more effectively evaluate their existing product mix and potential procurement needs. You can also refer to the POMAIS Fungicide Product Portfolio to understand the supply trends for different active ingredients and formulations.

What Does FRAC Stand For?

FRAC stands for Fungicide Resistance Action Committee.

FRAC is a technical organization composed of professionals and companies in the crop protection industry, focusing primarily on the development, monitoring, and management of fungicide resistance.

One of its key tasks is to develop and continuously update the Fungicide Mode of Action Classification, helping the industry identify the modes of action of different fungicides and potential cross-resistance relationships.

As of this writing, the latest available official classification document is the FRAC Code List 2026, last updated in May 2026. The next decision regarding a classification update is expected to take place in March 2027.

• Identifying the primary modes of action of fungicides.

• Distinguishing the classification groups to which different active ingredients belong.

• Identifying fungicides that may exhibit cross-resistance.

• Assessing the inherent resistance risk within different mode-of-action groups.

• Providing technical guidance for fungicide rotation and rational formulation.

It should be specifically noted that FRAC is not a pesticide registration and approval authority.

What Does a FRAC Code Mean?

A FRAC Code is a code used to identify fungicide classifications.

Common formats include:

• FRAC 3

• FRAC 7

• FRAC 11

• FRAC M03

• FRAC P01

• FRAC BM01

These codes are not randomly assigned numbers or letters, but rather a classification system established based on the biochemical mode of action of the fungicide, its target relationships, and cross-resistance characteristics.

What Is the Difference Between the FRAC Group Code and the MoA Code?

This is a technical detail worth noting when understanding the FRAC classification.

The official FRAC 2026 classification table lists both MoA Codes and FRAC Group Codes.

These are not the same concept.

For example, tebuconazole’s FRAC Group is 3, and its corresponding MoA Code is G1.

Boscalid’s FRAC Group is 7, corresponding to C2.

Azoxystrobin’s FRAC Group is 11, corresponding to C3.

It is very important to understand this distinction, as the MoA Code and FRAC Group Code must not be used interchangeably.

Why Are FRAC Numbers Not Efficacy Rankings?

FRAC numbers are not rankings of fungicide efficacy.

For example:

• FRAC Group 11 does not mean it is stronger than Group 3.

• FRAC Group 7 does not mean it is safer than Group 4.

• FRAC Group 3 does not mean it is newer or more advanced than Group 1.

The numbers in the official coding system are primarily assigned based on when the relevant products entered the market, rather than ranked by fungicidal efficacy, toxicity, or product quality.

Therefore, one cannot determine which fungicide is more suitable for a particular crop or disease based solely on the FRAC Group.

What Are the Common FRAC Groups in Fungicides?

Understanding common FRAC groups is the first step toward selecting the right fungicide.

The following are representative classifications in agricultural production and pesticide product portfolios.

Note: Risk levels are based on the inherent resistance risk assessment in the FRAC Code List 2026. Actual risk also depends on the target pathogens and agricultural production conditions. Specific cross-resistance relationships among different active ingredients should also be determined based on official classification notes.

This table helps readers quickly identify the FRAC Group to which common active ingredients belong, but it is not a complete FRAC classification directory.

FRAC Group 1: MBC Fungicides

FRAC Group 1 primarily includes methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) fungicides.

Representative active ingredients include:

• Carbendazim

• Thiophanate-methyl

• Thiabendazole

These fungicides primarily interfere with tubulin polymerization in fungal cells, affecting microtubule formation and cell division.

FRAC classifies Group 1 as High Risk.

One key reason is that resistance has already been detected in various fungal pathogens, and there is positive cross-resistance among members of this group.

For example, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl cannot simply be used as rotation partners with different modes of action.

FRAC Group 3: DMI Fungicides

FRAC Group 3 is a very common class of fungicides in agricultural production.

DMI stands for DeMethylation Inhibitors and belongs to the class of Sterol Biosynthesis Inhibitors (SBI).

Representative active ingredients include:

• Tebuconazole

• Difenoconazole

• Propiconazole

• Hexaconazole

• Epoxiconazole

They primarily inhibit the CYP51 enzyme in fungi, disrupting ergosterol biosynthesis and thereby affecting the normal formation of the fungal cell membrane.

The inherent resistance risk for Group 3 is rated as “Medium” by FRAC.

However, this does not mean that DMI fungicides can be reused indefinitely. Long-term, sustained selection pressure may lead to a decrease in the susceptibility of target pathogens to the relevant active ingredients.

FRAC Group 4: Phenylamides

FRAC Group 4 primarily includes phenylamide fungicides.

Representative active ingredients include:

• Metalaxyl

• Metalaxyl-M (Mefenoxam)

• Benalaxyl

• Benalaxyl-M

This group is primarily used to target certain oomycete pathogens.

FRAC classifies it as A1, with RNA polymerase I as the target.

It should be noted that Oomycetes differ from many true fungi in terms of biological classification.

Therefore, Metalaxyl should not be simply regarded as a broad-spectrum fungicide capable of controlling all fungal diseases.

FRAC Group 4 carries a “High” intrinsic resistance risk, and resistance and cross-resistance have been reported in various Oomycetes.

FRAC Group 7: SDHI Fungicides

SDHI stands for Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors.

These fungicides primarily act on Complex II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, disrupting the energy metabolism of pathogens by inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase.

Representative active ingredients include:

• Boscalid

• Fluxapyroxad

• Fluopyram

• Bixafen

• Penthiopyrad

• Benzovindiflupyr

The inherent resistance risk for FRAC Group 7 is Medium to High.

Cross-resistance may exist among different SDHI active ingredients, but specific changes in susceptibility may also be influenced by the type of target pathogen and different target mutations.

Therefore, simply switching SDHI active ingredients does not constitute a complete rotation in resistance management.

FRAC Group 11: QoI Fungicides

QoI stands for “Quinone outside Inhibitors” and is also commonly referred to as “Strobilurin Fungicides.”

Representative active ingredients include:

• Azoxystrobin

• Pyraclostrobin

• Trifloxystrobin

• Kresoxim-methyl

• Picoxystrobin

These fungicides primarily act on the Qo site of mitochondrial Complex III, disrupting electron transport and energy production.

The intrinsic resistance risk for FRAC Group 11 is High.

Among these, cytochrome b gene mutations such as G143A are associated with resistance to QoI fungicides in some pathogenic fungi.

FRAC 2026 classification data clearly indicate that, for G143A mutants, cross-resistance has already been demonstrated among Group 11 members.

FRAC Group 27: Cymoxanil

Cymoxanil belongs to FRAC Group 27.

It is classified in Class U, which stands for Unknown Mode of Action.

This means its precise mode of action has not yet been sufficiently elucidated to be classified under conventional, known target categories.

However, “Unknown” does not mean there is no risk of resistance.

FRAC 2026 rates its inherent risk as Low to Medium, and explicitly requires resistance management.

Cymoxanil is primarily used for early infection management against certain susceptible oomycete pathogens and should not be considered a general-purpose fungicide for all fungal diseases.

FRAC Group 40: CAA Fungicides

CAA stands for Carboxylic Acid Amides.

Representative active ingredients include:

• Dimethomorph

• Flumorph

• Mandipropamid

• Iprovalicarb

• Benthiavalicarb

• Valifenalate

These fungicides primarily affect cellulose biosynthesis in oomycete pathogens.

FRAC classifies them as Group 40, with an intrinsic resistance risk rated as Low to Medium.

However, this group is not without resistance issues.

For example, resistance to CAA fungicides has been detected in some populations of the downy mildew pathogen Plasmopara viticola, and cross-resistance exists among members of the group.

FRAC Group 49: OSBPI Fungicides

OSBPI stands for Oxysterol-Binding Protein Inhibitors.

Representative active ingredients include:

• Oxathiapiprolin

• Fluoxapiprolin

They interfere with lipid homeostasis and related physiological processes by affecting the oxysterol-binding protein homolog in pathogenic bacteria.

FRAC has rated the intrinsic resistance risk for Group 49 as Medium to High and requires resistance management.

The specific application of these products still needs to be determined based on the target pathogens, local susceptibility, and the registered label.

What Do M, P, U, and BM Mean in FRAC Codes?

This is a very important part of the FRAC classification to understand.

Not all fungicides use a simple numerical code.

FRAC also uses combinations of letters and numbers to identify different types of modes of action.

What Does FRAC M03 Mean?

M03 is a code within the FRAC classification of multi-site fungicides.

Representative active ingredients include:

• Mancozeb

• Maneb

• Metiram

• Propineb

• Thiram

These fungicides can affect multiple biochemical processes in pathogens, rather than targeting a single specific biochemical target.

Because multi-site activity typically carries a lower inherent risk of resistance, multi-site fungicides often play a dual role in appropriate disease management strategies: providing protective control and aiding in resistance management.

For example, Mancozeb Fungicide Mode of Action can help further understand the relationship between multi-site activity and surface protection.

However, a low intrinsic resistance risk does not mean that changes in susceptibility will never occur, nor does it mean that M03 products can control all pathogens.

What Does FRAC U Mean?

‘U’ stands for “Unknown Mode of Action.”

This classification is typically used for active ingredients whose mode of action has not yet been fully elucidated or requires further research.

For example, Cymoxanil belongs to FRAC Group 27 and is classified as “U.”

When scientific research yields new evidence regarding modes of action or resistance mechanisms, FRAC may adjust the relevant classifications.

Therefore, “U” is not a permanent mode-of-action group, nor does it mean that resistance management is unnecessary.

How Do You Find a Fungicide's FRAC Group?

When actually purchasing and using fungicides, it is not necessary to memorize all FRAC codes.

It is more important to know the correct method for looking up this information.

Step 1: Identify the Active Ingredient

First, locate the “Active Ingredient” on the product label.

Do not simply record the trade name, as different brands may use the same active ingredient.

If the product is a combination fungicide, you must also record each active ingredient separately.

Step 2: Check the Official FRAC Code List

Once you have identified the active ingredient, you can look up its group classification in the official FRAC database.

Key points to verify:

• FRAC Group Code

• MoA Code

• Target Site

• Chemical Group

• Known Resistance

• Cross-Resistance

• Intrinsic Resistance Risk

Step 3: Check Cross-Resistance Information

Do not rely solely on the FRAC Group code.

You should also check whether there is known cross-resistance among active ingredients within the same group and whether such resistance has already been detected in the target pathogens.

For example, when using DMI fungicides—which all belong to Group 3—to treat the same pathogen, you generally need to consider intra-group cross-resistance.

Step 4: Confirm the Registered Product Label

Finally, confirm the registered label for the specific product.

FRAC classification can only help identify the mode of action; it cannot replace product registration information.

When using the product, you must still confirm the following:

• Target Crop

• Target Disease

• Application Rate

• Application Interval

• Maximum Applications

• PHI

• Local Registration

For export markets, it is also necessary to verify the scope of registration and relevant residue requirements in the target country.

How Do FRAC Groups Help Manage Fungicide Resistance?

One of the most important uses of FRAC Groups is to help users establish a sound Fungicide Resistance Management Strategy.

When fungicides from the same FRAC Group are used repeatedly, susceptible pathogens may be controlled, while individuals with resistance traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

If this selective pressure persists, the proportion of resistant individuals in the target pathogen population may gradually increase.

The prudent use of different agents with mechanisms of action that remain effective against the target pathogens can reduce the risk of long-term reliance on a single mechanism.

For further insight into the practical rationale behind rotation, see Why Rotate Pesticide Modes of Action?.

Why Are Different Active Ingredients Sometimes in the Same FRAC Group?

Take tebuconazole and difenoconazole as examples.

Although they are different active ingredients, both belong to FRAC Group 3.

Both act on the fungal CYP51 enzyme, interfering with ergosterol biosynthesis.

Therefore, if the target pathogen has already developed resistance to Group 3 DMI fungicides, simply switching from Tebuconazole to Difenoconazole will not reliably solve the problem.

Of course, there may still be differences in the crop applicability, control spectrum, and product performance between the two active ingredients.

However, in resistance management, they cannot be regarded as two completely independent FRAC Groups.

For specific product differences, please refer to Tebuconazole vs. Difenoconazole.

What Is Cross-Resistance?

Cross-resistance refers to a situation where, after a pathogen develops resistance to one fungicide, it also exhibits varying degrees of resistance to another fungicide.

This phenomenon is typically associated with identical or related targets of action and resistance mechanisms.

For example:

Azoxystrobin and Pyraclostrobin both belong to FRAC Group 11.

If certain pathogens develop G143A-related resistance, their susceptibility to other Group 11 members may also be reduced.

Therefore, effective rotation between different active ingredients is not always possible.

It is also important to note:

Cross-resistance is not identical among all pathogens and all active ingredients. The specific extent may be influenced by the type of pathogen, resistance mutations, and regional populations.

What Is the Difference Between Single-Site and Multi-Site Fungicides?

The FRAC classification also helps explain the difference between single-site and multi-site fungicides.

Why Do Multi-Site Fungicides Matter?

A key benefit of multi-site fungicides is their ability to reduce reliance on a single mode of action when used in appropriate product combinations.

For example, Mancozeb M03 can serve as a protective partner in certain fungicide regimens.

However, it is important to note:

Multi-site fungicides are not universal substitutes for all single-site fungicides.

It must possess sufficient control activity against the target pathogens to play an effective role in resistance management within a specific mixture.

FRAC recommendations for tank mixes also emphasize that partner ingredients must independently provide satisfactory control of the target diseases at the actual concentrations used in the mixture.

A product cannot be considered to have effective resistance management value simply because it contains two different FRAC Groups.

What Do FRAC Groups Not Tell You?

FRAC Groups are very useful, but they cannot, on their own, determine all of a product’s technical and commercial attributes.

Another point that is easily confused:

The FRAC Group is a different classification dimension from Contact, Translaminar, and Systemic.

For example:

Mancozeb belongs to FRAC M03 and also exhibits Contact and Non-Systemic characteristics.

Metalaxyl belongs to FRAC Group 4 and also exhibits Systemic Activity.

One describes the classification of fungicides based on their mode of action, while the other describes the distribution characteristics of the active ingredient on the plant surface and within plant tissues.

Just because two products are both systemic fungicides does not mean they belong to the same FRAC Group.

To understand the difference between these two classification dimensions, please refer to Contact vs. Systemic Fungicides.

What Should Fungicide Buyers Check?

For pesticide importers, distributors, and brand owners, FRAC classification is more than just a technical parameter; it can also help assess whether there is overlap in modes of action within a product portfolio.

Suppose you are planning a portfolio of fungicides.

If the portfolio includes Tebuconazole, Difenoconazole, and Propiconazole, then although they have three different active ingredients, they all belong to FRAC Group 3.

This means the product portfolio may have a high concentration of DMI-based mechanisms.

This does not mean the three products lack commercial value; rather, it is necessary to further examine their crop scope, target diseases, product positioning, and local resistance status.

When sourcing, it is recommended to focus on verifying the following:

For importers, a more rational approach to product planning is to first identify the primary crops and target diseases, and then determine whether products with other modes of action need to be added based on existing FRAC Groups.

For example, for certain oomycete diseases, Metalaxyl (Group 4), Cymoxanil (Group 27), and CAA (Group 40) may appear in different product management strategies, but they are not interchangeable for all diseases and application scenarios.

Each active ingredient must be evaluated based on the target pathogens and local registration requirements.

The value of a product portfolio lies not in the number of different brand names it contains, but in its ability to meet the actual disease management needs of the target market and establish a rational portfolio of modes of action.

What Does FRAC Group 3 Mean?

FRAC Group 3 refers to DMI fungicides, which primarily interfere with fungal sterol biosynthesis by inhibiting CYP51. Common active ingredients include tebuconazole, difenoconazole, and propiconazole.

What Is FRAC Group 11?

FRAC Group 11 refers to QoI fungicides, which primarily act on the Qo site of mitochondrial Complex III. Azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, and Trifloxystrobin all belong to this group.

What Does FRAC M03 Mean?

M03 is a code within the Multi-Site Fungicide classification; representative active ingredients include Mancozeb, Metiram, and Propineb.

Is FRAC Group 4 Used for Downy Mildew?

Metalaxyl and Metalaxyl-M in Group 4 primarily target certain Oomycete pathogens and can be used in specific Downy Mildew and Late Blight management programs that meet registration requirements.

Are Fungicides in the Same FRAC Group Interchangeable?

Can Fungicides From Different FRAC Groups Be Mixed?

Some fungicides from different FRAC groups can be formulated into combination products or used in tank mixes under permitted conditions. However, each active ingredient must exhibit sufficient activity against the target pathogens while meeting registration, compatibility, and resistance management requirements.

Does a Lower FRAC Resistance Risk Mean a Fungicide Is Always Better?

Does the FRAC Group Determine Whether a Fungicide Is Contact or Systemic?

No, it does not. The FRAC Group is primarily used to identify modes of action, whereas “Contact,” “Translaminar,” and “Systemic” describe the distribution and movement characteristics of the active ingredient on the plant surface or within plant tissues.

How Often Should Fungicide FRAC Groups Be Rotated?

There is no universal rotation interval that applies to all fungicides and pathogens. A plan must be developed based on the target pathogens, specific recommendations from the FRAC Working Group, product labels, crop cycles, and local resistance conditions.

Build a Fungicide Portfolio Around FRAC Classification

Understanding FRAC groups helps growers and buyers more accurately identify fungicide modes of action, avoid repeated reliance on the same group of active ingredients, and establish a more rational basis for product selection in long-term disease management.

For growers, the focus is on selecting appropriate fungicides based on target pathogens, local resistance patterns, and application timing.

For pesticide importers, distributors, and brand owners, the focus is on determining:

• Which FRAC Groups are included in existing products?

• Which active ingredients belong to the same mode-of-action group?

• Is there significant overlap in the product portfolio?

• Is there a need to add products with different modes of action?

• Are the new products suitable for local crops, diseases, and registration requirements?

During the procurement phase, a comprehensive evaluation should also be conducted based on Active Ingredient, Concentration, Formulation, Packaging, and Technical Documentation.

If you are developing a new line of fungicide products or wish to expand your existing product portfolio, you can submit your target country, crops, major diseases, and procurement requirements via POMAIS Contact Us to further evaluate suitable active ingredients and formulations.

The true value of FRAC Groups is not in memorizing all the codes, but in helping you understand the relationships between the modes of action of fungicides and translating this technical information into more informed decisions regarding disease management and product procurement.