What is the Difference Between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin

Fungicides are special pesticides that stop fungal growth or kill them entirely. Fungicides come in various forms. Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin are two such fungicides.

What is the difference between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin? Trifloxystrobin is more effective against a wider range of fungal diseases compared to Azoxystrobin.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Trifloxystrobin  
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Azoxystrobin
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Trifloxystrobin, Azoxystrobin, Strobilurin, Fungicide 

Difference Between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin - Comparison Summary

What is Trifloxystrobin

Trifloxystrobin is a fungicide. Its structure has a benzene acetic acid backbone with a methoxy imino group attached. This group is involved in binding to the target site within the fungus. It belongs to the strobilurin family, which disrupts the energy production of fungi. Here, the spore germination and fungal growth are inhibited. The Trifluoromethyl group is another part of this molecule. It is attached to the benzene ring. The three fluorine atoms create a strong electron-withdrawing effect, influencing how the molecule interacts with the fungus. Phenyl rings are another component of the Trifloxystrobin. The methyl ester functional group acts as a prodrug. Enzymes within the plant break down the ester and release the active fungicidal form, as plants are not able to take Trifloxystrobin in its ester form.

Azoxystrobin

Trifloxystrobin can fight a wide range of fungi. It’s applied directly to the leaves (foliar application). It offers both preventive and curative action, meaning it could be used to shield crops before fungal diseases strike or to stop an ongoing infection.

What is Azoxystrobin

Azoxystrobin is a fungicide belonging to the strobilurin family. It acts as a systemic fungicide. This compound gets absorbed by the plant and travel throughout the tissues. Hence, the systemic action shields both leaves and stem from fungi.

Azoxystrobin inhibits respiration within the fungus. This in turn affects the essential functions of the fungus. It eventually leads to the death of the fungus. Azoxystrobin has both preventative and curative properties. It could be applied before the fungal infection or could be used after initial infection to stop the spread and progress.

Azoxystrobin

Though there are benefits in terms of curing fungi, Azoxystrobin may be toxic to some beneficial insects like honeybees. Therefore, proper care should be taken when handling this chemical.

Similarities Between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin

  1. Both belong to the strobilurin fungicide class, derived from natural compounds found in mushrooms.
  2. Moreover, they are broad-spectrum fungicides, effective against a wide range of fungal diseases.
  3. In addition, both are systemic fungicides.

Difference Between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin

Definition

  • Trifloxystrobin is a broad-spectrum foliar fungicide that has a benzene acetic acid backbone with a methoxy imino group attached. Azoxystrobin, on the other hand, is a systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide that provides protection against many fungal diseases.

Mechanism of Action

  • Trifloxystrobin disrupts spore germination and fungal growth, while Azoxystrobin disrupts mitochondrial respiration.

Effectiveness 

  • Trifloxystrobin might be more efficient against certain diseases compared to Azoxystrobin.

Conclusion

Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin are both fungicides belonging to the strobilurin family. Trifloxystrobin has a wider range of effectiveness against fungal diseases than Azoxystrobin. This is the basic difference between Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin.

FAQ: Trifloxystrobin and Azoxystrobin

1. What is the use of Trifloxystrobin fungicide?

Trifloxystrobin fungicide has several uses. In fact, Trifloxystrobin is effective against a wide range of fungal pathogens, including powdery mildew, rusts, scabs, and blights.

2. What is Azoxystrobin fungicide used for?

Azoxystrobin fungicide is used for preventive and curative control (to prevent fungal diseases from infecting plants, as well as to control existing infections), and for long lasting systemic action.

3. Is Trifloxystrobin systemic or contact?

Trifloxystrobin is a systemic fungicide. Its primary mode of action involves being absorbed by the plant and transported throughout its tissues.

4. What is a systemic fungicide?

Systemic fungicide gets absorbed by roots or leaves. They travel throughout the plant’s body, protecting new growth and even fighting existing infections from within.

5. What is the best time to spray fungicide?

The best time to spray fungicide depends on a few factors, such as the type of fungicide and the weather conditions. Protectant fungicides work best when applied before a plant is exposed to disease; hence, apply them before a rain or heavy dew event.  One must avoid spraying fungicides when it’s windy or rainy.

Reference:

1. “Azoxystrobin.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Efficacy of trifloxystrobin (Flint), a new strobilurin fungicide, in controlling powdery mildews on apple, mango and nectarine, and rust on prune trees.” Science Direct.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Trifloxystrobin” By Codc – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Azoxystrobin” By Yikrazuul (talk) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasini A

Hasini is a graduate of Applied Science with a strong background in forestry, environmental science, chemistry, and management science. She is an amateur photographer with a keen interest in exploring the wonders of nature and science.

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