Carbendazim is a broad-spectrum systemic benzimidazole fungicide independently developed by DuPont (USA) and ICI (UK, now Syngenta) in the late 1960s to early 1970s. It is the active metabolite of thiophanate-methyl within plants.
Mode of Action:
Carbendazim is classified as Group 1 by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) and acts as a β-tubulin synthesis inhibitor. It binds to β-tubulin in fungal cells, inhibiting its polymerization into microtubules, thereby interfering with spindle formation during mitosis. This blocks nuclear division, ultimately inhibiting mycelial growth and spore production. It has systemic translocation properties and can be absorbed by plant roots, stems, and leaves for internal transport.
Target Diseases and Application Scope:
Applicable Crops: Wheat, rice, cotton, fruit trees, vegetables, and various other crops.
Controlled Diseases: Effective against various diseases caused by Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes, such as wheat Fusarium head blight, rice blast, cotton damping-off, fruit tree brown spot, anthracnose, and gray mold. It is ineffective against Oomycetes (such as downy mildew and late blight) and bacterial diseases.
Characteristics: Low cost and a long history of use. However, due to long-term single-site usage, pathogenic fungi worldwide have developed severe resistance, leading to a significant decline in efficacy. Currently, its use is strictly restricted in many countries and regions or has been replaced by more efficient novel agents.
Main Formulations:
Carbendazim 50% WP
Carbendazim 500 g/l SC