Content
Everyone knows that healthy plants give a bountiful and high-quality harvest. In order for crops to resist pathogenic microorganisms and pests, it is important to increase their immunity. To do this, agronomists treat plants with special protective equipment.
One of the newest drugs is the Optimo fungicide from the Basf company, which suppresses the development of many fungal diseases. We will find out how it works, get acquainted with its instructions for use and reviews of agronomists.
Features of the drug
Optimo is a new contact fungicide with unique properties. The drug can be used to prevent diseases and when the first symptoms of infection occur. After processing at the plant natural immunity develops, therefore, the culture is better resistant to pathogenic microorganisms.
Purpose and form of release
Optimo efficiently protects corn, soybeans and sunflowers from many fungal diseases:
- fusarium (dry rot);
- phomopsis (gray spot);
- alternaria;
- peronosporosis (downy mildew);
- ascochitis (fungal leaf spot);
- bladder smut;
- helminthosporiosis;
- stem and root rot.
Fungicide is released in the form concentrated emulsion in plastic containers with a volume of 5 and 10 liters. It is dark yellow in color and has a faint odor.
Mechanism of action
The active ingredient of Optimo is pyraclostrobin, the concentration of which is 20% (200 g of active ingredient per 1 liter of emulsion). After treatment, one part of the fungicide quickly penetrates into the plant tissue and spreads evenly throughout all parts of the plant.
Another part of the substance is retained on the treated surface, thereby creating a protective layer and providing long-term protection to the plant. Pyraclostrobin inhibits the respiratory processes of pathogenic fungi, prevents their growth and blocks the growth of mycelium. The basic vital functions of microorganisms are violated, and they die.
Advantages and disadvantages
Growers highlight a number of positive aspects of Optimo:
- fungicide increases the quality and volume of the crop;
- effective control of many fungal diseases;
- reduces the susceptibility of plants to unfavorable growing conditions (heat and drought);
- accelerates plant growth;
- improves the process of photosynthesis in leaves and a greening effect is created;
- does not have a toxic effect on the treated plant;
- not dangerous for people, animals and beneficial microorganisms;
- resistant to precipitation, not washed off by rain and water;
- reduces the risk of plant lodging;
- increases the absorption of nitrogen.
Despite the fact that the fungicide is effective against many pathogenic fungi, it is not suitable for all cultivated plants. Only sunflowers, soybeans and corn can be treated with Optimo solution. Means has a high cost, which is not economical. The average price for 1 liter of concentrate is 2-2.3 thousand rubles. But the result of using a fungicide usually justifies the cost.
Features of the preparation of the solution
It is recommended to spray the plant with the fungicide Optimo in calm, calm weather, in the evening or morning. First, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the spray bottle or sprayer from contamination.Then shake the suspension in a canister, pour out the required amount of the drug and dilute it in 1 liter of warm water. Stir the solution with a wooden stick and pour it into the sprayer tank, which should already be 2/3 full of water. Add the rest of the water according to the instructions.
Corn
In drought or damp weather, planting crops can easily become infected with many diseases: root and stem rot, fusarium, helminthiasis and blister smut. You can lose up to 50% of the grains and 30-40% of the green mass of corn.
Timely organized preventive procedures using the fungicide Optimo will help protect the culture. The working solution of the drug is prepared from the calculation 15-20 ml of concentrate per 10 l of water for ground spraying and 100 ml of emulsion per bucket of water (10 liters) for air treatment. For the entire season, corn requires one spraying. It is carried out during the formation of internodes or when filaments from the cobs appear. For 1 hectare of planting, it is consumed: for aviation processing 50 liters of working fluid, and for ground processing - 300 liters (up to 500 ml of fungicide).
Soy
Soybeans are affected by many fungal diseases. Fungicide Optimo helps to protect plantings from ascochitis and peronospora, which damage beans, seeds and leaves. A weakened plant can be attacked by other pests, so it is very important to take preventive measures on time.
For ground spraying, mix a solution of 18-20 ml suspension and 10 liters clean water. According to the instructions for aviation treatment, the dose of the fungicide in the working fluid is increased by 5 times. For the entire season, the culture needs to be sprayed just once. The procedure is carried out during the growing season for prevention or when the first symptoms of a fungal disease appear. Working fluid consumption rate: from 50 to 300 liters (up to 500 ml of suspension), depending on the processing method.
Sunflower
The most harmful diseases of sunflower include: gray rot, alternaria, rust, phomosis and phomopsis. Pathogens become active during warm and humid weather. They can attack both the whole plant and its individual parts.
To preserve the harvest and save the sunflower, agronomists use the Optimo fungicide. To prepare a solution, 18-20 ml of the concentrate is poured into a ten-liter bucket and stirred until smooth. The resulting liquid is sprayed on the plants 1-2 times. The first procedure is carried out when the first signs of infection appear on the leaves and basket. The second - 2-3 weeks after the first. During airborne treatment, it is necessary to increase the concentration of the solution by 5 times. A hectare of sunflower planting takes up to 500 ml of suspension. The consumption rate of the drug depends on the infectious background and the method of treatment.
Compatibility with other drugs
Optimo mixes well with many insecticides and fungicides. The product is not compatible with strong oxidants and acids. Fungicide can be added to the tank mix, but before that, a drug compatibility test should be performed. If a precipitate appears when mixing substances, or the mixture changes the temperature, they are incompatible.
Safety regulations
Fungicide Optimo not harmful to humans and mammals, as it belongs to the 3rd class of hazard. Despite this, the drug can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and the appearance of allergic reactions. Toxic to fish and aquatic organisms, do not allow substance to enter soil and groundwater.
Rules for working with Optimo:
- Be sure to use latex gloves, special clothing, masks and goggles.
- Mix the solution outdoors or indoors with good ventilation.
- Do not drink, smoke or eat while using the drug.
- After finishing work take a shower and change clothes.
- If the solution accidentally gets into the eyes or on the skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
- If vapor is inhaled, move to fresh air.
- If swallowed, rinse out mouth and drink 2-3 glasses of water, contact a toxicologist. Do not induce vomiting.
Store no more than 3 years in a separate room, away from food and drinks. Do not give to children.
Agronomist review
Conclusion
Fungicide Optimo is a modern and promising drug that deserves attention. It helps not only to protect the plant from fungal infections, but also to increase the volume and quality of the crop. Subject to the instructions and norms for applying the fungicide, the substance will not harm humans and the environment.
