Questions with Nancy Rechcigl

What is Mural fungicide?

Mural^® fungicide is a broad-spectrum option for greenhouse and nursery growers to combat destructive diseases during all stages of production, but particularly during propagation. It is powered by two active ingredients: SOLATENOL^® technology, an advanced generation succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor, and azoxystrobin, a systemic strobilurin fungicide. Mural is labeled to control more than 50 ornamental diseases, including Botrytis, leaf spots, rusts, powdery mildew and many soilborne diseases. Available to use as a spray or drench, it provides effective disease protection in propagation and after transplant.

What are strobilurin fungicides and what plant health benefits do they provide?

One of the two active ingredients in Mural, azoxystrobin, is in the strobilurin class of chemistry. Strobilurin fungicides are ACC synthase inhibitors that block ethylene production and can also provide plant health benefits. Azoxystrobin is systemic and offers xylem movement, meaning it is absorbed by the plant and translocated upward to protect new growth. In addition to its fungicide activity, azoxystrobin affects physiological processes that can result in plant health benefits such as:

• Lower transpiration rates, maximizing the efficiency of water use.
• Reduced ethylene production, which helps delay senescence. This allows leaves to stay greener longer for more efficient photosynthesis, leading to increased production of carbohydrates within the plant for improved growth and plant vigor.
• Increased nitrate reductase levels, allowing nitrates to be more readily available to produce proteins essential to plant growth.

What makes Mural different from other fungicides with similar classes of chemistry?

With strobilurin chemistries, plant health effects such as root enhancement are more often seen at lower use rates. For Mural, these plant health benefits are observed with both spray and drench applications at rates that also provide effective disease control. In addition, when applied as a drench for the control of root and stem rots, the systemic activity of Mural suppresses infections in the foliage by rust and powdery mildew fungi.

How can Mural be applied?

Mural offers flexibility by being available to use as both a foliar spray and drench. As a drench, Mural moves up the roots and into the foliage to protect new plant growth. Improved root development has been observed when Mural is applied as a drench to protect plants from root and stem diseases caused by Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii and Pythium spp. These benefits are due to positive effects on plant physiology, which can vary according to plant species and growing environment. By applying a fungicide drench of Mural during propagation, you can help prevent the onset of diseases while also experiencing the plant health benefits of its strobilurin chemistry. For added flexibility, growers can also apply Mural as a foliar spray, which allows it to penetrate and move systemically throughout plant tissue, protecting areas that may have been missed by the application, such as the undersides of leaves.

For more: GreenCastOnline.Com/PlantHealth

Syngenta does not recommend or endorse making applications solely for physiological benefits or using reduced rates (lower than labeled) for physiological effects. All photos are the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. Performance assessments are based upon results or analysis of public information, field observations and/or internal Syngenta evaluations. Trial reflects treatment rates commonly recommended in the marketplace. ^© 2021 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Mural^®, SOLATENOL^® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.