Fungitoxic properties of triflumizole.

Fungitoxic properties of a new compound, (E)-4-chloro-α, α, α-trifluoro-N-(1-imidazol-1-yl-2-propoxyethylidene)-o-toluidine (triflumizole, NF-114), were studied. Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes were highly sensitive to triflumizole in vitro with some exceptions. Basidiomycetes were moderately and Phycomycetes were weakly sensitive. Antibacterial activities of triflumizole were not exhibited against genera of Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas. Triflumizole did not inhibit spore germination of several kinds of fungi even at the concentration of 100 ppm, although the germ tubes of treated spores were swollen, abnormally branched and shortened. Spore formation was strongly inhibited by triflumizole under glasshouse and field conditions for cucumber powdery mildew and Japanese pear scab, respectively. The compound revealed preventive and also curative effects for cucumber powdery mildew. Systemic action against powdery mildew, however, were not shown by soil drench. The control activity was demonstrated on the upper leaf surface of cucumber when the lower leaf surface was treated with the compound. The compound showed vapour phase activity.