Organophosphorus Fungicides

Organophosphorus fungicides are systemic or contact agents that act by inhibiting vital enzymatic processes involved in fungal growth and reproduction. Many compounds disrupt oxidative phosphorylation or interfere with nucleic acid synthesis, leading to rapid suppression of pathogenic fungi. They are used extensively in rice, vegetables, tobacco, fruit trees, and ornamentals to control diseases such as downy mildew, damping-off, late blight, and various soil-borne pathogens. Their systemic movement within plant tissues allows protective and curative activity. However, environmental persistence and toxicity concerns-especially toward aquatic organisms-require controlled application. Organophosphorus fungicides continue to contribute significantly to crop protection where rapid and broad-spectrum activity is needed.