Phytotoxicity: An Overview of the Physiological Responses of Plants Exposed to Fungicides

Maria Celeste Dias

doi:10.1155/2012/135479

Abstract

In the last decades, the use of fungicides in agriculture for fungi diseases control has become crucial. Fungicide research has produced a diverse range of products with novel modes of action. However, the extensive use of these compounds in the agriculture system raises public concern because of the harmful potential of such substances in the environment and human health. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some fungicides are already recognized but little is known about the impact of these compounds on the photosynthetic apparatus. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the literature considering different classes of fungicides and their effects on plant physiology, with particular emphasis on photosynthesis.

Highlights

Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms that destroy or inhibit the growth of fungi or fungal spores [1]
The use of fungicides for an effective control of plant diseases has become crucial in the last decades in the agriculture system since it is estimated that fungal infections cause yield reductions of almost 20% of crops worldwide [1]
In the annual EU report, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), where vegetables and fruits of 27 countries were surveyed for pesticides contamination, the results highlighted that dithiocarbamates are among the most common residual contaminants

Summary

Introduction

Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms that destroy or inhibit the growth of fungi or fungal spores [1]. The use of fungicides for an effective control of plant diseases has become crucial in the last decades in the agriculture system since it is estimated that fungal infections cause yield reductions of almost 20% of crops worldwide [1]. The extensive use of fungicides in plant protection against fungal disease generates longterm residues in food and in the environment [6, 7]. Few studies have addressed the question of whether these products alter or inhibit physiological and metabolic activities in the plant [3], and the negative effects of some fungicides on photosynthesis, pigment content, growth, and alterations in the reproductive organs were poorly explored [7, 8].

Types of Fungicides

Plant Physiological Responses to Fungicide Exposure

Findings

Conclusion