Epoxiconazole

Epoxiconazole is a fungicide active ingredient from the class of azoles developed to protect crops. In particular, the substance inhibits the metabolism of fungi cells infesting useful plants, and thereby prevents the growth of the mycelia (fungal cells). Epoxiconazole also limits the production of conidia (mitospores). Epoxiconazole was introduced to the market by BASF SE in 1993 and can be found in many products and product mixtures targeting a large number of pathogens in various crops. Crops are, for example, cereals (mainly wheat, barley, rye and triticale), soybeans, banana, rice, coffee, turnips, and red as well as sugar beets.

Epoxiconazole is proposed for control of Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) and Yellow Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola) in bananas and Coffee Rust (Hamileia vastatrix) in coffee. It acts as an inhibitor of ergosterol biosynthesis, thereby interfering with fungal cell membrane synthesis.

Epoxiconazole is formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), Opal® 7.5 EC Fungicide and as a flowable concentrate (FlC), OPUS® 125 g/L, intended for use in the banana-producing countries of Central and South America. The EC formulation is proposed for broadcast foliar/fruit applications at a target rate of 1 liter per ha (equivalent to 75 g ai per ha), and the FlC formulation is proposed for broadcast foliar/fruit applications at a target rate of 1 liter per ha (equivalent to 125 g ai per ha).

A detailed description on adverse effects and environmental behavior is to be found in the attached document.

Reference values from the review report of SANCO (http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/protection/evaluation/existactive/list-epoxiconazole_en.pdf)

ADI 0.008 mg/kg bw/day

ARfD 0.023 mg/kg bw/day

AOEL 0.008 mg/kg bw/day

It is under classification (according to CLP/GHS) in Europe.