RODEO SL

Introduction

Metalaxyl-M, the highly systemic active ingredient of Rodeo SL, is the active R-enantiomer of metalaxyl fungicide. It controls soil pathogens such as Pythium damping-off in vegetables and cavity spot of carrots, and Phytophthora spp that cause wilt in peppers and chillies and root rot in citrus and avocados.

Rodeo SL is applied at lower active ingredient rates than products containing unresolved metalaxyl to give similar disease control, because only the active isomer is contained in Rodeo SL. As a consequence, residue levels in crops and potential exposure to terrestrial and aquatic species and the environment are very much reduced.

Rodeo SL may also be mixed with protectant fungicides such as mancozeb and copper oxychloride then used as a foliar fungicide to control downy mildew in vines and cucurbits and late blight in potatoes. Although it has curative action, Rodeo SL is far more effective when used before disease has been allowed to establish on the crop. It offers the following features:

• Excellent efficacy against oomycete pathogens that cause seed and root rots as well as damping-off diseases.
• Highly systemic activity that cures established disease, with additional protectant and residual activity.
• Disease control with Rodeo SL is achieved at much lower rates than with metalaxyl.
• Rodeo SL offers great versatility when used as a foliar spray in mixture with a range of protectant fungicides.

Formulation

Rodeo SL is a soluble liquid [SL] formulation containing 480 g/litre metalaxyl-M. It mixes well with a wide range of fungicides and insecticides.

Spectrum of activity

Rodeo SL is especially effective against soil-borne diseases caused by oomycete pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthora spp. on a range of horticultural and ornamental crops. These are diseases that affect either roots or the establishment of crops at the seedling stage. Metalaxyl-M may also be used in seed treatments, usually in mixtures.

Mode of Action

Metalaxyl-M is a systemic fungicide with protective and curative action. At the cellular level it interferes in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA affecting protein synthesis in the target pathogen.

Soil-applied metalaxyl-M is taken up within 30 minutes by plant roots, transported upwards (acropetally) and distributed throughout the leaves. It controls from within the plant, inhibiting fungal growth and reproduction, and protecting new crop growth.