Anvisa approves toxicological assessment of the fungicide Pyriofenone

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the toxicological evaluation of the technical fungicide Pyriofenone. The registration process now continues in the other bodies (Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Agriculture). The product was developed by Sangyo Kaisha Biosciences (ISK) and is sold in other countries under the brands Property, Prolivo, Kusabi and Uncicut.

Pyriofenone is a selective fungicide to combat, mainly, powdery mildew on grapevines. However, there are scientific reports indicating that it is highly effective against phytopathogenic fungi of the order Erysiphales, which could increase its use for various crops.

The product, belonging to the chemical family called benzylpyridine, acts by interrupting the function of actin (code FRAC 50), inhibiting the development of the disease at all stages of the infection process.

Pyriofenone presents excellent results in terms of resistance to rain and residual activity, in addition to having vapor action and translaminar movement, characteristics that increase its efficiency in controlling powdery mildew.

Studies carried out with Pyriofenone demonstrate that the active substance, when applied preventively, inhibits the formation of appressoria and the subsequent penetration of hyphae into plant cells. When applied in the presence of the disease, it prevents the formation of secondary hyphae, mycelium and spores, thus reducing secondary infections.

Pyriofenone's mode of action is to induce actin "mislocalization" from the hyphal apex, resulting in disrupted apical transport, induced swelling, collapse, and abnormal branching of hyphal tips.

The substance is marketed under more than one trade name. Among them, Kusabi and Property.