A Detailed Introduction to the Orchid Fungicide Benomyl

Benomyl, also known as benlate, is a white crystalline pure substance with a slight irritating odor. It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and soluble in acetone, chloroform and dimethylformamide, and can be converted into carbendazim in aqueous solution. The formulation is a white to off-white powder, basically odorless. It is a low-toxicity fungicide. Benomyl is a systemic fungicide that is metabolized in plants into carbendazim and another volatile compound, butyl isocyanate, which is its main fungicidal substance; it inhibits the formation of spindle fibers during cell division, has protective, eradicant and curative effects, and also has an ovicidal effect on mites. It has a long residual activity and can persist in soil for 6 weeks. Formulation: 50% wettable powder. Directions for use: 1. To control leaf diseases, spray with a 2000-2500 times dilution of the 50% wettable powder. 2. To control diseases carried by seeds and seedlings and diseases transmitted by soil. Precautions: Do not mix with strongly alkaline agents or copper-based preparations. Avoid long-term single use of benomyl; in areas where pathogens have developed resistance, other fungicides should be used instead. (Liu Zhongjian)