What is the difference between chlorothalonil and carbendazim, two commonly used fungicides for orchids

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Chlorothalonil is a broad-spectrum protective fungicide with stable chemical properties, no corrosive effect, low toxicity to humans and livestock, and high toxicity to fish. It mainly controls a variety of fungal diseases, but it is not very effective against diseases caused by soil-borne Pythium, and for diseases that have developed resistance to carbendazim, switching to chlorothalonil for control can achieve good results.

Carbendazim is a systemic fungicide, stable to heat, unstable to acids and alkalis, and has both protective and therapeutic effects. Its systemic translocation is mainly acropetal. It is low in toxicity to humans, livestock, fish and honeybees, and easily decomposes and loses effectiveness in soil.

What is meant by a systemic agent is that the pesticide can be absorbed into the crop's body without losing effectiveness and can act on pathogens inside the plant. This kind of pesticide is also called a chemotherapeutic agent and is generally used on diseased plants, but most systemic agents also have contact-killing effects. Carbendazim belongs to this category.

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