Difenoconazole (CAS 119446-68-3)

Difenoconazole is a broad-spectrum fungicide that inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis via inhibition of the cytochrome P450-dependent 14α-demethylation of lanosterol, which results in disruption of the fungal cell membrane and cell death. It inhibits the growth of F. graminearum isolates in vitro (EC50s = 1.69-19.6 mg/L for mycelial growth). It also inhibits growth of A. sonali, F. fulva, B. cinerea, and R. solani (EC50s = 0.131, 0.069, 0.297, and 0.252 mg/L, respectively). Difenoconazole reduces germtube growth of A. caricae, the mold responsible for black spot in papaya plants (EC50 = 2 ppm). It exhibits acute aquatic toxicity, reducing growth of S. obliquus algae (EC50 = 1.338 μg/ml) and decreasing survival of D. magna (LD50 = 0.298 μg/ml). In addition, Difenoconazole metabolizes glucosinolates which increase the production of isothiocyanates. It is widely used as a spray or seed treatment in the protection of grain crops, fruits, and sugar beet. Lastly, it is an EC 1.14.13.70 (sterol 14alpha-demethylase) inhibitor, an aromatic ether, a dioxolane, a member of triazoles, a cyclic ketal, a conazole fungicide, and a triazole fungicide.