Content
The main direction of the Shirlan contact fungicide is the protection of potato plants from late blight. The active substance has a special effect that stops the development of fungus from the soil. The drug protects tubers from late blight and prevents the disease from spreading through healthy tops. Using the fungicide Shirlan for potatoes, the vegetable grower does not have to worry about the appearance of fungal diseases even during an epidemic.
Composition of the drug
The drug belongs to the group of pyrimidineamines. The main active ingredient is fluazin. It is this that has an inhibitory effect on the fungus. However, fluazinam alone is not able to penetrate potato cells. Excipients are responsible for this work, the entire list of which is indicated by the manufacturer on the original packaging.
The concentration of the active substance in the drug reaches 0.5 g/ml. Shirlan is sold in the form of a highly concentrated suspension. The consistency of the drug resembles liquid sour cream.
Positive characteristics
Having read the instructions for the Shirlan fungicide, I already have positive impressions about this drug. The advantages include the following:
- Shirlan belongs to the category of safe fungicides. The drug will not harm potatoes and other nearby growing crops. The main indicator of a fungicide is low phytotoxicity.
- If we compare Shirlan with other analogues of contact action, then the drug in question is superior in effectiveness. Moreover, to achieve a positive result, a smaller dosage of Shirlan is required.
- During the studies, no cross-resistance was found with other drugs used to treat potatoes.
- The big advantage is the long period of protective action. Shirlan continues to work even in wet weather.
- The fungicide destroys not only late blight. The drug blocks the development of fungal spores and their spread along the tops of healthy potatoes.
- The use of Shirlan allows you to slow down the development of fungal spores inside potatoes and in the ground. There are many capillaries in the soil. The fungicide blocks them, preventing the spores from penetrating the surface of the earth. By closing the capillaries, the likelihood of infection of young potato tops with fungus is reduced.
The main advantage of using Shirlan is safety for humans. Potato tubers do not accumulate toxic substances.
Mechanism of action
Shirlan begins to act instantly immediately after use. The active substance fluazinam penetrates deeply into the soil and potato cells. The action begins by blocking the formation of new spores.A barrier is created to the growth and spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
Rules for preparing the solution
Considering Shirlan fungicide, preparation of the solution, video, it is worth touching a little on the preparatory period. The diluted product cannot be stored for a long time, therefore, at the time of treatment, the performance of the sprayer is checked.
First, you need to make sure the tank, hose and spray tip are clean. All elements of the sprayer are thoroughly washed, otherwise the dried components of other preparations remaining from the previous treatment may react with the fungicide. Secondly, the uniformity of liquid spray and the quantity of its supply are tested. This will allow you to correctly calculate the consumption of Shirlan’s working solution for the treated area.
Shirlan's working solution is prepared directly at the work site and before the start of work. First, pour ¾ of the volume of clean water into the sprayer tank. The drug is added according to the dosage indicated on the fungicide packaging. Mix the water with Shirlan in the tank well. After complete dissolution, you should get a liquid without flakes of sediment. The required volume of water is added to the tank, mixed again, and the working fungicide solution is ready for use.
If you need to use other drugs at the same time as Shirlan, then first find out their compatibility. If the results are positive, each substance is dissolved in turn. Suitability of the working solution is 1 day.
Application of solution and consumption rates
For the Shirlan fungicide, the instructions for use state that the drug should be used for disease prevention. It is optimal to start processing potatoes at a time when weather conditions have arrived that favorably influence the development of the fungus. However, the disease should not yet appear on the crop itself. If time is lost and the potatoes are heavily infected, the first treatment is carried out with curative fungicides, and then with Shirlan.
The quality of spraying depends on the settings of the sprayer. Don't try for fog. The sprayer is adjusted so that small or medium-sized droplets fly out of the nozzle. The consumption rate of the fungicide solution is indicated on the packaging. This concept means abundant wetting of potato stems and leaves. However, during spraying it is worth visually assessing the result. Strong density, a random gust of wind and other factors can create obstacles to uniform spraying. This will increase the consumption of the working fungicide solution.
A properly treated bush should be completely wet, but the solution should not drip from the foliage onto the ground. The approximate consumption of a concentrated Shirlan suspension is 0.4 ml/10 m2. The finished solution applies to a similar area from 200 to 500 ml.
Duration of protective action
After treatment, the active substance protects potatoes from late blight, as well as Alternaria for an average of ten days.The period of protective action may decrease or increase by a couple of days, which depends on weather conditions, agricultural cultivation techniques, and the quality of spraying. It is important to follow the recommended frequency of processing. If repeated spraying is carried out earlier than the agreed time, the protective period is shortened and the result worsens.
Toxicity and safety rules during spraying
For humans, Shirlan belongs to the second class of danger. When working with fungicide, safety precautions are required. Spraying and preparing the solution are carried out in special clothing. Goggles and a respirator will protect against fungicide entering the human body.
Careless handling of the solution or when opening the container with the suspension may result in contact of the fungicide with exposed areas of the body. The drug cannot be simply wiped off with a rag. The body area is thoroughly washed under running water and soap. Usually allergic reactions do not occur, but in case of itching or redness you should consult a doctor.
Shirlan is practically safe for bees and other beneficial insects. However, the drug negatively affects the inhabitants of water bodies. During spraying, it is worth taking measures to limit the entry of the fungicide into the water as much as possible.
Compatibility with other drugs
The fungicide can be mixed in the sprayer tank with other drugs, for example, those that help destroy the Colorado potato beetle. Excellent compatibility is observed with insecticides and desiccants. Examples include the drugs “KARATE”, “REGLON SUPER”, “AKTARA”, etc.
Shirlan is completely incompatible with any drugs containing alkali or copper. For example, Bordeaux mixture leads to complete decomposition of the active substance of the fungicide. It is not advisable to combine Shirlan with any herbicides. Incompatibility is due to a discrepancy between the timing of drug use.
Shirlan in concentrated form cannot be mixed even with compatible drugs. The emulsion is diluted in water, and then another product is added. When mixing compatible drugs, their periods of use must coincide.
Suspension storage
Shirlan concentrated suspension is stored in its original packaging. Canisters are hidden from children. Direct exposure to sunlight is unacceptable. At temperatures from 0 to 40OThe fungicide can be stored for up to three years.
In the video you can watch a webinar about fungicides for potatoes:
Shirlan and other potato fungicides are safe only if they are used correctly. When used wisely, the drug will help you get a good potato harvest.
