Lucento is a fungicide developed by FMC Corporation, specifically for agricultural use. It is not a human medication, a distinction important to make, as its name is similar to the prescription eye medicine Lucentis (ranibizumab). Lucento contains a combination of two powerful active ingredients, Bixafen and Flutriafol, which provide both preventative and curative control against various fungal pathogens. This dual-action approach is a key strategy for effective disease control and fungicide resistance management.
The Active Ingredients in Lucento
Lucento’s efficacy is a result of the synergy between its two main components. Each active ingredient targets fungal pathogens in a different way, providing robust protection for crops.
Bixafen
Bixafen is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide, categorized under Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) Group 7. Its mode of action involves disrupting a critical part of the fungus's respiratory process. Specifically, Bixafen inhibits Complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which halts energy production within the fungal cells. By blocking this essential energy pathway, Bixafen effectively prevents fungal growth and development. Bixafen is absorbed rapidly by plant tissues and translocated systemically throughout the plant, providing long-lasting control.
Flutriafol
Flutriafol is a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide, belonging to FRAC Group 3. Its primary function is to inhibit the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes. By disrupting the production of this essential sterol, Flutriafol causes the fungal cell membranes to lose their structural integrity, leading to abnormal growth and eventual death. This active ingredient is also highly systemic, moving throughout the plant's vascular system to protect both new and existing foliage. The inclusion of Flutriafol in Lucento offers both preventative and curative capabilities.
Comparison of Active Ingredients: Bixafen vs. Flutriafol
| Feature | Bixafen (FRAC Group 7) | Flutriafol (FRAC Group 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, disrupting energy production in fungal cells. | Inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis, compromising the integrity of fungal cell membranes. |
| Mode of Action Class | Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI). | Demethylation Inhibitor (DMI). |
| Movement in Plant | Systemic, with translocation through the xylem. | Highly systemic, moving throughout the plant via translaminar and xylem movement. |
| Primary Role | Prevents fungal respiration and growth. | Disrupts fungal cell membrane formation, leading to cell death. |
| Resistance Management | Helps manage resistance when used in rotation or combination with other fungicides. | Helps manage resistance, but repeated use can lead to reduced sensitivity in some fungi. |
Crops and Diseases Targeted by Lucento
The combination of Bixafen and Flutriafol provides broad-spectrum control over numerous diseases in key row crops, making it a versatile tool for growers.
- Field Corn: Effective against Gray leaf spot, Northern corn leaf blight, Southern rust, and Tar spot.
- Soybeans: Controls diseases such as Frogeye leaf spot, Septoria brown spot, White mold, and Anthracnose.
- Wheat: Used for the management of Leaf rust, Powdery mildew, and Stripe rust.
- Peanuts: Provides control against Early and Late leaf spot, as well as White mold.
- Sugar Beets: Targets diseases like Cercospora leaf spot and Powdery mildew.
Safe Handling of Lucento Fungicide
Since Lucento is an agricultural chemical, it must be handled with appropriate safety precautions as detailed on its product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Applicators and handlers must wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection.
- Ingestion and Inhalation Hazards: The product is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Care should be taken to avoid accidental exposure.
- Environmental Hazards: The active ingredients are toxic to aquatic life, requiring strict adherence to application guidelines to prevent runoff and contamination of water sources.
- Resistance Management: To prevent fungi from developing resistance, Lucento should be rotated with fungicides from different FRAC groups.
Conclusion
Lucento is a powerful agricultural fungicide that leverages the distinct mechanisms of Bixafen (an SDHI) and Flutriafol (a DMI) to provide broad-spectrum protection against various fungal diseases in crops. While the similar name can cause confusion with the human medication Lucentis, it is unequivocally an agricultural product intended for crop protection. The dual mode of action is a critical strategy for both effective disease management and combating fungicide resistance. By understanding what the active ingredients in Lucento are and how they function, growers can utilize this product safely and effectively within an integrated disease management program. Strict adherence to safety protocols is required to protect human health and the environment.
