Azoxystrobin: Fate and effects in the terrestrial environment

Detailed laboratory and field studies have been conducted investigating the fate and effects of the new broad spectrum fungicide azoxystrobin in the terrestrial environment, establishing suitability for use in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Foliar uptake of azoxystrobin is low and slow with absorbed compound moving only in the xylem to achieve an even systemic redistribution profile with no accumulation at leaf tips or margins. When used as directed, residues of azoxystrobin and/or its breakdown products are often non-detectable or low in most food products. Azoxystrobin is degraded rapidly in soil under field conditions with an initial half-life generally in the range of one to four weeks. The soil dissipation occurs by both photolytic and microbial processes leading ultimately to complete mineralisation of the compound. Azoxystrobin and its degradates demonstrate low mobility in soil. The effect of azoxystrobin on non-target organisms has been extensively studied, and no risk to non-target plants, birds and small mammals has been demonstrated. Laboratory toxicity studies, reflecting 'worst case' situations with maximum exposure to the highest recommended application rates, have shown that azoxystrobin has minimal effects on a range of important beneficial arthropods. Numerous field studies have been conducted across Europe demonstrating the safety of repeated azoxystrobin applications to predatory mites in vineyards. With a benign environmental profile and no significant adverse effects on terrestrial nontarget organisms, azoxystrobin is highly suitable for inclusion in IPM programmes.