Australia to approve new active constituent fenpropidin and SEEKER Duo Fungicide

Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd has applied to the APVMA for the registration of the new product SEEKER Duo Fungicide, containing 375 g/L fenpropidin and 100 g/L difenoconazole in an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation, in conjunction with approval of the new active constituent fenpropidin.

Fenpropidin is a preventative and curative fungicide which belongs to the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) Group 5 amines (morpholines) group of fungicides. It acts by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis in membranes (Activity Group G2). It blocks the ergosterol synthesis pathway at a different enzymatic site than the triazole group of fungicides.

Fenpropidin is approved in the EU for the control of a range of foliar fungal diseases in cereals. It is also approved in other jurisdictions for the control of foliar fungal diseases in bananas, beets and grapes.

SEEKER Duo Fungicide is intended for the control of powdery mildew (Uncinula necator) in wine grapes. Fitting neatly into Syngenta’s existing fungicide program, SEEKER Duo Fungicide should be applied during flowering to provide up to 21 days protection of bunches. With excellent xylem mobility, it protects new bunch development at a time when they are susceptible to powdery mildew.  

The APVMA has evaluated the chemistry and manufacture of the active constituent fenpropidin and associated product SEEKER Duo Fungicide, including the manufacturing process, quality control procedures, stability, batch analysis results and analytical methods, and found them to be acceptable. Based on a review of the chemistry and manufacturing details, the registration of SEEKER Duo Fungicide, and approval of the active constituent fenpropidin, are supported from a chemistry perspective.

The APVMA invites any person to submit a relevant written submission as to whether fenpropidin and SEEKER Duo Fungicide should be approved. Public comments to this proposal will open before 11 July 2023.