Azoxystrobin is a new fungicide with a novel biochemical mode of action. Its synthesis was inspired by a group of natural products, the strobilurins, which are produced by several species of Basidiomycete fungi, which grow on decaying wood.

Azoxystrobin shares its biochemical mode of action with the natural strobilurins. It demonstrates a very broad spectrum of activity and is active against fungal pathogens from all four taxonomic groups, the Oomycetes, Ascomycetes, Deuteromycetes and Basidiomycetes.2,3

The site of action of azoxystrobin is the fungal mitochondrion, where it binds to the cytochrome bc1 complex, thereby preventing electron transport and energy production via oxidative phosphorylation. Azoxystrobin is not cross resistant to other site specific fungicides, such as the benzimidazoles, DMIs, or phenylamides. Azoxystrobin therefore represents an effective new tool for the management of resistance, which is frequently a significant factor in the choice of fungicide products.