This Aspects of Applied Biology volume was produced for the 'Fungicide Resistance: Are we winning the battle but losing the war?' conference held at the University of Edinburgh, from 7-8 September 2006. 

Fungicide treatments are, and will remain, essential for the maintenance of healthy crops in order to optimise yield and quality. In conventional production systems they will continue to be a key component of integrated crop management strategies for the foreseeable future. However, pathogen resistance to fungicides is widespread and the performance of the majority of modern fungicides has been affected to a greater or lesser extent.

Resistance mechanisms vary but generally involve the modification of the primary site of action of the fungicide within the pathogen. This builds up through the survival and spread of initially rare mutants as a result of exposure to fungicides. This development can be discrete (resulting from a single gene mutation) as evidenced with Strobilurins or more gradual (generally polygenic) as seems to be the case with Azoles.

If the effectiveness of fungicides is to be maintained and the risk of resistance reduced then responsible use of fungicides is paramount. This can most effectively be achieved by developing resistance management strategies which can be readily understood and implemented on the ground. If not, we may win the short term battle of disease control but will not win the war.

2006 162 pp.

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