Evaluation of the performance and environmental consequences of azole-based fungicides in agriculture

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Islamic Azad University, Ghaemshahr Branch, Department, Plant Protection, Ghaemshahr, Iran

2 Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

3 Fisheries Department, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

10.22059/giahpzshsj.2026.409051.1042
Abstract
Azole compounds have become one of the most widely used pesticide groups worldwide due to their high efficacy in the management of fungal pests and diseases. The majority of these compounds, especially triazoles, act by targeting the demethylase enzyme and inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in the cell membrane of fungi. The range of applications of these compounds has expanded from the protection of agricultural and horticultural crops to the food industry and the treatment of fungal infections in medicine. Despite the key role of azoles in food security, their concentrated and repeated use has led to serious environmental challenges, including persistence in ecosystems and bioaccumulation in non-target aquatic and terrestrial species. However, due to their favorable efficacy and relatively lower toxicity indices compared to previous generations of pesticides, various derivatives of this family such as triazoles, pyrazoles, imidazoles and oxazoles are still approved and used as the main active ingredients in the formulation of plant protection products. This article, while reviewing the mechanism of action and applications of these compounds, analyzes the balance between agricultural efficiency and their ecological risks.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 August 2026