Rapid Onset of the Accelerated Degradation of Dicarboximide Fungicides in a UK Soil with a Long History of Agrochemical Exclusion

In field and laboratory experiments, enhanced degradation of the dicarboximide fungicides, iprodione and vinclozolin, was stimulated by only one application of the fungicides in a soil with no previous history of any pesticide input. Field and laboratory studies demonstrated the ease of stimulation by pre‐treatment with even very low concentrations of the fungicides (0·5 μg g−1 soil) and at a range of temperatures and soil moisture conditions. Soils that had acquired full enhanced degradation could rapidly degrade fungicide applied at 30 times the recommended field rate. Cross‐enhancement of degradation was noted with both fungicides, but not with their common metabolite, 3,5‐dichloroaniline. Application of the antibiotics chloramphenicol or rifampicin to soil reduced enhanced degradation to control levels; cycloheximide had no effect. This, together with the inhibitory action of azide, mercuric chloride and repetitive microwaving, indicated that the agent(s) of enhanced degradation was probably bacterial.