Captan 50% WP is a broad-spectrum preventative & curative fungicide that works by disrupting the metabolic processes of fungal cells, leading to their death. The mode of action of Captan involves inhibiting enzymes in energy production and cell wall synthesis in the fungal cells. Captan acts by binding to and modifying the sulfhydryl groups of enzymes involved in cellular respiration, specifically those involved in the electron transport chain. This disruption leads to a decrease in ATP production, which is essential for the survival and growth of fungal cells.
In addition to disrupting energy production, Captan 50% WP also interferes with the synthesis of fungal cell walls. It inhibits the activity of chitin synthase, which is responsible for the production of chitin, a major component of fungal cell walls. This leads to the weakening and eventual destruction of the cell wall, causing the death of the fungal cell.