POLYRAM DF FUNGICIDE SPRAY
- APVMA no.
- 30467
- Registrant
- BASF AUSTRALIA LTD.
- Formulation
- DRY FLOWABLE
Polyram DF Fungicide Spray is a water-dispersible dry flowable protective fungicide formulated with 700 g/kg metiram. It acts as a multi-site contact protectant, forming a protective chemical barrier on leaf surfaces and fruit tissue to prevent fungal spore germination and infection.
This product is widely utilised in seasonal disease management programmes across Australian horticultural districts—including pome fruit orchards in the Goulburn Valley and Batlow, viticulture in southern regions, and tropical fruit blocks around Bundaberg. It provides reliable surface protection when applied preventatively before infection windows open.
Because metiram works purely through contact without systemic movement within the plant, thorough foliage coverage prior to weather events favoured by fungal pathogens is essential for maintaining clean canopy foliage and fruit.
Active constituents
- METIRAM700 g/kg
Registered uses
Withholding period
WHP: Celery cucumbers and tomatoes - do not harvest for 2 days after application. WHP: Other cucurbits and other vegetables (this includes onions) - do not harvest for 7 days after application. WHP: Pears stone fruit capsicum eggplant peppers tomatoes and grapevines - do not harvest for 14 days after application. WHP: Apples - do not harvest for 21 days after application. WHP: Bananas Tobacco - not required when used as directed. WHP: Mangoes - do not harvest for 1 day after application. WHP: Potatoes - do not harvest for 7 days after application. WHP: Poppies - do not harvest for 7 weeks after application. WHP: Pulses - do not harvest for 6 weeks after application. Do not graze or cut for stockfood for 21 days after application.
Withholding periods vary according to the target crop: Mangoes require a 1-day WHP, while celery, cucumbers, and tomatoes require 2 days. Potatoes, other cucurbits, and other vegetables (including onions) carry a 7-day WHP. For pears, stone fruit, capsicum, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and grapevines, observe a 14-day WHP. Apples require a 21-day WHP. Pulses have a 6-week harvest WHP and a 21-day grazing/stockfood restriction, whereas poppies require 7 weeks. Bananas and tobacco do not require a WHP when used as directed. Always verify the specific WHP text on the product label prior to application.
Mode of action
Metiram belongs to the dithiocarbamate group of fungicides (FRAC Group M03). It operates as a broad-spectrum, multi-site contact protectant that disrupts essential metabolic processes within fungal cells, preventing spore germination and germ tube elongation.
Resistance management
With its multi-site mode of action (FRAC Group M03), metiram carries a low inherent risk of resistance development. Rotating or tank-mixing metiram with single-site systemic fungicides helps manage resistance risk across the broader spray diary, protecting vulnerable target chemistries from pathogen adaptation over successive seasons.
Tank-mix compatibility
Polyram DF is generally compatible with many standard agricultural insecticides and fungicides, but caution is warranted when combining protectant dry flowables with emulsifiable concentrates, oils, or wetters. Tank mixtures involving summer oils or sulphur products can increase phytotoxicity risks, especially under hot or humid ambient conditions. Always conduct a small-scale jar test to verify physical compatibility and consult the approved label before mixing.
Handling and environment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, handling precautions, and re-entry considerations are specified on the registered container label. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, and minimise spray drift toward non-target vegetation, aquatic environments, or waterways. For full health, safety, and environmental protection details, refer directly to the approved APVMA label.
Common questions
- How does a multi-site contact fungicide complement systemic treatments in a spray diary?
- Multi-site protectants form a surface barrier that prevents fungal spores from germinating on plant tissue. Using them in rotation or early-season programmes reduces selection pressure on single-site systemic fungicides, extending the effective working life of systemic chemistry.
- Why is spray application timing critical for Polyram DF?
- Because metiram is a contact protectant with no curative activity inside the tissue, the chemical layer must be present on leaf and fruit surfaces before rain or high-humidity infection events occur.
- What factors should be checked before tank-mixing this product with oils or surfactants?
- Combining protectant powders or dry flowables with oils or wetters during warm or humid weather can lead to severe crop leaf burn. Always conduct a physical jar test, check ambient temperatures, and follow the compatibility recommendations on the product label.
- Why do withholding periods differ between crops like apples and mangoes?
- Withholding periods are determined through rigorous residue trial data specific to each crop's growth pattern, canopy structure, and harvest practice. Always follow the WHP listed for your specific crop block.
- How do canopy density and sprayer calibration impact performance?
- Metiram does not translocate or move systemically within the plant, so complete and even coverage of all foliage and fruit clusters is necessary to prevent fungal establishment. Equipment should be calibrated to match crop canopy volume.