Evaluating the importance of fludioxonil in Europe: a determination of essential uses as seed treatment in key crops

Abstract Broad-spectrum fungicides play a critical role in integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture, particularly under intensifying pathogen pressures in Europe driven by climate variability, global trade, and evolving pathogen populations. Regulatory constraints, including the withdrawal of multiple active substances, have created gaps in disease control. Under Article 4(7) of No. 1107/2009, derogations for Essential Use of fungicides are permitted when there is a lack of effective chemical or non-chemical alternatives. Fludioxonil has been widely used for over 25 years for seed treatment and its importance in Europe was evaluated in this study. Across 23 EU Member States, 64 crop–pathogen combinations were identified where fludioxonil seed treatments are essential, particularly for cereals, potatoes, legumes, sunflowers and additionally in various minor crops. Two representative case studies illustrate its critical role: control of Microdochium nivale in cereals in France and of Plenodomus lingam in Brassicaceae in the Netherlands. In both cases, alternative fungicides are either unavailable or insufficiently effective, and non-chemical methods cannot reliably prevent disease. Resistance risk assessments indicate low to moderate potential for resistance development, supporting fludioxonil’s long-term use. Fludioxonil meets the stringent criteria for Essential Use, providing the only reliable seed-applied protection for numerous European crops. Withdrawal would create significant gaps in plant protection, threaten crop establishment and yield, and disrupt seed production and supply chains. Maintaining access to fludioxonil under Essential Use provisions is critical to sustaining crop protection, supporting IPM, and ensuring food security across Europe and beyond.