6/30/2026

Harrell’s ProtectMAX® Flutolanil brings a well-established, highly trusted active ingredient back into the spotlight in an easy-to-use formulation for any turf management program. For superintendents and turf managers looking to optimize disease control while improving rotational diversity, flutolanil remains one of the most effective and targeted tools available—particularly for fairy ring management.

Flutolanil’s Proven Chemistry with a Long Track Record

Flutolanil, as an active ingredient, is not new to the turf industry. Many will recognize this chemistry from its legacy brands, including ProStar® and more recently Pedigree®. These products have built a strong reputation over decades for consistent performance against soilborne basidiomycete pathogens, particularly the fungi responsible for fairy ring development.

ProtectMAX® Flutolanil continues that legacy, delivering the same active ingredient now in the Harrell’s ProtectMAX® portfolio of solutions.

Flutolanil’s Mode of Action and Disease Targeting

ProtectMAX® Flutolanil is classified as a Group 7 fungicide (SDHI – succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor). Its activity is highly targeted, inhibiting fungal respiration by disrupting the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This mode of action provides:

Strong specificity against Rhizoctonia spp. and basidiomycetes

Excellent performance on type I and type II fairy ring

Consistent soil activity where root- and thatch-associated pathogens persist

Unlike many other broad-spectrum fungicides, flutolanil’s strength is its focused activity, which makes it a great tool to reach for as a complement in programs where fairy ring pressure is persistent or chronic.

Flutolanil is a Staple in Fairy Ring Programs

Flutolanil has long been considered a cornerstone active for fairy ring control, particularly in high-value turf such as golf course greens, fairways, and tees. Its effectiveness is highest when:

Applied preventively or at early symptom development

Paired with proper soil moisture management tools such as SurfaceRx™, Fleet® 100, Hydro-90® or Symphony®

Followed with irrigation to sufficiently move the active into the root zone

In most modern programs, flutolanil is used as part of a sequential or combination approach, often with soil surfactants or wetting agents to overcome hydrophobic conditions associated with fairy ring.

Flutolanil as a Key Rotational Tool

Beyond fairy ring control, ProtectMAX® Flutolanil provides strategic value as a rotation partner in seasonal disease management programs.

Many turf programs rely heavily on:

DMIs (Group 3) – e.g., propiconazole, tebuconazole, etc.

QoIs (Group 11) – e.g., azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, etc.

Repeated use of these groups increases the risk of resistance development on various diseases and can compromise long-term efficacy. Flutolanil offers:

A distinct mode of action (Group 7)

An opportunity to reduce selection pressure from repeated use of DMI and QoI chemistries

Improved program sustainability when rotated appropriately

While flutolanil itself should still be stewarded carefully within resistance management guidelines, its inclusion helps diversify fungicide programs and maintain overall effectiveness across the season.

Flutolanil’s Liquid Formulation for Ease of Use

One of the key advantages of ProtectMAX® Flutolanil is its liquid formulation, which simplifies handling and application compared to older dry flowable or wettable powder versions. Liquid formulation offers various benefits, including ease of mixing, faster tank preparation, quicker agitation, compatibility, reduced exposure, and more consistent applications with standard equipment.

Practical Use Considerations of Flutolanil

To maximize performance from ProtectMAX® Flutolanil:

Apply at labeled rates targeting soilborne pathogens

Water in with sufficient irrigation to reach the root zone

Integrate with wetting agents like SurfaceRx™, Fleet® 100, Hydro-90® or Symphony® when managing fairy ring

Rotate with other fungicide classes to address the diverse array of fairy ring causal organisms and their differential response to certain chemistries

Flutolanil is not intended to replace broad-spectrum fungicides but rather to complement them, filling a specific and critical role where other chemistries may fall short.

The Bottom Line on Flutolanil

ProtectMAX® Flutolanil delivers a proven active ingredient in a modern, easy-to-use formulation, offering turf managers a reliable tool for fairy ring control and a valuable option for diversifying fungicide programs. With decades of field validation under names like ProStar® and Pedigree®, flutolanil remains one of the most trusted solutions for soilborne disease management in turf.

If you’re tightening up fairy ring control or looking to break up heavy DMI and QoI use, this is a straightforward, effective addition to your program. Reach out to your Harrell’s Rep to learn more.