This invention is directed to compositions and methods employing, as an active fungicidal ingredient, at least one compound of the formula: ##SPC1## WHEREIN R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower alkoxyethl, lower haloalkyl and lower cycloalkyl. Especially preferred for use because of their fungicidal effectiveness are: 2-amino-1-n-butoxycarbonyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazole and 2-amino-4,5-dicyano-1-n-pentyloxycarbonylimidazole.