Abstract: Novel substituted 2-(1H-1,2,4-triazolyl)-1-phenylethan-1-one ketals of the general formula ##STR1## wherein one of the two phenyl substituents is in 2-position and the other is in 4-position, and wherein R.sub.a is halogen, methyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 haloalkoxy, and U and V are each independently of the other C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted by halogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, or together are an alkylene bridge selected from ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 to R.sub.5 are as defined herein, and the acid addition salts and metal complex salts, have microbicidal properties and are especially suitable for controling phytopathogenic microorganisms. They can be used in the form of plant protective or seed dressing agents for preventing or controlling plant pathogens.