A new microbial product is available for control of the second most costly kiwifruit disease after Psa.
Botector®, from Nufarm, is approved to protect kiwifruit from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It is certified for organic production, exempt from the requirement for a maximum residue limit, and harmless to bees and beneficial insects.
Botector can be applied during flowering, says Nufarm development manager Alan Cliffe. “When used as part of an integrated disease management programme, Botector can control sclerotinia comparably¹ to other conventional fungicides or biocontrol agents without needing to consider a long pre-harvest interval and resistance management considerations.”
Botector is a yeast-based biological fungicide containing two live strains of Aureobasidium pullulans, a fungus commonly found in nature. It works through competitive exclusion, colonising potential infection sites immediately after application. It then proliferates so rapidly that disease pathogens can’t access the living space and nutrients they need to colonise the site.
Sclerotinia control in kiwifruit with conventional fungicide is largely based on the active ingredient fluopyram, which must be applied between seven days pre-flowering and the first flowers opening. Targeting this application window accurately can be challenging, Alan says.
“Predicting when flowers will open is hard, and poor weather can interfere with application. Botector offers the reassurance of being able to go back into blocks where you might have a potential problem and follow up with a spray during flowering.”
Preferably apply Botector in the morning or evening during cool, slow drying conditions. Good coverage is essential, and a second application can be made three days later if conditions favour disease development, or flowering is extended.
As Botector contains a living biological organism, it can be negatively affected by some tank-mix partners. Find product compatibility information on the label or speak with your local Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative for more details.
ACVM registration number: Botector® #P009700. Read registered label before use.
¹ NUNZ1960 “Evaluating the Efficacy of Botector against Sclerotinia in Hayward over 2 season 2018-20” conducted by Hoyte S, Phipps J, Hedderley P. Plant and Food Research Feb 21.
