Motueka pipfruit growers and brothers Simon and Matt Easton of Wairepo Holdings first encountered the new fungicide, Aptivis®, from Syngenta, at a Fruitfed Supplies Technical meeting for pipfruit growers led by Technical Manager Kevin Manning.
Kevin outlined the features of this fourth-generation SDHI fungicide (Group 7), designed to control black spot and powdery mildew in apples and pears. Aptivis is applied from tight cluster to 90 percent petal-fall, when flowers and foliage are most susceptible to infection. It is also registered for the control of Alternaria leaf blotch in apples.
The Easton family has been growing apples on their land for over 100 years, with Simon and Matt currently managing around 65 hectares. Their varieties include Red Pink Lady, Fuji, Koru, Jazz, Envy, Ambrosia, and various Royal Gala strains.
Simon was particularly interested in the robust disease control possible with Aptivis "Another drawcard was that Aptivis was new chemistry at the start of last season, helping us manage the threat of fungicide resistance,” he says. “It has a low use rate, just 15 ml per 100 L water, making it easy to work with during spray tank filling. Its price point was appealing too, because who isn’t conscious of rising costs?”
During the 2024-25 growing season, Simon and Matt made two applications of Aptivis prior to 90 percent petal-fall as part of their disease control programme. They were very impressed with the results. “It was probably one of Wairepo’s best years for controlling black spot, and we saw virtually no powdery mildew in the orchard. We also observed that Alternaria infection wasn’t as bad as in previous years in the Envy blocks, which is another bonus.
“Having an effective, new fungicide to incorporate into our apple programme means we can use fungicides like Aptivis preventatively approximately every seven days, and then be able to use DMI fungicides like Score® 10 WG when disease pressure means a DMI is really needed.”
Aptivis contains pydiflumetofen (Adepidyn® technology) and is a broad-spectrum fungicide from the carboxamide group (complex II respiration inhibitor) with protectant properties. It was released by Syngenta for New Zealand pipfruit growers in 2024 and feedback about its efficacy against these significant diseases has been very positive.
Best use guidelines:
» Aptivis should always be applied preventatively and according to the label.
» Use a maximum of three, non-consecutive SDHI applications. NOTE: this is the latest guidance from NZ Apple and Pears.
» Apply from tight cluster to 90 percent petal-fall.
» Mix Aptivis with another approved, non-cross-resistant fungicide recommended for the same target diseases.
» Check manufacturer recommendations for rates of partner fungicides.
If you're reviewing your early-season disease control strategy, it's a great time to talk to your local Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative. New-generation fungicides like Aptivis offer strong preventative protection and can help support effective, resistance-aware spray programmes.
ACVM registration numbers: Aptivis® #P010024, Score® 10 WG #P004879. Read registered label before use.
