Excellent performance of Powdery / Botrytis chemistry in table grapes

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One of the biggest challenges in table grapes has been managed with the introduction of Verpixo® Adavelt active fungicide from Corteva Agriscience™.

Mat Earle, from Swan Hill Chemicals, in northern Victoria, said the main focus in table grapes, year-on-year, was Powdery mildew.

“We’re in a semi-arid environment but Powdery – it’s always around,” Mr. Earle said. “Powdery is a focus from bud burst to harvest, and we have zero tolerance because we need storability and longevity for the journey domestically or via export.”

Mat Earle, of Swan Hill Chemicals, said Verpixo fungicide worked well to control Powdery mildew and Botrytis.

“Botrytis is the other one. We have protective products in the program to address both of these. They can both occur at the same time and prevention is really critical.”

He said at the start of the season they select a range of chemical groups and place them in a program which is strategic to the growth stage of the vine.

This year Mr. Earle included Verpixo^®Adavelt^® active fungicide in the recommendations, a new group 21 fungicide which protects against both Powdery mildew and Botrytis.

With its robust activity and broader spectrum of disease control, the recommended timing was at 80 per cent cap-fall and at bunch closure.

The recommendations came from a trial program in the lead-up to commercial release through table grape vineyards across the region.

“Verpixo was part of that program and I saw an opportunity with table grapes. I knew the critical time or risk period. Placement of Verpixo within the program was a no brainer.”

Mr. Earle said the trial work was very positive, “Certain products lend themselves to different stages of the crop. Verpixo is a robust product and has a real fit, and was a good addition to the older chemistry which the industry had been using for many years.”

“There weren’t any compatibility issues and at that stage there are Downy and nutritional products mixed in. We didn’t have any tip burning and we haven’t marked any berries.”

“Growers who used it have been happy. It rained significantly during those critical periods, there wasn’t any softening or splitting, there isn’t any grey mould, and there isn’t any breakdown. I believe it has a positive fit in the program.”

Mr. Earle said Verpixo had the advantage of controlling both Powdery and Botrytis so it could replace standalone Powdery and Botrytis chemistry.

Mat Earle of Swan Hill Chemicals and farmer Anthony Costa, from Woorinen, VIC, inspecting table grape vines treated with Verpixo fungicide.

“In table grapes, we'll make Botrytis applications rain, hail or shine. For the same amount of money per hectare for a Botrytis application, the Powdery protection was brought along for free.”

He said the main focus of the table grape industry was to grow quality produce.

“It's a super competitive marketplace. We can't move all our produce domestically, so exports are a key focus. Quality reigns supreme. If you've got quality, it will move first.”

Mr. Earle consults on a wide range of horticulture crops in the Murray Valley including pistachios, stone fruit, some vegetables, wine grapes, table grapes, citrus and avocados.