“Timing is critical to protect grapes from botrytis in potential infection sites at inflorescence, so the E-L 31 positioning for Verpixo is important – it’s the final chance to put covers on the berries before the bunch closes, and it will give wineries everywhere a lot more flexibility in their spray program.”
Verpixo has no export harvest interval when applied up to E-L31, making it well suited to short season varieties such as pinot and chardonnay and giving it a significant advantage over alternative products that can be applied up to E-L 29, but have an export interval and a withholding period of 60 days before picking.
Analysis by the AWRI’s Affinity Labs showed no faults or taints in wine following Verpixo treatment of grapes and concluded that the fungicide had no detrimental effect on wine making or taste.
“Verpixo has an enviable safety profile – there is no re-entry period required so a grower could spray now and go back into the vineyard in an hour,” Mr Brown said.
“Growers seeking to control botrytis with Verpixo will achieve control of powdery mildew at the same time, without having to worry about adding another product or compatibility.
“It’s a great alternative, especially as a new mode of action for resistance management. Verpixo has been registered for control of botrytis and powdery mildew in strawberries for the past 12 months and achieved spectacular results.”
In a bonus for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, Verpixo was rated as ‘Harmless’ to key beneficials commonly found in the vineyard, even at double the recommended rate.
Verpixo should be applied as a preventative at a rate of 150ml/100L prior to infection when conditions are favourable to disease occurring, and with a suitable adjuvant. While copper fungicides are physically compatible in tank mixes with Verpixo, it is not recommended, as copper reduced the level of ’powdery mildew’ control in some trials.
Corteva Agriscience recommends that growers producing domestic wine and table grapes apply a maximum of two treatments of Verpixo per season and forgo harvest for 10 days after application. Export growers are advised to consult their exporter for advice prior to using Verpixo Adavelt active.
