Botector Beats Botrytis with Biology

Botector (Aureobasidium pullulans) is a yeast-based biofungicide for effective, reliable control of botrytis in grapes.

The first product of its type to be registered in New Zealand for grapes, it leaves no residue, does not affect fermentation or wine quality and is harmless to bees and beneficial insects, with excellent crop safety.

Nufarm Technical Specialist Andy Davis says Botector is BioGro approved for use in organic production in NZ and can be used right up until one day prior to harvest, when other options are limited.

Containing two strains of Aureobasidium pullulans, a fungus commonly found in nature, Botector works through the principle of competitive exclusion.

“In other words, it gets in first, colonising potential infection sites, such as micro-scratches on the fruit surface, immediately after application,” Andy explains.

“It then proliferates so rapidly that botrytis pathogens can’t access the living space and nutrients they need to colonise the site themselves.”

As a biofungicide, Botector aligns well with the New Zealand wine industry’s move towards a nil residue approach to botrytis control, he says.

Importantly, its unique mode of action, which creates a physical barrier to disease, means it also gives growers an alternative option to delay or prevent build-up of resistance to commonly used conventional fungicides in wine grapes.

Nufarm has evaluated Botector on its own and in combination with a standard programme during three years of NZ trial work1 on vineyards in Nelson, Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

Results of this work have been positive, Andy says.

“The data showed five applications of Botector at key timings throughout crop development, from 10 percent flowering to pre-harvest, could perform as well as a conventional four spray programme.

“In one trial2, it performed better in disease severity assessments than an alternative biofungicide programme.”

To get the best results from Botector, Andy says it’s important to remember it’s a living organism, so it needs to be stored at or below 20°C.

“Standard spraying equipment can be used. Spray tanks should be cleaned before preparing Botector for application and water should be below 25°C.”

Once mixed, Botector needs to be used within eight hours and applied when temperatures are below 25°C, preferably in the evening, he adds. “We are often asked about the compatibility of its active ingredient, Aureobasidium pullulans.

“It has excellent compatibility with a broad range of commonly used insecticides, fungicides and additives but it is wise to confirm compatibility before mixing it with anything else.”

The global manufacturer San Agro provides a comprehensive list of other plant protection products, fertilizers and additives3 that can be mixed with Botector. Nufarm Territory Managers can also provide a detailed compatibility guide for New Zealand wine growers.

For more advice, please contact your Farmlands Technical Advisor.

1 12016-18 Nufarm trials in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Marlborough and Nelson.

2 2018 trial by Peak Research in Hawke’s Bay, NUNZ1841.

3 https://bio-ferm.com/fileadmin/user_upload/221020_SAN_Compatibility_of_A. pullulans__1_.pdf

Article supplied by Nufarm.