About
BotryZen  |
| Recommended
Spray Programme for Grapes
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| Directions
for Use
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| Best
Practice
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| About
ARMOUR-Zen |
| Recommended
Spray Programme |
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| AgRecovery |
BOTRY-Zen is a biological control agent developed specifically for the control of Botrytis cinerea in grapes, black currants, ornamental flowers and for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in kiwifruit.
BOTRY-Zen is a live spore preparation of a non-pathogenic saprophytic fungus. BOTRY-Zen acts as a biological control agent by competing for the same ecological niche as Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
When BOTRY-Zen spores are deposited on the dead and senescent flower debris, and the right environmental conditions exist, they germinate and colonise. The developed mycelium will proceed to colonise the dead tissue and, if conditions are suitable, additional sporulation can occur and these new spores are then available to colonise remaining debris.
BOTRY-Zen aggressively occupies the same physical space and out competes Botrytis/Sclerotinia for the nutrients in the dead and senescing floral debris in the bunches; it is a true antagonist. BOTRY-Zen is non-invasive and causes no damage to live plant tissue. With this mechanism of action it is highly unlikely that resistance to BOTRY-Zen will develop.
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The traditional disease control method is by repeated application of chemical fungicides. However, with chemical fungicides there are ongoing problems of
(1) the development of resistant strains;
(2) regulatory restrictions on the timing and number of applications;
(3) increasing international market pressure to reduce pesticide residues and
(4) the growing organic sector not allowing synthetic fungicides to be applied.Bio-Gro New Zealand (the organisation which approves products for use by growers of organic produce) has accredited BOTRY-Zen for use in organic production.
BOTRY-Zen has been trialed on New Zealand vineyards since 1997 and the results have demonstrated that when applied correctly, BOTRY-Zen provides protection against Botrytis infections comparable to a standard fungicide programme.
Application on black currants also shows significant reduction in disease. Trials on kiwifruit show two applications at flowering reduce Sclerotinia infection and fruit loss.
BOTRY-Zen has full product registration for use on grapes, kiwifruit, blackcurrants and ornamental flowers under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997. (7212)
BOTRY-Zen Compatibility.
If tank mixing a compatible fungicide with BOTRY-Zen, it is recommended that the spray be mixed and applied immediately. Compatible fungicides should only be mixed with BOTRY-Zen at the manufacturers recommended rate. See Compatibility Chart [56kb PDF]
Wetters and spreaders
To optimise the effectiveness of BOTRY-Zen by improving the distribution of the spores over the flowers and bunch debris the correct wetter / spreader must be used for the volume of water per hectare. Refer to the ‘Best Practice’ Section for further recommendations.
BOTRY-Zen should be applied over flowering because it is the grape flower debris left on the developing grape bunches that provide the material for establishing Botrytis infections. BOTRY-Zen colonises the bunch debris faster than Botrytis and excludes Botrytis from establishing. This not only reduces the possibility of early Botrytis infection but also reduces the amount of inoculum within the bunch that may lead to infection of the berries later in the season.In areas of relatively low disease pressure (Martinborough, Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Otago) the two applications over flowering should be sufficient to control Botrytis in grapes. However, in seasons or areas of high disease pressure (Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Nelson) a further application 2 weeks post-flowering, or earlier if there is an infection period, will be required. BOTRY-Zen should be applied at 4 kg per hectare at 2-5% and 80% flowering. A further application two weeks post-flowering is required if the risk of Botrytis infection is high. If an infection period occurs within the two weeks the application should be made immediately. Other Botrytis fungicides must be used from bunch closure to ensure protection of the developing / ripening berries.
The recommended spray rate is 500 litres/hectare for a standard trellis. Where row spacings and canopy density vary, BOTRY-Zen rates should be adjusted accordingly. Ensure a suitable adjuvant is used to optimise the effectivness of BOTRY-Zen when using water rates of less than 500 litres / hectare.
BOTRY-Zen does not control other grape diseases such as powdery or downy mildew. Other fungicides must be used to control these diseases, refer to the compatibility chart. The control of other diseases including powdery and downy mildew also reduces the opportunities for further infection by Botrytis.
BOTRY-Zen is compatible with some fungicides for the control of other diseases and our Research and Development team at HortResearch is researching further compatibility options. BOTRY-Zen should only be mixed with ONE other compatible fungicide and is best applied at high water rates. When mixing BOTRY-Zen and another compatible fungicide only the manufacturers recommended rate should be used. Application of BOTRY-Zen and another compatible fungicide should be made immediately after mixing and not left to sit in the tank. Refer to the Compatibility Chart for a list of fungicides that may be mixed with BOTRY-Zen.
BOTRY-Zen is formulated as a water dispersible granule.4kg of BOTRY-Zen granules are required per hectare.
Once mixed BOTRY-Zen should be applied immediately.Spray onto grape vines ensuring the bunch line is covered to saturation.
Click here to view Best Practice [96kb PDF] informationTop
