GROUND SPREAD

Ground Spread has been used successfully by peony growers for many years to control Botrytis at the soil level. It is a by-product of our manufacturing process during the production of BOTRY-Zen® and BOTRY-Zen® WP, and continues to deliver reliable results in field applications.

Best practice
& Trials

PEONIES – Ground Spread Application Guidelines

For effective control of Botrytis in peonies, it is recommended to apply one large 20 kg bag of Ground Spread along each 15-metre row of emerging peony shoots. Application should occur just as the shoots begin to emerge from the soil.

Application Tips:

• Lightly mist the treated area with a fine spray of water immediately after spreading. This helps anchor the product in place.

• Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture may wash spores away from the target zone.

• Do not apply during windy conditions, as the product is very dry and may be blown off target.

• Optimum conditions occur when soil temperatures are above 15°C, which promotes spore germination and colonisation.

CHERRIES – Botrytis Management

Trials conducted in 2018 and 2019 investigated the use of Ground Spread to disrupt the overwintering cycle of Botrytis cinerea in cherry orchards. Applications were made post-harvest through to pre-flowering in the following season, targeting disease residues and reducing inoculum levels for the next crop cycle.

2018

2019

CITRUS – Ground Spread Application Guidelines

Ground Spread should be applied only after the orchard has experienced significant Botrytis pressure through to harvest, and after berry drop has occurred.

Application Method:

• Use one 20 kg bag to treat the base of four trees.

• After application, lightly mist with a fine spray of water to help settle the material and hold it in place.

Important Application Tips:

• If soil temperatures exceed 15°C, the beneficial spores in Ground Spread will germinate and begin colonisation.

• Avoid overwatering, as excess water may wash the product away from the treatment zone.

• Do not apply in windy conditions, as the product is lightweight and may drift.

• For larger orchards, a motorised spreader can be used to apply the product efficiently along both sides of the tree rows.

Trial Use in Citrus

In 2019, a trial was conducted on citrus trees to evaluate the effectiveness of Ground Spread, a by-product of the BOTRY-Zen® production process, in controlling Brown Rot. Results indicated promising potential for reducing disease pressure when used post-harvest.