Australian R&D and a close association with growers and industry has enabled Australian company Crop Care to register a unique use for the high quality dithianon fungicide, Dragon 700WG—protection for apples from Alternaria.
Crop Care innovation and planning manager Andre Sabeeney said that with increasing incidence of Alternaria disease in Australian orchards, and limited registered fungicides for its control; industry organisations, Horticultural Innovation Australia and the apple and pear growers’ organisation APAL, funded research into the disease and its potential control with existing orchard fungicides.<
“In Queensland trials, a 700WG formulation of dithianon proved very effective for reducing Alternaria leaf blotch symptoms, defoliation and fruit spot,” said Mr Sabeeney.
“As a consequence, Crop Care sought registration for Dragon 700WG’s use for Alternaria at the same rate that Australian orchardists were using against black spot/apple scab and bitter rot.
“Dragon 700WG is the only dithianon (Group M9) fungicide registered for this purpose in Australia.”
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has rated Alternaria leaf blotch and fruit spot alongside apple scab as the most significant apple diseases in Queensland—particularly of higher-value apple varieties Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji plus Red Delicious.
Alternaria is now considered to be widespread in all major Australian apple production areas, particularly with high spring/summer rainfall.
Best application time
Mr Sabeeney said the best time for applying fungicide to control Alternaria leaf blotch and fruit spot in apples was during flowering and early fruit development—before any symptoms appeared.
“Using a broad-spectrum fungicide like Dragon 700WG several times during early-mid growing season for apple scab/black spot will reduce Alternaria in the orchard,” he said.
“Dragon 700WG label instructions for Alternaria are to apply as a foliar spray during flowering and early fruit development, with applications every 10 to 14 days—using the shorter spray interval if weather favours disease development.”
Working with Aussie growers
According Mr Sabeeney, Dragon 700WG is a good example of the company working with Australian growers and industry researchers to develop solutions to emerging industry problems.
“It’s the complete Australian-based team that sets Crop Care apart,” he said.
“Our regionally-based technical staff and full R&D team, combined with Australian formulation in dedicated labs and pilot-plant facilities, plus local manufacturing, ensure that Crop Care keeps pace with Australian growers’ changing demands and farming practices.
“From the laboratory to field trials to the paddock, Crop Care produces high quality agricultural formulations specifically tested and developed for Australian conditions.”
For more information visit www.cropcare.com.au
See this article in Tree Fruit June 2016
