Fruit and vegetable growers and the dealers supplying them have a new organic weapon for the control of several common fungal diseases in stone fruit, grapes, berries and cucurbits.
Among the latest developments, Grochem Australia has obtained regulatory approval to extend the label for ProBlad, its premium organic fungicide, beyond suppression to the control of brown rot (Molilinia spp) in stone fruit crops such as apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and prunes.
Added to the Grochem range just over three years ago, ProBlad is based on a naturally occurring protein in sweet lupins.
This gives ProBlad a unique mode of action which is highly effective but environmentally friendly and non-toxic to insects, mammals and plants.
Even better, the fungicide can be used up to five times per season in rotation with other fungicides, making it a valuable new tool for disease management.
Grochem Australia general manager Ben Coombe said the Grochem team were delighted to offer an effective organic option with ProBlad to a broader range of customers, following the label extensions recently approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
“These label extensions mean that growers can use ProBlad in wine and table grapes and berry crops like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries to manage Botrytis grey mould (Botrytis cinerea),” he said.
“ProBlad is also great news for growers looking for an organic alternative or sustainable softer options to control powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii and Sphaerotheca fuliginea) in cucurbit crops grown in open field and protected conditions.
“These crops include cantaloupes, cucumbers, gherkins, gourds, melons, pumpkins, summer squash, watermelons and zucchinis.”
Mr Coombe says Grochem is continuing its research and development into ProBlad, to expand its application in a wider range of horticultural crops to protect them against destructive fungal diseases.
“With further investment, we see a bright future for ProBlad in Australia,” he says.
