Donaghys Foliactive grape fungicide

August 2010

Developed and registered by Donaghys, FoliActive is a biofungicide based on the Bacillus subtilis KTSB strain.  It also includes microbial fermentation extracts and foliar fertiliser elements to optimise vine condition and stimulate a rapid build up of the B. subtilis population.  FoliActive has a nil withholding period and can be used safely right up until harvest without contributing to fungicide residue levels.

Donaghys Managing Director Jeremy Silva says, “we’ve been working with Bacillus subtilis strain KTSB for five years, with the aim of developing a treatment that gave growers high levels of disease control at a much lower cost than similar overseas products.”

“Because it has no harmful effects on beneficial organisms and because there are no chemical residues, it is ideal for the integrated pest management programmes now being adopted by the New Zealand region grape growers.  Its use in a spray programme would also help delay or manage the development of resistance to conventional fungicides, particularly the triazoles and strobilurins.”

Crown Research Institute trials showed that when FoliActive was applied from veraison through to harvest (as a follow-on to the standard fungicide programme) botrytis was controlled to a level equivalent to a full season chemical fungicide programme, but without leaving fungicide residues.

Foliactive is an ACVM registered product.  At $50 to $60 per hectare, it provides an economical alternative to other Botrytis control products in the marketplace. 
Foliactive is available through your local rural supply store (New Zealand only). 

For more information and trial results, click here