One of the biggest challenges in table grapes has been managed with the introduction of Verpixo Adavelt active fungicide from Corteva Agriscience.
Mat Earle, from Swan Hill Chemicals, in northern Victoria, says the main focus in table grapes, year-on-year, is powdery mildew.
“We’re in a semi-arid environment but powdery – it’s always around,” May says.
“Powdery is a focus from bud burst to harvest, and we have zero tolerance because we need storability and longevity for the journey domestically or via export,” he says.
“Botrytis is the other one. We have protective products in the program to address both of these. They can both occur at the same time and prevention is really critical.”
He says at the start of the season they select a range of chemical groups and place them in a program which is strategic to the growth stage of the vine.
This year Mat included Verpixo fungicide in the recommendations, a new group 21 fungicide which protects against both powdery mildew and botrytis.
With its robust activity and broader spectrum of disease control, the recommended timing was at 80 per cent cap-fall and at bunch closure.
The recommendations came from a trial program in the lead-up to commercial release through table grape vineyards across the region.
“Verpixo was part of that program, and I saw an opportunity with table grapes. I knew the critical time or risk period. Placement of Verpixo within the program was a no brainer.”
Mat says the trial work is very positive.
“Certain products lend themselves to different stages of the crop,” he adds.
“Verpixo is a robust product and has a real fit, and was a good addition to the older chemistry which the industry had been using for many years.
“There weren’t any compatibility issues and at that stage there are downy and nutritional products mixed in. We didn’t have any tip burning and we haven’t marked any berries.
“Growers who used it have been happy. It rained significantly during those critical periods, there wasn’t any softening or splitting, there isn’t any grey mould, and there isn’t any breakdown.
“I believe it has a positive fit in the program.”
Mat says Verpixo has the advantage of controlling both powdery and botrytis so it could replace standalone powdery and botrytis chemistry.
“In table grapes, we'll make botrytis applications rain, hail or shine. For the same amount of money per hectare for a botrytis application, the powdery protection was brought along for free.”
He says the main focus of the table grape industry was to grow quality produce.
“It's a super competitive marketplace. We can't move all our produce domestically, so exports are a key focus. Quality reigns supreme. If you've got quality, it will move first.”
Mat consults on a wide range of horticulture crops in the Murray Valley including pistachios, stone fruit, some vegetables, wine grapes, table grapes, citrus and avocados.
