BASF’s new Serifel fungicide takes aim at powdery mildew and botrytis in grapes with three modes of action, and will be an excellent addition to growers’ current disease management programs, according to a November 13 company news release. 

“Serifel is an excellent fungicide that just happens to be a biological,” adds Scott Hodgins, BASF’s horticulture crop manager, which means it can be used in organic production.

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is a challenge for grape growers world-wide. It’s commonly seen at the onset of bloom or at fruit ripening, but hail or insect damage can cause latent infections to sporulate anytime between the two stages. 

Powdery mildew is often confused with botrytis but the mildew is caused by another fungus, Podosphaera leucotricha. It tends to develop on the shadiest (east) side of the grape canopy first. Most vinifera cultivars are very susceptible to infection.

Whether it is used as a tank-mix or rotation partner with products such as Kumulus, Sercadis or Vivando, Serifel complements established disease management programs, offering enhanced performance as well as alternate modes of action for resistance management. Serifel can also be used for organic production.

For both botrytis and powdery mildew, OMAFRA advises that in general, there is no threshold for initiating control; pest management measures should be implemented before infection occurs.

For more information about Serifel fungicide or other BASF crop protection products, visit AgSolutions.ca/horticulture or contact your retailer.

Source: BASF Canada November 13, 2018 news release