End the Battle with Botrytis
BotryStop WP offers preventative control of hard-to-combat disease
A Botrytis infection can turn your crop into a scene from a horror movie. It’s a disease that impacts hundreds of plant species, spreads rapidly, and has become resistant to multiple fungicides. BioWorks BotryStop WP is a microbial fungicide product that works on the front end: prevention.
“For crops like strawberries, tomatoes, grapes, and ornamentals, controlling the disease is key because the visual appearance of those crops is where growers reap the rewards,” says Chris Rose, BioWorks product manager. “Cannabis is another crop where BotryStop WP is a great option. Growers have to follow a number of restrictions to grow cannabis, and BotryStop WP falls within those guidelines.”
A season-long study in Florida on commercial strawberries tested to see how BotryStop WP works as a standalone product and in combination with conventional fungicides. The results were impressive. All treatments with BotryStop WP reduced disease incidence, equivalent to the standard conventional fungicide program. What does this mean?
- BotryStop WP, as a standalone control measure for Botrytis, is effective.
- BotryStop WP can be used in tandem with traditional fungicide programs and reduce chemical inputs by 50%.
Beyond Botrytis, BotryStop WP has additional benefits. It can prevent the spread of other pathogens, such as bacterial leaf spot. Trials in ornamental crops have shown that BotryStop WP is the most effective option for preventing the spread and development of Xanthomonas.
BotryStop WP colonizes dead tissue, creating a barrier that prevents further infection. It was this trait that intrigued researchers. As a biofungicide, BotryStop WP leverages the fungus Ulocladium oudemansii (U3 strain). This fungus was initially detected in New Zealand in Kiwi orchards and in vineyards, but more notably, there was minimal Botrytis. Leveraging the U3 strain’s natural ability, BotryStop WP was developed.
Botrytis begins its invasion by colonizing dead or damaged plant tissues. When all available dead tissue is occupied, it shifts to a necrotrophic lifestyle, killing plant cells and depriving them of nutrients. The Botrytis fungus secretes virulence factors that disrupt plant metabolism and immune responses, leading to the decay of flowers and fruits.
Unlike conventional fungicides with MOAs that directly kill Botrytis by targeting one or two sites, BotryStop WP competes with the disease for space and nutrients on decaying plant matter. BotryStop WP prevents the pathogen from getting established by removing dead plant material from the vicinity. This keeps the disease from invading living tissue, particularly in sensitive crops such as flower and fruit plants. Plus, there’s no risk of resistance because BotryStop WP isn’t killing a pathogen; instead, it’s preventing the pathogen’s access to the plant.
“Botrytis favors high humidity, moderate temperatures, and moisture on plant surfaces, often found in agricultural and horticultural environments,” Rose says. “With BotryStop WP, growers can prevent Botrytis disease pressure. However, it will not kill the disease. For growers who are past the point of prevention, a traditional fungicide may be required.”
BioWorks recommends that growers work with their crop consultant or BioWorks representative on a programmatic approach to disease control.
Using BotryStop WP
Benefits of adding BotryStop WP to your crop protection program:
- Room-Temperature Stability: BotryStop WP can be stored at room temperature for more than 12 months, reducing shipping costs and eliminating the need for refrigeration.
- Ease of Use: The formulation excludes insoluble ingredients, preventing clumping and clogging in sprayers and making the application straightforward.
- Expanded Label: The product now includes control for bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas sp.) and covers a broader range of crops, including edible flowers and hemp.
- Compatibility: BotryStop WP can be used alongside standard fungicides, providing a versatile tool in integrated disease management programs.
To learn more about BotryStop WP, visit the BioWorks website.
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