Extensive in-field research has confirmed that BIOPEST delivers the same level of protection against powdery mildew as a conventional fungicide even under high disease pressure.
Methodology and Background
Studies were independently conducted by the Centre for Plant and Food Science from the University of Western Sydney.
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of BIOPEST for control of powdery mildew on grapes. The first experiment (Experiment 1) was conducted from September 2004 until March 2005 at Loxton (SA) and the second experiment (Experiment 2) was conducted at Mt. Beauty (Vic) from October 2003 until April 2005.
Experiment One
The experiment was conducted at McGuigen’s Coldridge vineyard 10 km from Loxton on the way to Berri in plot N 20. The plot had an area of 3 ha and was established in 2000. The vines of variety Chardonnay were planted with 2.5 m between vines and 2.75 m between rows.
Experiment Two
The experiment was conducted at a Bogong Estate vineyard 4 km from Mt. Beauty in the Kiewa Valley. The plot had area of 2.2 ha and was established in 1997. It consists of 43, 140 to 200 m long rows with shorter rows on the edge near the road. Vines of variety Pinot Noir were planted with 2 m between vines and 3 m between rows.
In both experiments vines were drip irrigated and standard agricultural practice was followed.
Research Conclusions
Conclusions from the two two-year studies were as follows:
- BIOPEST provides effective preventative control of grapevines against powdery mildew when sprayed at 7-14 days interval after budburst to bunch closure at concentration of 0.5 and 1%.
- BIOPEST provided full control (100%) of powdery mildew when disease pressure was moderate and very good control (75-92% adjusted efficacy) when disease pressure was high.
- BIOPEST provided the same level of protection against powdery mildew as a conventional fungicide even under high disease pressure.
- BIOPEST did not reduce yield or grape quality.