Effective, biological protection against Botrytis in grapes & sclerotinia and Psa control in kiwifruit
Effective, biological protection against Botrytis in grapes & sclerotinia and Psa control in kiwifruit
Product Group: Fungicide
Active Ingredient: 5 × 10⁹ cfu/g Aureobasidium pullulans
Formulation: Dust-free, water-dispersible granule (WDG)
FRAC Group NC Bactericide
Botector® is a biological protectant fungicide for Botrytis control in grapes and Sclerotinia management in kiwifruit. Its yeast-like active organisms compete with pathogens for space and nutrients, providing a valuable alternative mode of action within an integrated disease-management programme.
Why choose Botector®?
- Biological protectant fungicide for Botrytis in grapes and Sclerotinia and Psa in kiwifruit
- Contains two complementary strains of naturally occurring Aureobasidium pullulans
- Broad application window within preventative disease-management programmes
- One-day withholding period for grapes; no withholding period required for kiwifruit when used according to label directions
- Dust-free, water-dispersible granule formulation that is easy to measure and mix
- Compatible with a range of commonly used fungicides, insecticides and adjuvants—refer to the current label or compatibility guide before tank mixing
- Works through competitive exclusion, resulting in a low risk of resistance developing
- Approved by BioGro for use in organic production
Botector for kiwifruit growers
Botector provides biological protection against Sclerotinia in kiwifruit and can support an integrated Psa management programme through competitive exclusion
Key application and performance points:
- Apply during flowering for protection against Sclerotinia.
- Make the first Sclerotinia application 5–8 days after flowering begins, with a second application three days later if flowering is extended or conditions favour disease development.
- For Psa management, apply between budburst and six weeks after flowering, following the intervals and directions on the current label.
- Apply preventatively after activities that cause plant wounds, such as pruning, frost events or mechanical damage, and during high-risk periods.
- Thorough coverage is essential because Botector is a protectant rather than a curative treatment.
- Crop-safe when applied during flowering and fruit set.
- Contains two complementary strains of Aureobasidium pullulans: DSM 14940 and DSM 14941.
- The two strains can establish across a wider range of temperatures, supporting adaptability under variable growing conditions.
- New Zealand research includes four Sclerotinia trials conducted across the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, plus more recent Psa research.
- Botector is compatible with copper, but check other mixing partners against Nufarm’s compatibility guidance.
Download Kiwifruit Technical Note
Botector for grape growers
Botector provides biological protection against Botrytis in grapes. Its active organisms colonise potential infection sites and compete with pathogenic fungi for space and nutrients.
Key application and performance points:
- Apply Botector as part of a Botrytis bunch-rot programme, with key application stages including early flowering, 80% capfall, pre-bunch closure, veraison and the pre-harvest period.
- Ensure good canopy penetration and thorough coverage of flowers and bunches. Botector works preventatively and will not control infections that occurred before application.
- A one-day withholding period allows Botector to be used close to harvest when applied according to label directions.
- Botector is compatible with a range of commonly used fungicides, insecticides and adjuvants. Check the current compatibility guide before tank mixing and allow a three-day interval around incompatible products.
- Botector works through competitive exclusion rather than directly attacking the pathogen’s metabolism, resulting in a low risk of resistance developing.
- It can be used in rotation with conventional fungicides or mixed with compatible products to support resistance-management programmes.
- Botector has been tested and found to have no adverse effects on wine fermentation or wine quality.
Download Grapes Technical Note
How Botector works
- Botector colonises wounds and other potential infection sites.
- Its beneficial organisms compete with pathogens for space and nutrients.
- This competitive activity helps protect the plant from infection.