New table grape chemistry performs in tough conditions

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Chemistry to control Powdery mildew and Botrytis in table grapes has performed particularly well in challenging conditions on the Costa enterprise at Woorinen, near Swan Hill in Victoria’s north.

Anthony Costa is the fourth generation on a farm started by his great grandfather back in 1952. He runs it with his brother, father and uncle, growing stone fruit, citrus and table grapes.

Anthony Costa, of Woorinen, VIC, used Verpixo Adavelt active fungicide at critical stages of the season to prevent Powdery mildew and Botrytis disease

“Our main focus has always been quality and being able to grow through a diverse range of crops is really the biggest challenge,” he said.

In table grapes, Powdery mildew and Botrytis are the big issues with weather conditions generally favourable for those diseases.

Mr Costa said they sat down with Swan Hill Chemicals to design a preventative fungicide program, and this year decided to put the new Verpixo^® Adavelt® active fungicide into the mix.

“I’d heard about Verpixo 12 months before we tried it, and I just thought it was a good fit. The trial work that was done and the information about it looked good. It really suited our program and allowed us to not have so many products tank mixed at once. Keep it simple, keep it effective.”

He said they looked at the time of season where Verpixo would give them the best result.

“The 80 per cent cap, full spray, (our main flowering spray) and our main bunch closure spray were the two applications when we put Verpixo out. I think it's worked well.”

“We had some pretty bad weather conditions coming into flowering and bunch closure, which is the most crucial time for those diseases.”

“There were massive rain events a week apart during flowering, with 60 to 90 mm of rain. It increased the pressure of infection. We were lucky enough to get in to get the sprays on and it made a lot of difference.”

“We've got no Powdery and we've got no Botrytis, so that's a good result.”

Mr Costa grew up farming and learned the practical side early but also worked as an agronomist locally for ten years before coming back to the farm.

“I learned a lot of theory, which combined with the practical, gives a good wealth of knowledge and helps a lot with decisions today,” he said.

“I don't like to continue to use the same groups back-to-back all the time. That's probably the biggest thing to reduce resistance and having problems with those diseases in the future.”

“We sit down and have a look at the groups and what groups are the best fit, in different places, and tailor a program that covers all bases.”

“It’s always good to have new products coming through. Sometimes we're looking for a product we don't have to tank mix so many things, and that's going to give us the best result.”

The ability of Verpixo to control both Powdery mildew and Botrytis means just one disease product is needed at that time, although other products are utilised in the same tank mix.

“We found the compatibility really good,” Mr Costa said. “It went into solution well and we didn't have any problems. The good thing, with the timings that we used, we didn't see any residue left on the fruit, which is a very big tick in the box for us.”

The table grape vines are three years old and consist of the Crimson seedless variety. Table grapes were introduced into the orchard to extend the season after stone fruit, and it is a crop they are looking to develop.

Mr Costa said he enjoyed the end of the season when they were able to pick the fruit.

“The best time of the year is harvesting,” he said. “A lot of work goes into the crop through multiple different ways. To get that crop off, to get it in a box, to get it sold and put the money in the bank. That's what it's all about.”

“To put good quality product in that box makes you proud. Our name is on the box and there’s a lot of work gone in to pull the good quality off. It’s the satisfaction that keeps you farming.”