Overview of fungicides for grapes

Fungicides are a group of chemicals that are in demand in agricultural technology to suppress fungal diseases: anthracnose, scab, as well as rot and many others. These substances are used both to combat the disease and to prevent it. They are harmless to the vineyard and most often do not harm human health.

The grape culture is susceptible to a wide variety of fungal infections. Rot, chlorosis, as well as anthracnose, oidium and similar infections can destroy the entire vineyard in a short time. Breeders are constantly working on crop improvement in order to develop new and more resistant varieties. Nevertheless, to date, it has not been possible to solve this problem in full.

It is extremely difficult to save the vineyard when the infection has already begun to spread throughout the plantation. Preventive fungicide treatment is considered a more effective way to combat fungal diseases. There is a large selection of drugs in this spectrum of action on the market, and each of them is effective against certain types of fungus. For example, with powdery mildew are fighting "Tipt", "Ikarus" and "Topaz". However, if the vineyard is hit by anthracnose, they will be powerless. This means that in order to preserve the vineyard, it is necessary to carry out several treatments using different types of products.

Depending on the type of exposure, there are three types of drugs. For the prevention of infection of the vine, contact means give a good effect. If the pathogen has already settled on the branches, the systemic composition will become more effective, which can stop the spread of infection and completely destroy the mycelium.

In the early stages, the fungal disease affects new shoots, leaf plates, ovaries, as well as fruit clusters. To stop the spread of the infection, means of contact action are needed. They create a thin protective shell on the green parts of the plant. Coming into contact with it, fungal spores die, and healthy tissues remain intact.

The main advantage of contact agents is the fact that the fungus does not adapt to them. Therefore, the same drug can be used multiple times per season. At the same time, there are also disadvantages, the most obvious is the short duration. In the absence of dry weather, the film created by the fungicide lasts no longer than 12-14 days. This period will be significantly shortened if the weather is too hot outside. Then the treatment will have to be repeated once a week. In general, the vineyard needs about 7-9 sprays to achieve the result.

Important: contact agents cannot destroy the mycelium. Therefore, spraying the grapes has an effect only when all the infected parts are removed. The most effective fungicides of this type include "Tsineb", "HOM" and "Folpan".

HOM is a good alternative to the Bordeaux liquid. It effectively protects the plant from infection, but at the same time it is completely ineffective in treating it. Folpan is more effective and can be used to heal infected vines at an early stage. However, it can be used no more than four times during the growing season.

The mechanism of operation of systemic fungicides is different: in this case, the active components penetrate into the plant, are distributed throughout all its parts along with the juice and destroy the pathogen from the inside. These drugs can suppress the growth of fungi and neutralize the whole mycelium.

The undoubted advantages of systemic formulations include:

• high rate of permeability and onset of action;
• do not wash off the surface of the plant during rain;
• are highly effective in the early stages of fungal infection;
• no more than three sprays are required per growing season.

The systemic fungicide must be completely absorbed to take effect. As a rule, it takes up to 5 hours, then it lasts another two to three weeks. The preparation protects the vineyard not only on the treated surface, but also on new shoots, berries and roots. However, it also has its drawbacks. Microorganisms quickly get used to such drugs, therefore, the compositions of the same group are used no more than two times in a row.

The greatest effect is given by the combination of systemic and contact compounds. The best products in this category are Topaz, Falcon and Fundazol. Each of them has its own direction of influence. So, "Fundazol" helps the vineyard get rid of snow mold, as well as powdery mildew and scab. And "Falcon" gives a good effect in the fight against powdery mildew.

Complex formulations combine the main characteristics of systemic and contact drugs with all their pros and cons. Such drugs can be harmful to humans, therefore they require the most careful handling. However, they have a good effect and can cure the vineyard even in the later stages of the disease. In doing so, they act selectively. The most effective are the following formulations.

• Mikal. Effective in the prevention and treatment of fungal pathologies. A mandatory requirement is that the fungicide can be used no later than three days after the mycelium is detected.
• "Shavit". Gives a good effect against white and gray mold. Has established itself as an effective drug against infectious drying, and helps with powdery mildew. The most effective components are included in the composition. However, "Shavit" is highly toxic, so it must be used with the necessary precautions. You can use this fungicide no more than twice a season.
• Flint. It is used in the treatment of mildew, as well as black rot, rubella and powdery mildew. It has low toxicity, therefore it can be used three times a season. The active time is 10-15 days.
• "Cabrio Top". One of the best formulations against powdery mildew, it saves the vineyard even at the stage of mass mildew infection. A fungicide can be used against various types of spot and anthracnose. Getting rid of pests will be a nice bonus. At the same time, under the influence of high temperatures and rain, the agent retains its effectiveness. It tends to accumulate in the leaves, therefore it takes a whole month.

An analogue of a complex fungicide can be considered potassium monophosphate.

Complex formulations are most popular with vineyard owners. They are universal, so they last for a long time. This minimizes time-consuming regular processing. In addition, most of them not only prevent the onset of diseases, but also effectively treat them even at later stages. The most effective fungicides include the following agents.

Antimycotic agent of the systemic type. Effective against mildew, quickly suppresses all types of rot. Possesses the property of suppressing the spread of the pathogen and killing the mycelium. Processing is carried out twice a season. For this, the medicinal solution is stirred in a ratio of 2 g to 8 liters of water.

The drug is a combined type. Quickly destroys spotting, eliminates powdery mildew, neutralizes powdery mildew pathogens. In demand in private vineyards, used in agriculture. Can be used throughout the growing season. It has a good effect as a professional measure, but it can also be used to treat pathologies. In the first case, a solution is made in the ratio of 5 ml of the drug to 10 l of water, in the second, the working concentration is doubled.

It is the absolute leader in the fungicide market. It is relevant not only for the vine, but also for many other types of fruit and vegetable plants, it allows you to save the vineyard from powdery mildew in the shortest possible time. Penetrates into grape cells in 2-3 hours, and this time is enough to completely destroy mycelium and spores.

It retains its activity under the influence of direct sunlight, in conditions of high temperature and after heavy rain. Provides reliable protection to all parts of the plant due to the fact that the active substance is carried along with the vital juices. "Topaz" has established itself as an effective prophylactic agent, harmless to the environment.

Universal composition, sold in the form of water-soluble granules. The drug proved to be an effective remedy against fruit and gray rot, black cancer, as well as lichens and scab. Destroys pest larvae in the soil and under the bark. It has the property of deoxidizing the soil, which contributes to the better assimilation of useful microelements by the grape culture. Processing is carried out in autumn and spring.

The systemic composition of the latest generation, allowing you to cure the vine from powdery mildew, as well as protect the berries from fungal diseases during the ripening period. Processing is carried out three times: at the flowering stage, during the formation of berries and a week before full ripening. The working components penetrate into the green tissues of the plant and thereby stop the growth of the fungus. Surface protection is provided within 10-15 days, does not lose activity at elevated temperatures.

Systemic fungicide that works for 7-20 days. The composition is non-toxic, does not pose a danger to the plantation and people. The working solution is made at the rate of 2 ml of the product per 10 liters of water. It is most effective as a preventive measure, but it can cope with scab at the initial stages of infection. The permissible number of sprays is 4 times, the best effect is achieved when combined with contact fungicides.

A good effect is given by treatment with compositions "Ordan", "Mobile", "Switch", "Profit Gold", "Fitosporin". The best reviews were given to the fungicides Oksikhom, Delan, Medea, as well as Bizafon and Abiga-Peak.

It is unreasonable to argue that one fungicidal composition is more effective than another. Each of them contains active components that act on pathogens of a certain type. Novice growers usually prefer complex treatments, since it can be difficult for them to immediately identify the disease. Experienced vineyard owners can always easily determine which disease affects the plantation and choose the most effective and at the same time gentle fungicide for it.

Effective against mildew:

• "Cabrio Top";
• Ridomil Gold.

Some drugs can cure both mildew and powdery mildew:

• Fundazol;
• "Strobe";
• "Vectra";
• Falcon;
• Alto Super Topaz.

If the fruit crop was struck by gray rot, the following will help to correct the situation:

• Sumileks;
• Topsin;
• "Euparen";
• Ronilan.

They help against all types of rot:

• "Topaz";
• "Flaton";
• "Captan";
• "Tsinebom".

Fungicidal agents can be used in several ways.

• Disinfection of planting material. The acquired seedlings must be kept in solutions of fungicidal preparations before planting on a permanent site.
• Spraying or pollination. Used for fungicidal treatment of ground parts of grapes. The procedure is repeated several times throughout the year, always in spring and autumn.
• Application to the ground. Helps protect plants from pathogenic bacteria that inhabit the earth. In this case, fungicides are applied before planting the plant on a permanent site during digging. In subsequent years, the soil is spilled with a liquid solution of the drug.

Vineyard treatment with fungicides can be carried out throughout the growing season:

• at the stage of kidney swelling;
• after the formation of the leaf mass;
• during the formation of buds;
• in the process of flowering;
• at an early stage of berry appearance;
• at the stage of technical ripeness;
• 7-8 days before final ripening;
• during harvesting and sheltering the vine before hibernation.

The very first processing of the vineyard is carried out when the air warms up to 4-6 degrees. At this point, the fungal spores are dormant.

At the stage of budding, the greatest effect is given by complex effects. Then the use of drugs directly depends on the state of the grapes. If there are no pathologies, you can use contact formulations for prevention. If an infection occurs, systemic and complex formulations will be effective.

Despite the fact that the fungicides produced by the industry have a gentle effect, many of them are still harmful to humans. Therefore, when working with such drugs, it is necessary to strictly follow the safety rules: use goggles and a respirator to protect the eyes and respiratory tract. Wear gloves and rubber boots if possible. Cover your head with a scarf.

The preparations are selective, therefore, any treatment of vineyards with prophylactic and curative purposes should provide for their combination with each other. The frequency of spraying directly depends on the working composition: contact treatment is carried out every 7-10 days, and systemic ones are used 2 to 4 times a year. When using any fungicides, you must strictly follow the instructions. Excess concentrations even in minimal dosages can cause burns and death of the vineyard.