Lallemand Plant Care Announce Powdery Mildew Registration In California

The registration of LALSTOP G46 WG for use this season in California vineyards against Powdery Mildew has been announced by Lallemand Plant Care. Powdery Mildew may be particularly troublesome in vineyards, reducing wine quality and crop productivity. However, applying LALSTOP G46 WG reduced the severity of Powdery Mildew in wine grapes by 98%, according to studies done by the Eskalen Lab at UC Davis, making it a valuable tool for controlling this disease.

Botrytis is one of several foliar diseases that LALSTOP G46 WG, a proven fungicide, is effective against in fruit, vegetable, herb, and decorative crops. It has several mechanisms of action, reduces the emergence of resistance, and is appropriate for conventional and organic IPM programs. In addition, LALSTOP G46 WG is an excellent rotational or tank-mix companion for growers. This bio fungicide’s label expansion in California is anticipated to make it a top option for controlling Powdery Mildew in vineyards, offering producers a new weapon to combat the disease and boost crop productivity and wine quality.

Mildew has significantly affected wine production, primarily due to the declining quality and quantity of grapes harvested. Two significant types of mildew – powdery and downy – infect grapevines and threaten vineyards worldwide. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator, covers the grapevine leaves, shoots, and berries with a powdery white growth. In contrast, downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, manifests as a fuzzy, white to grayish growth on the underside of the leaves. Both mildews cause defoliation, stunted growth, and underdeveloped grape clusters, directly impacting the wine’s yield and quality. In addition, the infected grapes tend to have off-flavors, diminished aromatics, and unbalanced acidity, resulting in a subpar final product.

Mildew infections damage the crop, weakening the grapevines’ health and potentially affecting future yields. The financial burden of dealing with mildew infestations is considerable for winemakers, as they must invest in preventive measures, fungicides, and labor-intensive practices to manage and combat the spread of the disease. Climate change has further exacerbated the issue, as warmer, wetter conditions create a more conducive environment for mildew growth. This has led to an increased frequency and intensity of mildew outbreaks, forcing wine producers to adapt by embracing new grape varieties, vineyard management practices, and technological innovations to protect their vineyards and ensure the continued production of high-quality wines.