Grapes

Effective disease control = better yields
Vineyard with green grape bunches on vine

Since MIRAVIS® Prime was registered for use in wine grapes four seasons ago in New Zealand, local viticulturists have been impressed with its performance against two problematic diseases, Botrytis and Powdery mildew.

The unique, dual-active formulation of MIRAVIS® Prime comprises 150 g/L ADEPIDYN® technology (pydiflumetofen, Group 7) and 250 g/L fludioxonil (Group 12). ADEPIDYN® is a Syngenta trademark for the active ingredient pydiflumetofen, a SDHI fungicide developed by Syngenta with unique fungicidal properties.

These two potent actives provide effective control of both diseases with a single application made preventatively during cap-fall.

Paul Hassan, Technical Services Lead for Syngenta, explains, “The complementary active ingredients attack fungal pathogens at four different stages of development to effectively break the disease lifecycle, while minimising the risk of resistance being developed to the fungicide by either pathogen.

“The single application of MIRAVIS® Prime provides extended protection through this risk period when inflorescences and foliage are most vulnerable to infection from both pathogens. This makes it an excellent choice for blocks that are intended to be mothballed this season.

“It’s important to note that when MIRAVIS® Prime is applied up to 80% capfall (E-L 25) and no later than 90 days pre-harvest, this meets nil residue requirements, giving growers full market access for their wines.”

Miravis Prime botrytis treated vs untreated
Botrytis cinerea growth on a grape leaf viewed through an electron microscope two days after inoculation.  Normal mycelium growth is seen on the untreated leaf (right) and the inhibition of spore germ tube elongation and mycelium development on the treated leaf (left) when MIRAVIS® Prime was applied preventatively.

So, why does MIRAVIS® Prime work so well?

  • ADEPIDYN® rapidly diffuses into the waxy layer of the plant, forming a long-lasting reservoir protected from wash-off by rainfall.
  • From this reservoir, a portion of ADEPIDYN® moves into the leaf tissue via translaminar movement (moving from one side of the leaf to the other) with slow xylem systemic redistribution (locally systemic).
  • This translaminar and systemic movement of ADEPIDYN® means it delivers disease control away from the point of application, protecting new growth. This is particularly important to prevent the establishment of Powdery mildew populations on new and expanding leaves and shoots, when inflorescences and foliage are most vulnerable.
  • The fungicide’s dual actives attack the fungi at multiple sites inhibiting spore germination, germ tube growth, and appressorium and mycelium growth on and within the plant tissues.​

During the product’s testing phase, Syngenta laboratory trials demonstrated that the ADEPIDYN® technology component of MIRAVIS® Prime was up to 10 times more potent against Botrytis than other SDHI fungicides, setting a new industry benchmark.

In more than 20 field trials conducted in New Zealand, MIRAVIS® Prime consistently demonstrated superior disease control under local conditions.

Paul says "the high loading of ADEPIDYN® combined with exceptional potency in the formulation provides outstanding early-stage disease prevention, particularly targeting invisible Powdery mildew infections during the critical flowering period. 

“The high potency of MIRAVIS® Prime against Powdery mildew helps to reduce damage to berry skins and subsequent Botrytis infection and the timing of this single application also stops latent infections developing during cap-fall, helping growers realise the true yield and quality potential of the crop.”

Another important benefit of the dual-active formulation, with two distinct modes of action, is the significant reduction in the risk of resistance developing in Botrytis populations which ensures its long-term potency against this disease. 

Apply MIRAVIS® Prime at the label rate of 100 mL/100 L. The addition of THIOVIT® Jet is recommended for Powdery mildew resistance management. 

MIRAVIS® Prime is available as a liquid suspension concentrate formulation for convenient handling and mixing. It is compatible with a range of other crop protection inputs and has a pre-harvest interval of 90 days.

Speak with your Syngenta Territory Sales Manager about using MIRAVIS® Prime to prevent Botrytis and Powdery mildew  in your wine grapes this season. 

For more information you can view the MIRAVIS® Prime Technote.