Apr 12, 2024

Biofungicide Mevalone approved for use in California

Sipcam Agro USA has launched biofungicide Mevalone in California.

The fungicide has been used by grape growers in the U.S. and Europe for several years to manage bunch rot (Botrytis) and powdery mildew on wine, table and raisin grapes. Botrytis is the most destructive plant pathogen in grapes and Mevalone assists growers in their fight against botrytis while increasing healthy yields. Its use on powdery mildew is approved by the EPA but is awaiting final approval in California.Mevalone’s naturally derived active ingredients, Thymol (garden thyme), Geraniol (Damask rose) and Eugenol (clove oil), are part of a large class of plant secondary metabolites called terpenes that exhibit a safe toxicological and environmental profile with no risk of interference with fermentation and no effect on the aroma or taste of wine.  These highly effective actives were found to be exempt from the requirements of a tolerance — the maximum amount of a pesticide allowed to remain in or on a food commodity — and permitting Mevalone a maximum residue limit (MRL) exemption in the U.S., allowing vineyards to export products as compared to other fungicides with MRL limitations. For growers looking at resistance management options, Mevalone has one of the lowest risks of developing Botrytis resistance as a FRAC Group BM01 Biological.

Mevalone has been extensively and successfully tested in California, Oregon and Washington state on major wine grape varieties as a standalone Botrytis solution and as a rotational partner with other competitive standards. Mevalone is formulated with Eden Research’s patented Sustaine Technology and is registered and available in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.

For more information, visit sipcamagrousa.com.

To help educate licensees about Botrytis solutions, Sipcam Agro USA has partnered with AgCEUOnline to sponsor the newest continuing education course: Effective Management of Botrytis in Grape Vineyards.