May 11, 2016

Luna fungicide labels changed for grapes and berry crops

The Luna series of fungicides by Bayer all have one active ingredient in common, fluopyram, which is a systemic fungicide belonging to the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) class of fungicides. This group of fungicides has been assigned to group 7 by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) based on their mode of action, which involves interference in fungal respiration. Other fungicides belonging to this class are boscalid (Endura and one of the active ingredients in Pristine), penthiopyrad (Fontelis), fluxapyroxad (Merivon) and isofetamid (Kenja). The SDHIs have a medium to high risk of resistance development in target fungi, thus fungicide resistance management is needed when using these products.

There are several premixes of fluopyram with other systemic active ingredients: Luna Experience (fluopyram plus tebuconazole), Luna Tranquillity (fluopyram plus pyrimethanil) and Luna Sensation (fluopyram plus trifloxystrobin). Premixes generally have a broader spectrum of activity than single compounds. The benefits for fungicide resistance management are debatable. What is clear is that if one of the components of the premix does not work anymore due to fungicide resistance in the field, you may be wasting your money and increasing disease risk.

Luna Tranquility used in wine grapes was cancelled last year due to a potential negative effect seen on fruit set in Europe. However, Luna Experience is still available for grapes. Several supplemental labels have been released recently. The three products and their uses are summarized in the table below. Please note that application rates may differ by disease. Fungicide labels and material safety data sheets can be accessed on CDMS.net.

Schilder’s work is funded in part by MSU’s AgBioResearch.

— Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University

Source: Michigan State University Extension