Sep 7, 2016

Plan ahead to eliminate pest, disease

As you wrap up the 2016 grape growing season, ask yourself, “Am I happy with this year’s results? Did I win the game against pest and disease pressures?” If you answered no to either question, it may be time to reevaluate your pest management toolbox.

There’s plenty of time to change your methods and better prepare for next season. And with BASF’s help, the herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides you select to combat unwanted pest pressures may lead to higher quality and higher yield.

“BASF always recommends implementing a proactive pest management program,” said Kate Walker, a technical service representative for the company. “Growers face increasingly complex situations in farming and it is best to plan ahead and be prepared to deal with common problems.”

What problems should grape growers be on the lookout for this season?

“The most common issues we hear about are weeds and powdery mildew,” Walker said.

“Powdery mildew requires a season-long program,” she said. “It is important for growers to utilize multiple modes of action for disease control. Pristine® fungicide and Vivando® fungicide deliver excellent control of powdery mildew and are perfect rotation partners due to their different modes of action.”

BASF offers grape growers personalized solutions for their vineyards.

“We believe in providing solutions to our customers,” she continued. “Our Grow Smart program is a partnership with our customers to help them get the most out of every acre.”

The following solutions are included in BASF’s Grow Smart partnership:

• Prowl® H2O. This pre-emergent herbicide is a perfect option for growers who are looking for long-lasting, dependable weed control for broadleaf weeds and grasses. Prowl H2O provides excellent residual activity that will keep vineyards clean.
• Pristine®. A fungicide that offers broad-spectrum disease control for problematic diseases like powdery mildew, summer bunch rot and botrytis, as well as increased plant health.
• Vivando®. This fungicide features a unique mode of action for maximum powdery mildew control and resistance management. Vivando offers flexible use rates and application timing.
• Nealta®. A miticide that provides a unique class of chemistry for strong knockdown and residual control of spidermites. Nealta is also compatible with beneficial mites and insects.

“We have an innovative and expansive product portfolio designed to provide our customers with the best crop protection solutions available,” Walker said.

Growers can learn more about Grow Smart by visiting www.GrowSmartGrapes.comor by contacting their local BASF representative.

Always read and follow label directions. Prowl, Pristine, Vivando and Nealta are registered trademarks of BASF.

C. 2016 BASF Corporation