Protecting Your Vineyard From the Threat of Fungicide Resistance
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Every grape grower understands the challenge of controlling fungal diseases. Although fungicide applications are the most effective strategy for disease management, the rise of fungicide resistance poses a significant threat to efficacy.
Growers are often unaware they have a fungicide resistance issue until devastating diseases like botrytis bunch rot and powdery mildew have caused substantial and irreversible damage to their crops. To protect grape health and maximize yield, grape growers should consider implementing proactive strategies to address fungicide resistance.
Understanding Fungicide Resistance
Fungicide resistance, as defined by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC), is an acquired reduction in sensitivity of fungi to specific fungicides. The key challenge is the genetic variability of fungal populations, which leads to fungicide resistance in certain fungi within the population. Without a proactive approach, those resistant fungi can rapidly reproduce, causing widespread fungicide resistance across the vineyard.
Effects on Grape Growers
Fungicide resistance poses a serious threat to growers’ bottom lines.
With studies indicating potential preharvest losses ranging from 10% to 23% and postharvest losses of 10% to 20%, the stakes are high for growers across the industry.1 Implementing a proactive plan at the beginning of the growing season can give grape growers peace of mind when diseases, such as botrytis bunch rot and powdery mildew, occur in their vineyards.
Spotting the Signs
Fungicide resistance is generally not found until there is an issue in the crop, but staying alert during the growing season can help grape growers spot signs of resistance.
Avoid repeated use of fungicides from the same FRAC group, talk with neighbors about their treatment outcomes for different diseases and stay informed on resistant strains to avoid ineffective treatments.
Best Management Practices
To avoid the development of fungicide resistance, consider these best management practices:
- Rotate fungicides with different FRAC groups to reduce the selection pressure on fungi population.
- Scout vineyards daily for signs of disease development.
- Implement integrated disease management strategies.
- Apply the recommended label rates with adequate coverage.
- Apply fungicides preventively — prior to disease development.
- Select varieties with resistance to common grape diseases.
Defending vineyards from fungicide resistance starts with informed decisions and proactive strategies. Visit Corteva.us/FungicideResistance to learn more.
1Steinberg, G., and S. J. Gurr. 2020. Fungi, fungicide discovery and global food security. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2020.103476
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