A new fungicide that specifically targets late blight, a detrimental pathogen frequently compromising potato development all over the world, has been launched recently by Corteva Agriscience for the South African spud farmers.
The Zorvec Encantia solution, based on Zorvec active, is the first member of a novel class of fungicides, which effectively utilizes a unique biochemical mode of action, and has no cross-resistance with existing fungicides.
“Zorvec Encantia is here to change everything in terms of effectiveness, protection, and productivity, and will be a great ally for South Africa’s potato producers during all stages of cultivation and in challenging climatic conditions,” Stephan Marais, product manager at Corteva Agriscience said, African Business wrote. “After more than a decade of research, we have created a novel chemical with an unrivaled level of consistency and control, especially when it comes to oomycetes management, allowing for lower operational costs and overall improved efficiency.”
This new solution produces multiple effects on a pathogen’s life cycle for better efficacy and duration of control and protects leaves as they grow and expand, enhancing the protection of new foliage even if they have not been treated. The product also offers fast absorption, which allows for high tolerance to wash off by rain or irrigation water and reduces the need for re-sprays and unscheduled applications.
South Africa’s potato industry contributes significant nutritional and economic value, comprising 45% of the vegetables grown, with an average of 51,000 ha being planted per year, and employing approximately 60,000 farmworkers across the country. Additionally, close to 66% of all potatoes purchased at local fresh produce markets are bought by informal traders, further driving job creation opportunities.
The new product features a favorable environmental profile and is effective on target organisms at very low use rates and has no harmful effects on beneficial species.
