BASF two new potato blight fungicides got UK approval

BASF have just received approval for two new potato blight fungicides, Resplend and Decabane, based on a new active ingredient from a totally new class of chemistry.

Rob Storer, Potato Product Manager for BASF, explains that Initium is a totally new class of chemistry, the pyrimidylamines and the trade-mark of a new active ingredient with the common chemical name of ametoctradin.

"Ametoctradin is a highly effective protectant fungicide, showing premium preventative action against potato late blight. It prevents disease by inhibiting the infectious stages of the pathogen, through preventing zoospore formation, release and motility and through direct effects on the germination of sporangia. It will play a useful role in preventing both foliar and tuber blight."

The two new approved products, to be test marketed in the UK this year, consist of co-formulations with two other blight fungicides. Resplend, contains 300 g/litre ametoctradin and 225 g/litre dimethomorph and is formulated as a suspension concentrate, Decabane contains 80 g/kg ametoctradin and 480 g/kg mancozeb formulated as a water dispersible granule.

"Developing two new coformulations with complementary active ingredients with different modes of action will enhance the anti-resistance position. This new class of chemistry has been shown to have no cross-resistance to phenylamides (e.g. metalaxyl), QoI inhibitors (e.g. strobilurins) or carboxylic acid amides (e.g. mandipropamid). Both Resplend and Decabane will be important new tools in the fight against blight as well as in resistance management," he says.

Resplend contains 300 g/litre ametoctradin and 225 g/litre dimethomorph and is formulated as a suspension concentrate. It is recommended at a dose rate of 0.8 l/ha, delivering 240 gms ametoctradin per hectare and 180 gms of dimethomorph per hectare, in 200- to 500 litres of water. It is applied from early leaf extension to start of leaf senescence at 7 to 10 day intervals. Up to 4 applications per crop can be made. Resplend is rainfast within 1 hour and it is not subject to a LERAP. It is packed in the new 5 litre Eco Pack.

Decabane contains 80 g/kg ametoctradin and 480 g/kg mancozeb and is formulated as a water dispersible granule. It is recommended at a dose rate of 2.5 kg/ha, delivering 200 gms ametoctradin per hectare and 1200 gms of mancozeb per hectare, in 200- to 500 litres of water. It is applied from early leaf extension to start of leaf senescence at 7 to 10 day intervals. Up to 4 applications per crop can be made. Decabane is rainfast within 1 hour and it is subject to a category B LERAP. It is packed in a 10 kg pack.