AgroPages-BASF launches fungicide Tutor for control of citrus disease-Agricultural news

By Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages

Fungicides are increasingly being used in Brazil as an alternative to control black spot (Phyllosticta citricarpa) in citrus. In this scenario, BASF launched Tutor (Copper hydroxide), which has been outstanding because it is a product of preventive use and also has a bactericidal effect.

According to the manufacturer, the difference in the formula is copper hydroxide, which can help inhibit mold spores and resistance management. In addition, this fungicide can also be used for the control of cercosporiosis in coffee cultivation, Phytophthora infestans on potatoes and Alternaria solani on tomatoes.

The disease of citrus black spot is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa; although it does not cause any interference in the flavor of the fruit, it promotes the appearance of dark spots that appear on the bark and may affect the fruits, making the product devalued and forcing breeders to sell them to the industry, which may not be as profitable as it is a much smaller market.

Once the disease has settled in the orchard, the best combat alternative includes a combination of measures that begins with chemical treatment and the application of pesticides. According to BASF, Tutor is aimed at avoiding all this expense and a possible contamination of the chemical products, since the fungicide acts in a preventive way, preventing the disease from manifesting itself.

Currently, citrus growers are already managing to reduce the application of chemical pesticides in their orchards, with the technology allowing the amount of syrup applied per hectare to be practically half of what was used 10 years ago.