California OKs organic fungicide

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has registered Botector from Westbridge Agricultural Products, Vista, Calif., for use against Botrytis gray mold on grapes and berries.

It also is labeled for use against Anthracnose, Phomopsis and Rhisopus rots in berries, according to a news release.

The product contains two strains of the naturally occurring yeast-like fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans, which colonize the flower or berry surface, blocking the gray mold pathogen from colonizing the surface.

Because it acts as a competitive antagonist and not directly on the pathogen, there is little chance of resistance developing, according to the release.

It has not been shown to affect fruit quality or wine fermentation, according to the release. The product can be applied alone or as a tankmix.

It is exempt from MRLs, or maximum residue levels.

The product is approved for use on organic crops by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.