Vegalab develops new fungicide formulation

Vegalab, a leading manufacturer and formulator of sustainable, environmentally responsible agricultural products, has announced the reformulation of one of its fungicides, Mildew Control. Subtle improvements were made to the formula to increase efficacy; the possibility of causing phytotoxicity to the flowers of strawberries is no longer a concern.

Powdery mildew is a problem often found on strawberry plants. If left unchecked, it can cause leaves to turn yellow, which will soon lead to them dying and falling off. After this happens, the fruit is exposed to sunburn and the crops will be unmarketable, which presents a huge problem to farmers.

Mildew Control is an all-natural fungicide composed of plant extracts that is effective against downy mildew, powdery mildew, and other mildew diseases. These mildews are harmful to plants and known to significantly reduce crop yields. It has a two-fold effect on crops: prevention and healing. It retards spore germination, germ tube growth, and destroys pathogen cells.

Mildew Control uses natural extracts of geranium plants as the active ingredient to reach the highest level of efficacy, while greatly reducing the environmental impact of using the product. Thymol, a naturally occurring biocide, creates a protective film over the plant cuticle, leaving the tissue intact. It prevents pathogen spores from attaching to the cell, developing further, and causing damage to the plant and fruit. Fungal growth cycles begin with spore germination at the plant surface. After attaching to the surface, germ tubes begin to grow, feeding off of nutrients from the plant cell. In order to interrupt this cycle, thymol is used.