A new generation of fungicides for minor crops from Corteva Agriscience launched in Brazil

Corteva Agriscience has announced the launch of a new generation of fungicides for minor crops, called “Generation Z”, based on a unique new molecule: Zorvec Technology.

According to the manufacturer, Generation Z of fungicides “seeks to revolutionize the market, raising the level of control of the most destructive diseases in the hortifruti universe and promoting better yields and more productive crops in all seasons of the year.”

The new fungicide Zorvec Entido is focused on the potato crop and targets late blight, the main disease of the crop, which strongly impacts productivity at harvest, with losses of up to 100%. Potato is one of the main agricultural crops on the planet and has great socioeconomic importance. Brazil produces around 4.1 million tons per year, in an average area of 100,000 hectares.

Zorvec Encantia, on the other hand, focuses on tomato cultivation and is versatile for 17 other hortifruti crops, such as grapes, melons, watermelon and hardwoods. It is indicated to control late blight, a highly aggressive disease in tomato crops and capable of harming entire crops in a few days. As well as the downy mildew in several cultures, which causes premature leaf fall, destruction of flowers and fruits, resulting in significant economic losses.

“The release of Zorvec is very important for Corteva. It took more than 10 years of research to develop an innovative molecule that presents an unparalleled combination of consistency and control. It is the best control of oomycetes (mildew and late blight) ever seen in the segment. The new products have two specialist actives, they came to change everything in terms of effectiveness, protection and productivity and will be great allies for the producer in all stages of cultivation and in challenging climatic conditions," says Tainá Sipos, Portfolio Leader of the Hortifruti Line at Corteva Agriscience.

According to her, the launches present a “differentiated mode of action, acting in a completely new metabolic part, which produces multiple effects on the oomycete life cycle and which does not present cross-resistance with other fungicides on the market.”

Due to its ascending systemic behaviour, it protects the leaves as they grow and expand, even guaranteeing the protection of new shoots even if they have not been treated. The recommendation is that the application be carried out in a preventive manner, at the time of vegetative growth of the horticultural crops, in which the productive potential of the culture is defined.

Corteva claims that the new products offer long-lasting control and fast absorption, which allows for a high tolerance to washing by rain or irrigation water, and are allies in the anti-resistance strategy.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)