Lusosem launches GATTEN fungicide in Portugal

The Portuguese company Lusosem revealed exclusively to AgroPages the launch of the fungicide GATTEN (flutianil).

According to the manufacturer, the product is an essential novelty when Portugal faces a higher incidence of powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) in the country's vines.

According to Lusosem, the action of flutianil ensures preventive, curative, and translaminar action, in addition to high persistence, resistance to washing, and anti-sporulating action.

″GATTEN is an innovative tool that allows switching modes of action, avoiding the development of cross-resistance,″ Lusosem stated.

The Portuguese company explained that, as a result, GATTEN had presented itself as the ″right choice″ in protecting the grape culture.

It is a disease caused by an ectoparasitic fungus whose mycelium develops on all green tissues (leaves, buds, and bunches).

Powdery mildew causes small discolored spots on the leaves of the vines, which acquire a grayish-white matting.

On the underside, the veins become necrotic in the stained area. Under intense attacks, the leaf curls up and looks like a shell.

The flowers and berries of the grapes are covered with white ″dust″, which desiccates. These berries dry out or rot if weather conditions are favorable.

Temperatures between 15ºC and 28ºC, relative humidity between 25% and 100% and low light are the ideal climatic conditions for developing the fungus Erysiphe necator.

The disease brings a lot of damage to producers, causing reduced growth and vigor of plants, and reduced fertility with a consequent decrease in production and, consequently, a drop in the quality of the grapes.

According to specialists, chemical pesticides are essential to combat powdery mildew attacks.

Phytosanitary treatments must be conducted preventively and whenever conditions are favorable to the development of the disease (some humidity, overcast, and sultry weather).

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)