PlantTrust trials show promise against Phytophthora

Tests of alternative Phytophthora control product draw a positive response from growers.

A new product for controlling Phytophthora has had a positive initial reaction from the trade.

PlantTrust, produced by Everris, uses new controlled-release technology to prevent the disease. The product is mixed into the growing media and uses a coating system, based on Osmocote technology, that releases the active ingredient over a period of three months. It has the same active ingredient as Aliette 80WG (fosetyl aluminium).

Standard practice is to spray plants on a monthly basis, which is more wasteful and less safe than the new product, according to Everris.

John Woods production manager Malcolm Dick said: "The trials we have been conducting are looking encouraging. It's a good product and incorporating into the soil saves us having to drench the plants, and it's safer as well."

Lowaters Nursery director Charles Carr added: "Since we've started using recycled water we have had less need to use Aliette, but we would certainly look at using PlantTrust. We always review new products and see how they would fit into our system."

Roger Ward of Golden Grove said: "We did a trial with PlantTrust and were pleased with the results. The plants are looking well. We'll look at the cost, weigh that up with how effective it is and make a judgement. The expense is always the issue. We try to use alternative ways to control Phytophthora. But it's a step forward and it's an alternative to Aliette."

Everris technical manager Andrew Wilson said: "Phytophthora is everywhere and it just needs an opportunity to get into the plant. Conventional techniques involve drenching the plant, which can be wasteful and time consuming. This is a new concept that releases the active ingredient over time. There is nothing left at the end so it's better for the environment. We've been developing this for seven years and have conducted more than 100 trials."

Wilson added that the company hoped the same technology will be used for other chemical products.

Search launched for Aliette replacement

The loss of fungicide product Aliette 80WG will mean going without a key product for dealing with Phytophthora, growers have claimed.

Aliette will no longer be available for purchase after 31 October, although growers will be able to use up stock until 31 October 2012.

Dove Associates managing director John Adlam said: "It's a useful and valuable tool in the armoury and I'm sorry to be losing it. It will reduce the options we have and increases the risk of resistance to certain products.

"This is just one of the products available but it doesn't work if you keep using the same product over and over again. Aliette has been around for a long time and has been very effective. Its loss will be felt."

Bransford Webbs technical supervisor Mark Jenkins said he was considering alternatives. "We are looking at PlantTrust as an alternative and doing some trials in that, as well as other replacements," he added.

"We have a lengthy trial period. We grow hebes under glass, which is one of our key applications. When you have a few thousand hebes to grow you need something. It is not the only product but it is one of the main four or five."

Alan Horgan, technical officer at manufacturer Certis, said: "We are urging growers to place orders now to see them through the entire use-up period, which ends in October 2012. Leaving your order to the last minute may not be a good tactic."