Plant protection products including microorganisms

In principle, all fungicidal, bactericidal and viricidal products are used preventively in organic farming and are contact agents. The only exception is applications in the form of curative stop sprays on germinating fungal spores. Particularly important are the correct spray timing, as well as the formulation of the active ingredients, good distribution of the spray broth, and good adhesion with good rainfastness.

The optimal spray timing is determined with the help of monitoring and warning service messages. Sprays are made at the prescribed minimum intervals. In case of heavy new growth or after wash-off due to rainfall, the spray coating must be renewed.

The formulation of the active ingredient plays an essential role in the effectiveness of the crop protection product. For example, copper formulated as copper hydroxide shows the fastest action with good long-term efficacy and plant tolerance. Other copper formulations have a slower effect with very good long-term efficacy or plant compatibility. Here, individual decisions must be made according to need and crop. To achieve good distribution, it is important to choose the right nozzle setting. For example, in viticulture and orchards, the lowest nozzle must be directed upward to ensure complete wetting of the underside of the leaves. Applied in this way, a copper application against Plasmopara viticola; In Horticulture against powdery mildew and velvet spot. Copper, sulfur and bicarbonates and most foliar fertilizers are miscible.

Table 4.6 Mixtures and application alternatives

Crop and disease	Copper	Net sulfur	Lime sulfur	Bicarbonate	Organic PPP
Viticulture
Erysiphe necator		X		X
Orchards
Scab (apple)	X	X	X	X
Powdery mildew (apple)		X	X	X
Marsonia (apple)	X		X
Rain spots (apple)		X	X	X
Fire blight (apple, pear, ...)	X		X(only etching effect)		Blossom protect™
Monilia	X	X	X	X	Prestop®, Serenade® ASO
Cherry leaf spot (cherry)	X	X	X	X
leaf curl disease (peach, nectarine)	X	X
Shothole disease	X	X		X
Arable farming
Powdery mildew (sugar beet, onion)		X		X
Horticulture
Botrytis				X	Prestop®
Pythium	X				Prestop®