Unique Bactericide Product Could Offer Solution for Deadly Strawberry Disease

University of Florida scientists are actively searching to identify fungicide alternatives to control Neopestalotiopsis, the causal agent of an aggressive and rapidly emerging disease that have pushed local strawberry growers and beyond to their limits. A non-toxic fungi bactericide called GotaBlanca could be one of the solutions researchers and growers are looking for.

In a recent field trial conducted by the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, the unique bactericide from Costa Rican company ClearLeaf proved highly effective in controlling Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot diseases in strawberries.

The trial evaluated a range of fungicide mixes and formulations alongside a new generation of technologies. GotaBlanca reportedly outperformed some of the other new generation technologies. This with the added benefits of having a low risk of generating microbial resistance and being non-toxic to soils, workers, and on-farm biological diversity.

The lead researcher, Dr. Natalia Peres at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, says, “Growers need additional fungicide options for managing Neopestalotiopsis, and our objective was to evaluate how new products perform under Florida field conditions. GotaBlanca performed well in this trial and merits further evaluation.”

According to ClearLeaf, GotaBlanca does not interfere with plant metabolism or photosynthesis. Its multi-site mode of action gives pathogens no single target to adapt to, so it presents a much lower risk of resistance development than products with a single-site mode of action. “Because the formulation is non-toxic to workers, soil biology and on-farm beneficial organisms, it shortens or removes re-entry restrictions, allowing picking crews back into the block without interrupting harvest, and leaves no residue of regulatory concern for buyers and export markets,” the company states in a news release.

As of this post, GotaBlanca IS NOT currently registered for sale, distribution, or commercial use within the U.S. or its territories. The company says U.S. EPA registration is planned. Stay tuned.

For more information, visit clearleaf.ag.