Biofungicides and their role in protecting key crops against disease

For a long time, methyl bromide was relied upon heavily as the most effective tool in strawberry production for controlling soil-born plant pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes, and weeds. With the loss of methyl bromide in the last decade, outdoor fruit, vegetable, and ornamental growers are facing problems they haven’t had to deal with in nearly fifty years and are looking for effective and affordable solutions once again.

According to Matthew Krause, Technical Lead, Covered Crops at Lallemand Plant Care, introducing a microbial biofungicide into a conventional or organic disease control program can address some of these challenges and aid in growing healthier plants.

“Properly selected and applied microbial biofungicide treatments directly exploit pathogen vulnerabilities and support a crop’s physiological health, innate tolerance to plant diseases, and, ultimately, quality and productivity,” explained Krause. “If growers are using a chemical knockdown to reduce disease pressure, they can apply a biofungicide a couple of days or even a week later to help minimize the disease. Because biofungicides contain live cells of specific, unique strains of bacteria and fungi as active ingredients, they can be used (as needed) throughout the season and leave no toxic residues.”

Biofungicides were first registered for use over 30 years ago, and the number available in the market increases yearly. “Growers should consider looking to a company with years of expertise in research and production of biological formulations,” said Krause. “At Lallemand, we specialize in supplying biological protection, stress reduction, and nutrient acquisition products that improve productivity and plant vitality, without undesired pesticide residues and non-target effects. It’s a commitment that is highlighted in our tagline: Microbial by Nature for Over a Century. We have 400 researchers around the world committed to ensuring our microbial active ingredients reliably promote plant productivity and soil health.”

This commitment has resulted in two unique, highly effective EPA-Registered and OMRI-Listed biofungicides that protect against soil-borne and foliar diseases.

LALSTOP K61 WP biofungicide is effective against many root pathogens (including Fusarium Wilt and Macrophomina (Charcoal Rot)), leaves no residue, and keeps plants functioning better and longer. In trials looking at the impact of a LALSTOP K61 WP treatment program on strawberries under moderate to high Fusarium or Macrophomina disease pressures in California, results showed a 50-60 percent reduction in disease severity and a 190-240 percent increase in marketable yield for the entire crop.

Another biofungicide from Lallemand Plant Care, LALSTOP G46 WG, is a concentrated wettable granule formulation for foliar spray and soil applications that leaves no visible residues even after multiple applications. This biofungicide is effective against foliar pathogens like Botrytis species, powdery mildews, and Didymella bryoniae, and soilborne pathogens like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Verticillium species.

Lallemand was originally founded at the beginning of the 20^th century and has grown to be a global leader and expert in yeast, fungi, and bacteria production. In 2006, the company decided to put its microbiology and fermentation expertise and technological assets to use in the agricultural world, and so the Lallemand Plant Care business unit was born.

For more information, please visit www.lallemandplantcare.com.