Eco-77® is a biological foliar fungicide for the preventative use against wound infecting pathogens such as Botrytis and Eutypa.
Eco-77® contains a wettable powder formulation of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma atroviride strain 77B, which was isolated from grape vines in the Western Cape. The Trichoderma colonizes plant wounds and senescing plant tissue thus preventing pathogens from penetrating the plant.
Eco-77 is effective against Botrytis on stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. It also protects pruning wounds on grapevines, tomatoes and other crops, as well as wounds caused by herbicides or hail. Through the effective colonization by the Trichoderma, the pathogen cannot enter the plant. Eco-77 shows good results in the greenhouse and open field and is an ideal tool to keep fruits healthy post-harvest.
Eco-77 can either be applied as full cover spray or as a directed spray on pruned wounds or the flowering/fruiting zone. 250 – 500g per hectare is mixed with water and applied preventatively. Wounds or senescing plant tissues (e.g. senescing flowers) need to be treated as early as possible to prevent entry of pathogens.
The Andermatt Madumbi team of experts find Eco-77® invaluable within the biological IPM toolkit! Herewith a summary of their key reasons why:
1 – Biofungicide with no MRL’s and residues – Dr Brendon Neumann, Business Innovations Lead
One of the main advantages of Eco-77® is that it is residue free and therefore not constrained by MRL’s or withholding periods. IPM programs should include biological solutions from the onset, supporting growers to meet the set MRL levels. Eco-77® can be used right up until harvest, offering control both before, during and even post-harvest.
2 – Quality product with consistent performance – Sias Leipoldt, Business Development Lead
Eco-77® has a high spore concentration (2 x 109 cfu/g), spore viability and formulation stability. This relates to good efficacy and consistent performance in the field when applied correctly. Eco-77® has been extensively researched, widely used and is a tried and trusted solution.
3 – Locally isolated, persistent strain – Helgard van Rooyen, Biospecialist South
Eco-77® was isolated from grape vines in the Western Cape, is well adapted to local above ground conditions and can survive and thrive in hot, dry environments. Eco-77® is very persistent. The strain has been isolated a year after application in grape pruning wounds and as such provides a low-cost, long-term preventative solution.
4 – EcoCert attestation and friendly to beneficials – Mark Hutton, Biospecialist KZN
Eco-77® is suitable for organic use under both the EC and NOP regulations. Eco-77® is also friendly to beneficial insects (i.e.. ladybirds, parasitoid wasps, lacewings, bees, earthworms, birds, fish and daphnia) and as such has limited impact on biodiversity in orchards, vineyards and fields.
5 – Highly compatible with conventional chemistry – De Wet Steenkamp, Biospecialist South
With the original isolate coming from commercial vineyards treated with conventional chemistry, the isolate in Eco-77® shows surprising compatibility with chemical inputs like elemental sulphur. A list of compatible chemical actives is regularly updated and available on request.
6 – A key contributor to Andermatt Madumbi’s zero residue goal – Wilma Mac Pherson, Biospecialist – North
Andermatt Madumbi’s arsenal of biofungicide solutions is steadily growing. Continued ongoing trials and research are contributing to our vision of providing growers with a basket of biological tools to contribute to ‘zero residue’ IPM programs
Registration details: Eco-77® contains Trichoderma atroviride. Reg. No. L7945, Act No. 36 of 1947. Andermatt PHP (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 207, Nottingham Road, 3280. Reg. No. 2003/007987/07.