New methods to protect from sour rot
The EC-funded WINE-OCHRA RISK project focused on the identification of those fungal species responsible for the production of ochratoxin A and ways to prevent their spread. Project partner, the Agricultural University of Athens, studied the Aspergillus species which causes sour rot in vines. Research showed that the use of Switch, a chemical treatment containing fludioxonil and cyprodinil can indeed suppress Aspergillus-induced sour rot in affected plant species. The research team assessed the use of Switch treatment over two consecutive growing seasons and across two different geographical areas. Results provided evidence supporting Switch as an effective treatment against sour rot under the testing conditions and parameters. Further study results indicated the suitability of specific chemical components against sour rot fungal species as well as the best times for application of the treatments. It was also shown that fludioxonil was the most efficacious of the two active ingredients in Switch. These results can have a significant impact on plant breeding trials and agriculture companies.
