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Studies show that RANGO® significantly reduces incidence and severity of powdery mildew compared to standard organic treatments.
Evaluation of RANGO® for Powdery Mildew Control in Apple Orchards
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Powdery mildew in apple orchards is a common fungal disease that can cause significant yield losses if not managed effectively. To combat this problem, Terramera, a company that specializes in biologic-based crop protection solutions, developed RANGO®, an OMRI-listed biopesticide. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of RANGO in controlling powdery mildew.
Initial tests were conducted on Braeburn apples in Ephrata, Washington orchards, where RANGO® was compared against two frequently used synthetics in the industry for two years in a row. The results showed that the RANGO treatment was statistically as effective as the synthetic rotation program in controlling powdery mildew.
Excited by these results, Terramera worked with Washington State University (WSU) on another study to see how incorporating RANGO® into programs could improve powdery mildew control. The program approach was chosen to investigate how producers might simultaneously manage powdery mildew and limit fungicide resistance. The Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) classifies RANGO as "NC" - No known Resistance, indicating that it is a low risk of resistance when using the product. The study showed that RANGO, in rotation with other biofungicides, significantly reduced both the incidence and severity of powdery mildew compared to the untreated control and standard organic treatment program. Under strong disease mildew pressure, it is proposed to utilize Polyoxin D zinc salt, and cold pressed-neem oil (RANGO) together in a rotational program approach or as rotational partners with other materials. RANGO was also found to be safe as the studies showed that there was no phytotoxicity observed in RANGO-treated trees.
These results suggest that RANGO®, as an OMRI-listed biopesticide, be recommended as part of an effective management system for powdery mildew in organic orchards. The result also suggests that using RANGO in rotation with other fungicides can help reduce the development of fungicide resistance by offering multiple modes of action.
“This study reinforces our confidence in RANGO® as a leading organic biopesticide for controlling powdery mildew in apple trees. “said Matthew Dahabieh, SVP and Head of Green Chemistry Solutions at Terramera. “It also demonstrates that using RANGO, a safe and effective product with no-known resistances, in rotation with other fungicides can help reduce the development of fungicide resistance in powdery mildew.”
Terramera looks forward to further research on RANGO® for specialty crops and the recently launched soybean, corn and row crops pesticide, SOCORO™.
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