Viticure, a fungicide specific for grapes

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

Viticure™ (triflumizole) is a fungicide belonging to the sterol inhibitor (SI) class (Group 3) specifically labeled for use in grapes. It was marketed previously as the fungicide Procure, so it is not a new fungicide. Viticure has excellent efficacy against powdery mildew. According to the manufacturer, Viticure also provides suppression of black rot and Botrytis bunch rot. Trials in Michigan showed good activity against black rot, but black rot is not listed on the label. Sterol inhibitors are not usually considered to be effective against Phomopsis. However, based on trials in Michigan, Procure also had moderate to good activity against Phomopsis and some control can be expected when used in a fungicide program.

Viticure is systemic and has protective and curative properties, translaminar and vapor activities, and good weatherfastness. The label carries a "caution" signal word. Viticure has a 12-hour Restricted Entry Interval (REI) and a seven-day Pre-Harvest interval (PHI). This product is toxic to fish (like many fungicides), so care must be taken around bodies of water. Viticure is a water-based formulation (soluble concentrate) that mixes easily and is compatible with most tank mix partners. Viticure does not contain oil or solvents and is formulated to improve foliar coverage and reduce visible residues on the crop. In addition, the new liquid formulation is not abrasive to field equipment and will not clog strainers and screens of the spray equipment. Sulfur can be applied with or in alternation with Viciture without any problems. Tank-mixing with sulfur is recommended where fungicide resistance is suspected.

The recommended use rate for Viticure is 4-8 fl oz per acre, which provides the grower flexibility to adjust the rate in response to disease pressure and weather conditions. At the 4-oz rate, the product is quite economical. At the 4-fl oz rate, 14 days of protection can be expected, whereas at the 6-fl oz rate, the vines are protected from 18-21 days. Start applications before bloom and apply on a 14- to 21-day interval, depending on the rate used and disease pressure. For the most susceptible varieties, use 6-8 fl oz/acre and/or shorter spray intervals. When disease pressure is low (e.g., early in the season), use 4 to 6 fl oz/acre and/or extend the spray interval to 21 days. Use the 6-fl oz rate for suppression of Botrytis and black rot.

Use sufficient volume to ensure good spray coverage. To minimize the risk of fungicide resistance development, do not make more than two applications of Viticure before changing to a registered fungicide with a different mode of action. Do not apply more than 32 fl oz of Viticure per acre per season. Viticure has not been shown to cause adverse plant growth regulating (PGR) activity. This allows it to be used at any time during crop development – from first signs of new growth, through bloom and throughout berry development – without concern about berry size and shape, or possible carry-over effects on flowering and fruit development. Always read and follow label directions when using this product.

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