Westbridge’s Botector Biopesticide Approved For Use In California
October 8, 2013 Westbridge Agricultural Products announced that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has approved Botector as an organic biological product for the prevention of gray mold (Botrytis
cinerea) in grape and berry production, as well as anthracnose, phomopsis, and rhizopus rots on berries.
Developed by bio‐ferm GmbH of Tulln, Austria, and exclusively marketed in the U.S. by Westbridge Agricultural Products of Vista, CA, Botector is a biocontrol product that works by natural competition for space and nutrients. Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is a common disease that seriously impacts grapes and berries. It can be responsible for crop losses of more than 50% and negatively affect the quality of grapes and berries.
Botector consists of two strains of Aureobasidium pullulans, which are naturally‐occurring, ubiquitous microorganisms. These highly efficient microorganisms aggressively colonize and block the gray mold pathogen
from infecting the flower or berry surface, preventing the pathogen’s growth. Since Botector acts as a competitive antagonist and does not directly affect the metabolism of the pathogen, there is no risk of developing resistance, even with frequent applications.
Botector has proven efficacy in more than four years of research and commercial trials under a variety of growing conditions. According to the trials, it shown no negative impact upon fruit quality or the wine fermentation process and is safe for use around bees and beneficial insects. Control is achieved by applying the product alone or in combination with other products in a program of Integrated Pest Management. Botector is exempt from Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), so there is no Pre‐Harvest Interval (PHI), making it an ideal product to use when pesticide residues are a concern. It is approved for use in organic grape and berry production by the EPA and and Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Organic Food Program.
For more information about Botector or the Westbridge product line, visit www.westbridge.com.
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