IPM

TRICHODERMA, SAR, and EUTYPA

If you like soil and the plants that grow in it, you get a  little rush of blood when some very clever ag science comes along that provides an exceptionally simple mechanism to a seemingly insurmountable problem.

Few growers in horticulture are unaware of the outstanding benefits Trichoderma spp. has in modern horticulture and potentially broader agriculture for its use in managing some plant diseases. Greater consumer demand for less pesticide use and MRL inspections make trichoderma a sound option as an IPM treatment and tool

However, few  are aware of the  advantages , particularly in grape vines, of Systemic Acquired Resistance, a response eliciting a raised level if resistance to disease by stimulating plant natural defence chemicals as a response to the use of Vinevax Bio-Dowels.

SAR response has been known since first observations in 1901 (Ryals, et al), with various signalling chemicals researched to elicit this ‘primed state’ in plants to resist a secondary infection.

SAR depends on the plant to access past experiences, and remain primed for quick and effective defence response. This enhanced resistance in the plant includes the uninoculated plant organs.

A hallmark of SAR is its activity against a broad range of crop diseases. In addition, SAR can provide a long lasting protection that has been recorded in South Australian  grape vines for over 15 years ( Henschke, pers. comm.).

The naturally occurring Trichoderma strains used in Vinevax Bio-Dowels are specially formulated to support colonisation within the vine as a living guard to protect from destructive wood invading fungi such as Eutypa lata, and Botryosphaeria stevensii,  further promoting healthy vines.  Further benefit of the SAR response is the vine directing energy and resource for growing and producing instead of fighting infection.

REF: Ryals, Uknes, Ward 1994, Plant Physiology.