MIRAVIS® brands lead the way in potato disease management

Potato crops have fewer diseases than other horticultural crops. However, target spot / early blight (caused by Alternaria solani) is one disease that growers routinely need to manage in most growing regions.

Introduced in 2018, MIRAVIS^® fungicide (200 g/L pydiflumetofen) provides long-lasting protection. It offers up to 21 days control of target spot in potatoes. The MIRAVIS^® range has now expanded to include:

• MIRAVIS^® Duo for control of target spot
• MIRAVIS^® Prime for protection against target spot, Sclerotinia and Botrytis

Understanding the technical features of each product is crucial for optimal efficacy and resistance management.

MIRAVIS^®

MIRAVIS^® fungicide contains pydiflumetofen (Group 7, SDHI fungicide). It is a highly effective solution for controlling target spot in potatoes.

Key features:

• Moves rapidly into the leaf wax layer
• Slow xylem redistribution for extended control
• Application rate: 250-375 mL/ha
• Higher rate recommended under high disease pressure or when extending spray intervals beyond 14 days
• Rainfast within one hour

The rainfastness offers flexibility in application timing. This is especially useful when rain is persistent or the crop is susceptible to disease.

Application of MIRAVIS^® extends green leaf area and improves crop vigour – a key benefit that is often not considered. Exceptional disease control means continued good growth late in the season, when tuber bulking is critical for reaching optimum yield potential. Some growers have even commented they now need to desiccate the crop as it stays greener for longer.

MIRAVIS^® can be applied by boom-spray or aerially (fixed-wing or helicopter). This provides flexibility when tractor entry is restricted.

MIRAVIS^® Prime

MIRAVIS^® Prime fungicide expands on the success of MIRAVIS^®. It combines 250 g/L fludioxonil (Group 12) with 150 g/L pydiflumetofen.

What it controls:

• Target spot
• Sclerotinia
• Botrytis

Fludioxonil has contact activity that provides a protective barrier against disease. This complements pydiflumetofen's ability to move into the plant. Together, they create a robust defence against a wider range of pathogens.

Application:

• Rate: 1000 mL/ha
• Boom spray only
• Not registered for aerial or chemigation application

Note: Aerial application and chemigation is possible with MIRAVIS^® Duo.

MIRAVIS^® Duo

MIRAVIS^® Duo fungicide consists of 75 g/L pydiflumetofen and 125 g/L difenoconazole (Group 3). This co-formulation provides an excellent approach to disease and resistance management for target spot, especially later in the season.

Key distinction: MIRAVIS^® Duo is registered for chemigation. This makes it a valuable tool for growers using irrigation systems.

Application:

• Rate: 700 to 1000 mL/ha
• Boom spray
• Aerial (fixed-wing or helicopter)
• Chemigation

Chemigation advantages:

• Reduced labour costs
• Improved access to the crop in wet conditions
• Reduced soil compaction
• Minimises damage to the crop from tractor use

Selection of MIRAVIS^® brands

The selection depends on several factors:

1. Target disease: MIRAVIS^® and MIRAVIS^® Duo are designed for target spot control. MIRAVIS^® Prime is best when Sclerotinia and Botrytis are a concern, particularly in wet conditions or for susceptible varieties.
2. Application method: MIRAVIS^® can be applied via boom spray or aerial. MIRAVIS^® Prime can only be applied via boom spray. MIRAVIS^® Duo offers the most flexible application options.
3. Disease pressure: Higher target spot disease pressure requires the higher application rate of MIRAVIS^® (375 mL/ha) or the use of MIRAVIS^® Duo.
4. Spray interval: Pydiflumetofen provides extended control for longer spray intervals (up to 21 days). MIRAVIS^® Duo has enhanced disease activity on target spot, providing residual activity later in the season.

Resistance management: The development of fungicide resistance is a significant concern. To reduce this risk, growers should follow Crop Life resistance management strategies. Rotate MIRAVIS^® products with fungicides from different chemical mode of action groups.

By carefully considering the specific needs of your potato crop, growers can use the full potential of the MIRAVIS^® range. This achieves optimal disease control and maximises yields.

^{*Consult Crop Life Fungicide Resistance Management Strategies}

The choice between MIRAVIS^®, MIRAVIS^® Prime, and MIRAVIS^® Duo is not a matter of superiority. It is a strategic selection based on the specific challenges faced by each grower.

Speak to your local Syngenta representative for more information on the suite of MIRAVIS^® brands.

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