Biofungicide trial

Ongoing, Fruit quality, Fruit rots, Plant protection chemistry, Sustainability

The efficacy of 18 bio-fungicides against Colletotrichum fioriniae and Colletotrichum kahawae subsp. cigarro. (two common fungal pathogens that cause fruit rots) were assessed by Plant & Food Research (PFR) using a detached ‘Hass’ avocado fruit assay in the laboratory. Four bio-fungicides had significant efficacy when tested against both of the Colletotrichum spp. 

A small plot field trial has been established to evaluate whether the efficacy of the biofungicides shown in a laboratory translates to the orchard environment. Biofungicides are being compared with a negative control (water) and positive control (copper) against ‘Hass’ avocado fruit rot diseases. The orchard trial commenced in May 2021 and will be completed in December 2023.
The objectives of this project are to determine if:

• Three to four preharvest sprays of the biofungicides significantly reduces the incidence of postharvest fruit rots in avocados (Part 1 – commencing May 2021).
• If a full season spray programme with the biofungicides significantly reduces the incidence of postharvest fruit rots in avocados (Part 2 – commencing flowering 2021).