NEWS Archive
3rd April 2003

Trials show that treatment with Maxicrop can reduce mildew and scab pressure.

Trials show that treatment with Maxicrop can reduce mildew and scab pressure in fruit by improving natural disease resistance mechanisms.

Working at the National Association of Cider Manufacturers, field officer and advisor, Liz Copas has found that Maxicrop Triple - used alongside a standard fungicide programme - provides a cumulative reduction in mildew resulting in less disease carry-over year
on year.

While the range of fungicide treatments used – including Systhane, Radspor and Bayleton - gave good control in a normal year, during 2001, when pressure in June and July was greater, the Maxicrop trees had significantly lower levels of mildew. "Indeed, because primary mildew carry-over was reduced we were able to select lower cost products that didn’t need to be as comprehensive at controlling mildew."

Levels of scab were also reduced in treated Michelin – a variety that is particularly susceptible to the disease. Similarly, adding further weight of evidence to the improved health of the treated trees, the two treated orchards had 34 and 56% fewer rots at picking compared to untreated blocks.

According to Liz Copas over the three years of the study cumulative yields rose by 5% for Dabinett and 10% for Michelin. These though could continue to increase the longer the Triple 2000 approach is maintained.

In a mature cider orchard yielding 35t/ha (15t/acre) this could equate to an additional 3.5t/ha (1.5t/acre). "However in higher value desert orchards, the effects could be even more significant and economically worthwhile," suggest Liz.