Page 50 - Grapevine JanFeb 2021_REV

Around The Vineyard

tional farming, choosing the correct method for
your situation is critical. Vadon tells The Grapevine
Magazine that organic products can always be used
in conventional vineyards, often providing benefits
that many conventional products don’t. A great
example of a crossover organic is BioSafe Systems’
OxiDate®5.0, a broad-spectrum fungicide/bacte-
ricide that proves to be an ideal tank-mix partner
with many conventional chemistries because its
on-contact activity immediately eradicates patho-
gens reducing disease pressure, allowing the other
chemistries to more effectively provide crop protec-
tion.

“Biopesticides can be just as effective as conven-
tional products if the correct product is chosen and
used properly,” said Vadon. “The key to success
is knowing when and how to use them. A grower
must properly scout the vineyard and build a thor-
ough understanding of the pests that challenge
their crop. Then they will know what types of prod-
ucts to use and the correct timing threshold for
peak efficiency. Many biopesticides require appli-
cations ahead of a widespread disease outbreak as
a preventative approach. Depending on the target
pest, level of pressure and timing of application, a
grower can expect results from biopesticides within
hours or days of application. The organic pesticide
product sector has been one of the fastest-growing,
encompassing categories like biopesticides and anti-
microbials utilizing innovative ingredients including
microorganisms, plant extracts, organic peroxide/
peracetic acids, oils, soaps and minerals.”

Sustainability of any biological use program is
achieved through a well-structured management
strategy that utilizes best practices to successful-
ly manage the vineyard with the least amount of
negative bearing on the ecosystem. We should all
know, especially after the last couple of years, how
unpredictable Mother Nature can be, so being flex-
ible enough to adapt to changes is critical to suc-
cess. It will always be the insect or disease pressure,
incidence, and severity that dictates any adjust-
ments to the vineyard manager’s schedule.

“Our goal of sustainability extends beyond just the
product itself and includes our manufacturing pro-
cess,” said Vadon. “BioSafe Systems produces many

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