New restrictions on the number of Group M3 and Group M5 fungicide sprays
Changes to the recommendations for Group M3 and Group M5 fungicides will appear in the 2020/2021 ‘Dog book’.
The recommended number of sprays of Group M3 fungicides is now limited to no more than three sprays per season.
The Group M3 fungicides are known collectively as dithiocarbamates. The dithiocarbamate active constituents registered for use in wine-grape production are mancozeb, metiram, propineb, thiram, zineb and ziram. The fungal targets for these active constituents include black spot, downy mildew and phomopsis cane and leaf spot.
Note that the limit of three sprays per season includes when Group M3 fungicides are co-formulated with other active constituents such as metalaxyl (-M).
A change has also been made to the restriction on use for mancozeb which is ‘Use no later than E-L 31, berries pea-size (not > 7 mm diameter)’.
The number of sprays of Group M5 fungicides is also now limited to no more than three sprays per season. Chlorothalonil is the only Group M5 fungicide. The fungal targets for chlorothalonil are black spot, botrytis bunch rot and downy mildew.
For more information please contact Marcel Essling on 08 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.
This information is provided to inform the Australian grape and wine sector and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product.