From Jim Chaput, Minor Use Coordinator and Melanie Filotas, Specialty Crops IPM Specialist, OMAFRA

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of  Vivando SC Fungicide for control/suppression of powdery mildew on several new crops, including cucurbits and hops. VivandoTM Fungicide was already labeled for management of powdery mildew on grapes in Canada.

Vivando is labelled for suppression of hops powdery mildew (Podospaera macularis). As a Group U8 fungicide, it is a new rotational tool in the hops powdery mildew tool box.  Although powdery mildew has not yet been a significant pest in Ontario hops, it was confirmed in hop yards in Ontario and Quebec during the 2014 growing season.

Vivando is also labelled for control of powdery mildews (Podosphaera xanthii, Erysiphe cichoracearum) on cucurbits, including a number of specialty cucurbits.  Cucurbits listed on the Vivando label include:  Chayote, Chinese waxgourd,Citron melon, Cucumber, Gherkin, Pumpkin, Watermelon, Edible gourd, Hechima,Hyotan ,Cucuzza,Chinese okra, Momordica spp. ,Balsam apple, Balsam pear, Bitter melon, Chinese cucumber, Muskmelon, Cantaloupe, Casaba, Crenshaw melon, Golden pershaw, melon, Honeydew melon, Honey balls, Mango melon, Persian melon, Pineapple melon, Santa claus melon, Snake melon, Summer squash, Crookneck squash, Scallop squash, Straightneck squash, Vegetable  marrow, Zucchini, Winter squash, Butternut squash, Calabaza, Hubbard squash, Acorn squash, Spaghetti squash.

Specialty vegetables may have different common names depending on the region where they are being consumed or used.  For a list of the Latin species name associated with the common names listed on the label, refer to the PMRA’s list of Residue Chemistry Crop Groups at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/protect-proteger/food-nourriture/rccg-gcpcr-eng.php#a9

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using VivandoTM Fungicide.

Use this product in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. Vivando is toxic to aquatic organisms and non-target terrestrial plants. Do not contaminate aquatic habitats when spraying or when cleaning and rinsing spray equipment or containers. Metrafenone is persistent and may carryover. It is recommended that any products containing metrafenone not be used in areas treated with this product during the previous season.
Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the VivandoTM Fungicide label carefully.

These minor use projects were submitted jointly by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada’s Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) and US IR-4 as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel in Canada and the US. We also wish to acknowledge the personnel of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for evaluating and approving this weed management tool and BASF Canada Inc. for supporting these label expansions in Canada.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label site http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/registrant-titulaire/tools-outils/label-etiq-eng.php