Actavan^® Bio

INTRODUCTION:

Actavan Bio is an elicitor that enhances natural plant defences, increasing their resistance to Botrytis infection in grapevines.

Actavan^® Bio is a natural bio-stimulant that is registered for the suppression of Botrytis infection (Botrytis cinerea) in grapes. This unique formulation contains bioactives derived from sugar beet, which is a rich source of the naturally-occurring amino acid, betaine (trimethyl glycine).

Applied before anticipated disease pressure, Actavan Bio initiates the plant’s natural defence response against Botrytis before infection takes hold. Research and commercial experience have demonstrated Actavan Bio significantly reduces the incidence and severity of Botrytis and improves the efficacy of conventional disease control programs. 

UNDERSTANDING MODE OF ACTION:

Actavan Bio is an elicitor that enhances natural plant defences, increasing their resistance to Botrytis infection in grapevines. 

• Elicitor: a compound that activates a chemical pathway in plants, in this case a defensive pathway
• Natural plant defences: induced vs constitutive
• Constitutive = always on, such as thorns, smells, poisons etc
• Induced = the plant deploys this defence only when needed, such as when under attack from insects or disease.

Growth chart image:

TREATMENT & RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT:

Elicitation refers to the process of turning on specific genes and metabolic pathways in organisms using external triggers called elicitors. Actavan Bio is an elicitor that stimulates the plant’s natural defence responses to protect itself against Botrytis.

Botrytis infection is a complex process that starts with the breakdown of the cell wall (pectin matrix). Plants utilise several enzymatic pathways to inhibit this breakdown process by maintaining a high level of pectin in the cell wall. Applied before anticipated disease pressure, Actavan Bio activates these defensive pathways through ‘genetic signalling’, helping to boost system acquired resistance (SAR) in the plant before the onset of disease.

KEY BENEFITS: 

✔ IPM Friendly: Actavan Bio has minimal impact on most beneficial insects in vineyards, including bees, ladybirds, lacewings, predatory mites and parasitic wasps, making it suitable for use in Integrated Pest Management programs.

✔ Manage resistance: There is no known resistance to and SAR mode of actions. When used in combination with traditional single mode of action fungicides, Actavan Bio can enhance the outcome by supporting the vine when botrytis infections occur.

✔ No WHP: Can be used later than most botrytis fungicides products and provides protection all the way until just before harvest.

APPLICATION & PROGRAM FIT: 

Apply Actavan Bio as a protectant spray after flowering (E-L 27). Apply up to four applications through to 14 days before harvest on 14 to 21-day intervals. Apply by dilute or concentrated spraying equipment. NB: Actavan Bio does not have curative activity and should be applied before anticipated disease pressure. 

SUSTAINABILITY & STEWARDSHIP: 

Actavan Bio is available through the Adama Innovation Centre Stewardship Program. Speak to your local ADAMA contact for more information on Actavan Bio.