Effective control of two genotypes of Phytophthora infestans in the field by three oxathiapiprolin fungicidal mixtures

Abstract

In two field experiments, performed in 2020 and 2021, potato Nicola plants were sprayed once with three (Exp. 1) or two (Exp. 2) doses of Zorvec Vinabel (oxathiapiprolin+ zoxamide = ZZ), Zorvec Encantia (oxathiapiprolin+ famoxadone = ZF), Zorvec Endavia (oxathiapiprolin+ benthiavalicarb = ZE), Infinito (= INF) or Mefenoxam (= MFX) and thereafter inoculated with genotype 23A1 or 36A2 of Phytophthora infestans. Disease development was recorded at periodic intervals for a month. In both experiments, Zorvec mixtures were significantly more effective in suppressing the disease than INF or MFX. They delayed the onset of the disease and its progress, regardless the genotype used for inoculation. Among the three Zorvec mixtures, ZZ was least effective and ZE most effective. Sensitivity monitoring assays revealed zero mutants of P. infestans resistant to oxathiapiprolin. The data confirmed good efficacy of Zorvec mixtures, especially ZE, in field-grown potato crops as evident by the very effective control of late blight for one month.