Novozymes Actinovate AG and Actinovate SP are advanced biological fungicide and bactericide formulations designed for professional disease management in agriculture and greenhouse settings. Based on the beneficial soil bacterium Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108, these products suppress a broad spectrum of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, promote plant health, and are certified for use in organic farming systems .
Core Technology and Mode of Action
The active agent in both formulations, Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108, colonizes the root zone and plant foliage upon application . It provides plant protection through several simultaneous modes of action: it actively parasitizes and inhibits the growth of pathogenic fungi, competes for space and nutrients, and produces natural anti-fungal compounds such as chitinase . This multifaceted approach controls disease and prevents target pathogens from developing resistance, a common challenge with synthetic chemical fungicides . The bacterium is non-phytotoxic and safe for workers, pollinators, and other beneficial insects .
Disease Control Spectrum
These Actinovate products are effective against a wide array of common and destructive plant diseases across numerous crops, making them a versatile component of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program . The specific pathogens targeted include:
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Foliar Diseases: Powdery mildews, downy mildews, Botrytis (gray mold), and Alternaria .
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Soil-Borne Diseases and Root Rots: Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium (including Fusarium wilt), Verticillium wilt, and Sclerotinia .
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Other Pathogens: Including Armillaria, Anthracnose (Colletotrichum), and certain bacterial diseases like Xanthomonas .
Application Guidelines and Best Practices
Actinovate formulations are water-soluble and designed for flexible application in various systems without clogging equipment . For maximum efficacy, users should follow these protocols:
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Application Methods: The product can be applied as a foliar spray, soil drench, through irrigation systems (chemigation), as an in-furrow treatment, or as a dip for cuttings and bare-rooted transplants .
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Timing and Rate: Application is most effective when used preventively or at the earliest signs of disease . The specific use rate depends on the crop, target disease, and application method; growers must consult the product label for precise, crop-specific directions .
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Environmental and Storage Conditions: Applications should not be made when soil or ambient temperatures are below 45°F (7°C), as this is the threshold for spore activity . For storage, keep the product in its original container in a cool, dry place (40°F–77°F / 4°C–25°C), away from direct sunlight and heat sources . Once opened, the product should be used within four months .
Key Specifications and Product Differentiation
Compatibility and Safety Profile
Actinovate AG is labeled for use on a comprehensive range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, and cereals . It has a short restricted-entry interval (REI) of 4 hours, allowing application up to the day of harvest on labeled crops . It can be tank-mixed with many compatible fungicides, insecticides, or nematicides, which is recommended when disease pressure is high . As a biological agent, it is exempt from maximum residue limits (MRLs), facilitating the marketability of treated produce .
