In Morocco, agriculture plays a vital role in the economy, with crops like tomatoes and berries being key contributors. However, farmers face significant challenges due to fungal diseases, particularly Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as grey mold. This destructive pathogen causes substantial yield losses and a decline in fruit quality, threatening the livelihoods of growers and the profitability of the sector.
Moroccan agricultural practices, including greenhouse environments and humid conditions, often create an ideal setting for the development and rapid spread of Botrytis, making effective control a pressing need.
To address this challenge, Certis Belchim is introducing Problad, a biocontrol fungicide with a broad-spectrum mode of action, developed to offer farmers a powerful yet environmentally respectful solution. The innovation behind Problad lies in its active ingredient, BLAD, a natural molecule derived from white lupin, which disrupts the cellular and metabolic processes of Botrytis, ensuring effective elimination.
How Problad works
Problad's effectiveness is rooted in its dual action mechanisms, those being targeted penetration and metabolic imbalance. BLAD penetrates the cell wall of the Botrytis fungus, attacking it directly at its source, and disrupts the fungal cell's balance, Problad blocks its vital functions, stopping growth and spread.
This mode of action makes Problad a highly effective solution for preventing and curing Botrytis outbreaks. It is also the first registered biocontrol solution for Botrytis in Morocco.
Problad in action
Field trials on tomatoes in Morocco have demonstrated Problad's effectiveness, both as a preventative and curative measure. Tomato crops treated with Problad showed reduced Botrytis damage and higher-quality harvests. Similarly, strawberry, blueberry and raspberry crops benefited from improved disease control, reducing losses and protecting farmers' yields.
For more information:
Certis Belchim
certisbelchim.com