An easily applied liquid fungicide and acaricide registered for a wide variety of crops, leaving no residue and soft enough to be used in organic farming, is a welcome addition to the arsenal of a South African farmer against mites and fungal disease, says Emile de Groot, Koppert's technical advisor in South Africa.
"CeraSulfur can contribute to a reduction in the use of copper-based fungicides, which is a major advantage in orchards where the soil is showing signs of copper toxicity."
CeraSulfur was registered in September 2024 and quickly showed its value in South African citrus orchards against mites, and on vegetable crops against powdery mildew, white rust, and russet mite. De Groot remarks that in Spain, it has become a key tool against red spider mites on citrus.
It is suitable for organic production and, with the exception of table grapes, soft enough to be used up to one day prior to harvest.
The product has an unusual provenance, made by microorganisms used in water purification and the production of bio-ethanol and paper manufacturing, the same microorganisms responsible for the sulphurous smell of paper manufacturing plants. "These microorganisms oxidise toxic H2S to its elemental form, and this also gives CeraSulfur its unique hydrophilic characteristics."
Powdery mildew on cucumbers and grapes
Moreover, De Groot adds, there is a low risk of resistance developing to elemental sulphur. CeraSulfur forms part of an integrated strategy to lower fungal pressure in orchards, he says, and it has the potential to replace a range of conventional sulphur and acaricides in various fruit industries like citrus, apples, and stonefruit. It is primarily a protectant and must be preventively applied before infection during periods favourable to the development of powdery mildew.
"It is easier to mix, which enables its use in conjunction with other insecticides. In general, the integration of sulphur is limited due to the fact that sulphur doesn't easily mix with all products. CeraSulfur overcomes the typical deficits of sulphur-based products through its unique formulation and production process."
The product has hydrophilic qualities; therefore, it binds better with water and offers more thorough coverage on the crop surface. When it dries, an even CeraSulfur residue remains that acts as a buffer against pests and diseases. This layer, he says, doesn't wash off as easily as conventional sulphurs after drying, and therefore the period of protection is lengthened.
Red spider mite on citrus
For more information:
Emile de Groot
Koppert
Tel: +27 66 303 7056
Email: [email protected]
https://www.koppert.co.za/