California growers gained flexibility in the fight against downy mildew and Phytophthora with a new breakthrough chemistry.

Valent U.S.A. Corporation has received registration from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for Presidio Fungicide in leafy vegetables, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables and grapes.

Presidio is a breakthrough, targeted chemistry for vegetable and grape growers with crops threatened by downy mildews. In vegetables, Presidio also controls late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and root, crown and fruit rots caused by Phytophthora capsici.

“There is a lot of pressure on growers to produce the highest quality products possible, and that is very difficult with downy mildew and Phytophthora looming every season. Growers need new products like Presidio,” said Steve Koike, plant pathology farm advisor for University of California County Extension in Monterey County.

“Presidio has performed extremely well in our trials.”

Presidio's fast-acting chemistry has a novel mode of action and is in a new chemical class, giving growers a powerful tool to control tough diseases and ward off resistance issues. Presidio protects crops with preventative control and some curative reach back action to help protect crop quality and grower profits.

Unlike other fungicide products, Presidio has no known tank-mix limitations with other fungicides or insecticides. This advantage allows growers flexibility in their crop protection programs.

Presidio can be shanked in soil, applied via sprinkler or used as a foliar treatment.

“We are excited to offer California growers the same superior protection we've seen in other states,” said Rick Kraus, Presidio product manager.

For more information about Presidio Fungicide, Valent U.S.A. Corporation or Valent's full product line, call 1-800-682-5368, or visit the Valent Web site at www.valent.com.