Bayer India’s Crop Science Division has launched a new fungicide, ‘Luna Experience’, that not only fights pests but also extends the shelf life of grapes.
Table grapes are a high-profit crop for growers, but its production is quite challenging due to plant diseases, need for sustainable use of crop protection products, food safety issues related to residue of chemicals and dynamic international market requirements of retail chains.
Latent infections remain in a dormant stage in the berry and start showing disease symptoms only after harvest, thus affecting shelf life.
Luna Experience is widely used for table grapes in several countries and has seen huge commercial success in South Africa, Italy, the US and Chile.
In India, Luna Experience is being introduced with label claims on Powdery Mildew and Anthracnose protection for grapes. The product will be sold in pack sizes of 1 litre, 250 ml and 100 ml.
Extensive field trials of the fungicide have shown good results for fruit quality and disease management. It was also tested by India’s National Research Centre for Grapes and has been recommended to farmers as an effective product for Powdery Mildew protection, said Bayer.
Peter Mueller, Head of South Asia, Bayer Crop Science Division, said the new fungicide will fulfil the need of Indian grape farmers and help them reap high quality harvests while minimising post-harvest losses.
It also aids exporters to maintain the health and freshness of grapes for a longer time by protecting against latent diseases, he said.