With Zampro Plus, the potato plant fights along

With Zampro Plus potato growers will have an ideal resistance breaker as a alternating product in all spray schedules against phytophthora from this spring. Both ametoctradin (known from Enervin SC) and potassium phosphonates belong to other so-called FRAC groups, which include most phytophthora agents.

The effect of the so-called potassium phosphonates in Zampro Plus deserves some explanation. These substances have a threefold effect. First of all, phosphonates themselves have a direct fungicidal effect. In addition, a conversion product of the phosphonates stimulates the plant cells to strengthen their own defenses. The plant does this by making thicker cell walls and by producing its own antifungal enzymes. The third mechanism is the production of receptors (a kind of sensors) that help the plant to recognize the fungus more quickly. This interplay of mechanisms ensures that the plant, as it were, fights back itself. Potassium phosphonates work upwards and downwards systemically and spread quickly through the plant. In other crops, potassium phosphonates have been used successfully for some time against a range of fungi, including species related to potato blight.

Extensive investigation
BASF has been conducting trials with Zampro Plus for many years, both at home and abroad, using ever-changing reference products due to market changes. In these trials, BASF saw very convincing results against phytophthora using Zampro Plus. In the trial last season at the WUR in Lelystad, Zampro Plus also held up well under extreme pressure, including resistant strains of phytophthora. Better setting was often also observed in trials; if applied promptly, Zampro Plus regularly produced an extra tuber. Researchers explain this with the plant-strengthening effect of potassium phosphonates. With the properties mentioned, Zampro Plus has everything it takes to not only strengthen phytophthora schemes but also to reduce resistance risks. A welcome addition to the toolbox of every potato grower.

Early and preventive
To benefit optimally from the described effect of Zampro Plus, it is advisable to use the agent early and preventively. The plant's own defences are then activated before the fungus can strike. With repeated spraying, the effect also remains at a high level for a long time. The risk of resistance is much smaller with potassium phosphonates than with other systemic agents. This is because the substance has different points of attack.

Zampro Plus in short:

• Preventive effect against phytophthora
• Systemic action and increased resilience
• Sophisticated resistance management with two unique active ingredients
• Easy to mix and quickly rainproof
• Three applications per season