Gowan’s downy mildew control range is built on two technical pillars—zoxamide and benalaxyl-m—with complementary modes of action, integrated with specific copper-based combinations
Protecting grapevines from downy mildew has become particularly complex in recent years, both due to seasons often marked by frequent and intense rainfall at times most favorable to the pathogen, and because of the withdrawal of important active substances that previously played key roles in crop protection programs.
The first to be lost was mancozeb, whose final permitted use was in 2021. A similar substance met a similar fate: metiram has been absent from vineyards since the 2025 season, while dimethomorph, revoked in 2024, saw its last field application on May 20, 2025.
Although these losses have been significant, anti-downy mildew programs for grapevines can still rely on specialized solutions offering different behaviors on the plant and complementary mechanisms of action against the pathogen. In this context, Gowan offers a complete range of solutions capable of supporting the crop throughout its entire production cycle, starting with copper-based products, such as the dual-component combinations in the “Airone” line, complemented by specialist anti-downy mildew products based on zoxamide or benalaxyl-m.
Zoxamide is available on its own in “Zoxium 240 Sc” or in mixtures with other technical partners: cymoxanil in “Reboot” and tribasic copper sulfate in “Electis R Flow”. The combination of zoxamide with cymoxanil merges the cytotropic action of the latter with the role of zoxamide, which binds firmly to plant waxes and forms the first barrier against the pathogen. The combination of zoxamide with copper, on the other hand, leverages the multisite action of copper, a key factor in resistance management.
Within grapevine protection programs, Gowan’s zoxamide range is complemented by solutions with different mechanisms of action, such as “Fantic F Nc Wg”, based on benalaxyl-m and folpet. This product provides a multisite contact action comparable to that of the previously mentioned dithiocarbamates, now withdrawn.
Effective as a preventive treatment, folpet is the ideal partner for benalaxyl-m, whose locosystemic action allows it to spread within the leaf blade, thereby strengthening preventive protection against downy mildew.
“Fantic F Nc Wg” can be applied up to three times per year and is ideally positioned in the early stages of the vine cycle, up to pre-flowering, continuing after flowering through to the peppercorn stage.
Zoxamide-based solutions offer a broad application window, starting from the first unfolded leaves, with the added benefit of collateral activity against Botrytis cinerea, particularly in treatments around and after flowering, which are useful for protecting grape clusters.
Titolo: Gowan’s downy mildew range: from buds to harvest
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