In fact, nothing made it possible to contain pathogenic insects and fungi when they decided to attack cultivated plants. And when this happened there was hunger, as happened in the mid-19th century when potato blight landed in Europe, decimating continental production. Unfortunately, only later was it discovered that copper could protect crops from downy mildew, as well as that sulfur was a valid ally against powdery mildew . The 20th century then saw the entry into the market of synthetic agrochemicals, capable of effectively eliminating weeds, insects and pathogens, but with some toxicological and environmental criticalities thathave led over time to select only the most sustainable ones and to seek alternative solutions to them. In addition to developing increasingly better molecules in terms of toxicological and environmental profile, however, research has looked further, probing the opportunities offered by microbiology and naturally derived substances.
Italian traditions at copper level
A history that is therefore more than a century and a half long, but which can be condensed into a single product catalog like that of Gowan Italia. The Italian-American company has in fact inherited Isagro 's profound culture in the field of copper salts, as well as the Adria plant that produces them, being able today to offer a range that includes every possible copper salt that can currently be used in agriculture. These are contained in the “Airone”, “Assoram”, “Basiram”, “Grifon” and “Hattrick” lines, designed to satisfy the most disparate needs.In addition to being the first Italian producer of cuprics, Gowan Italia also holds the ownership of some synthetic substances, starting with zoxamide and tetraconazole. The first, included in the "Electis" line, is a highly effective anti-downy mildew thanks to its tenacious resistance to washout and the innovative mechanism of action which finds its maximum expression in the protection of the bunches .
Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth
Tetraconazole, on the other hand, is effective on numerous fungal diseases of fruit and vegetables, as well as vines and cereals. This triazole, at the basis of the "Domark" line, was then joined over time by other active substances from the same chemical family, such as penconazole, difenoconazole and tebuconazole. Each with its own peculiarities and fields of use. Once we have reviewed the solutions that cover the first two historical phases of phytotherapy, cuprics and synthetic substances, some products of microbiological origin also stand out in the catalog of the Faenza company, such as "Remedier", containing Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma gamsii, two useful microorganisms that are progressively expanding their uses in agriculture. In addition to the definitive label extension on Kiwi, during 2023 "Remedier" has in fact obtained some authorizations in derogation for phytosanitary emergency situations.
Also authorized on vines
A sign that the product arouses interest and is therefore requested by technicians and producer associations. For example, at the time of going to press, the American company's biofungicide can still be used against gray mold and acid rot on vines, a crop already included on the label for the containment of Esca disease. This waiver will only end on October 20, 2023 . However, the exemptions on hazelnuts, for the control of Gleosporiosis and Gray Necrosis, and on wheat, for the control of Fusarium disease, have now ended. It is therefore expected that “Remedier” will soon receive these extensions permanently on the label.
“Magician” in name and in fact
Finally, "Mago", an adjuvant for phytosanitary treatments based on ethoxylated sorbitan mono oleate . Non-ionic surfactant, it reduces the surface tension of the plant protection mixture, thus promoting better coverage of the treated crops. Thanks to its characteristics, "Mago" gives agrochemicals greater resistance to washout , improving their overall effectiveness and at the same time reducing product losses.
