Botrytis trials go well

Alternative market listed Botry-Zen says trials show its Botrytis treatment works well in challenging conditions this season compared with standard chemical programmes.

According to its own data, in 79 per cent of the blocks where direct Botry-Zen comparisons were made with standard programmes, its biological product performed as well, or better, than the standard treatment.

Botrytis is a fungus that affects grapes and other fruit and vegetable crops.

The company said growers who used Botry-Zen were able to reduce chemical inputs while overall maintaining acceptable levels of Botrytis control. Botry-Zen shares last traded at 6.6c. They have fallen from 11.5c a year ago.