AgNova has announced a new distribution agreement with BASF Australia for the popular strobilurin fungicide Stroby WG.

Stroby WG is registered for the control of black spot in apples and pears, and for powdery mildew control in apples.

Business manager for AgNova Andrew Glover said Stroby WG will complement other compounds that AgNova will bring to this important segment of the crop protection industry in the future.

Stroby WG contains 500 g/kg of kresoxim-methyl, which was the first strobilurin compound to be commercialised after BASF developed a naturally occurring substance from the fungus Strobilurus tenacellus for use as a synthetic fungicide.

Kresoxim-methyl is a Group 11 fungicide that works by inhibiting energy production in the mitochondria of the fungal cells. Kresoxim-methyl has good vapour activity and is very effective in preventing spore germination, which requires a high demand for energy.

Mr Glover said Stroby WG is safe on a range of beneficial arthropods and, importantly for pome fruit growers, it is safe to bees when used at flowering.

“The water dispersible granule formulation is used at a very low rate of 10 g/100L and Stroby has a reputation for achieving excellent fruit finish.”

Mr Glover said the new distribution arrangement was a potential plus for both companies. “The existing distribution arrangement for BASF’s Zampro fungicide has proved to be very successful and we are expecting the same success with Stroby.”