Banrot

[SubTropicRay]

Is the systemic fungicide Banrot effective against seedling root rot?

Thanks in advance,

Ray

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

Ray, I work for Scotts the manufacturer of Banrot, and the answer is Yes, more than likely it will be effective. However, there are some exceptions. Banrot is a combination of 2 active ingredients that, when combined, cover most of the fungal diseases that attack roots and stem (at the ground) rot. However, there are some Phytophthora strains that are not sensitive to Etridiazole, the fungicide in Banrot that controls the "water molds" (Pythium and Phytophthora). Thus, you might want to be prepared to treat with Mefenoxam (most common brand is Subdue Maxx). This begs the question...why wouldn't you just use Subdue Maxx alone? Well, Banrot is a broad spectrum fungicide, Subdue Maxx is not (Only controls Pythium and Phytophthora). Furthermore, there are many strains of Pythium that are highly resistant to Subdue Maxx. Thus, if you happen to have an Etridiazole tolerant form of Phytophthora, it might very well take two fungicide applications to get the best possible control. Another word of caution: read and follow the instructions (including the WPS statements) on the label(s) of the products you choose. You can e-mail me at keith.santner at scotts.com if you want or need more information.

[LJG]

Thanks Keith for this information. It will prove helpful.

[Mark Heath]

Thank you Keith, your knowledge in this field is DEFFINATLY usefull here at our forum. When i run out of Subdue, i'll purchase some Banrot and give it a try!

[kahili]

Keith-does Scotts put out a thiophante-methyl by itself..like T-storm, Cleary etc? I know Scotts puts out Truban ( I like the liquid myself).My point in asking is that I hate to see the thiophante-methyl wasted in the Banrot when the fungus is pythium etc. When I know its pythium or phytopthora, I like to use either Truban or Subdue alone. I do make up a preventative spray of either Truban or Subdue and thiophante-methyl, but thats about the only time that I use them together.

I had not heard that some strains of pythium had built up resistence to Truban. Great.... In fact, because there were some strains of phytopthora starting to build up resistence to Subdue, I switched to using Truban in my preventative spray so as to not expose Subdue so much to phytopthora-trying to do my part in responsible chem use. What about Aliette and resistence-have you heard anything there?

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

Kahili, Couple of points.

First, I'm not aware of any Pythium developing resistance to Truban. I know that some Phytophthora (aerial forms like SOD, and the one that gets Snapdragons come to mind right away) isn't now, and never has been, very sensitive to Etridiazole (the active ingredient in Truban and the combination product Banrot). However, the good news is that, in general, the Phytophthora that doesn't respond to Etridiazole does respond to Subdue Maxx. Conversley, the Pythium that has developed resistance to Subdue Maxx, still responds to Etridiazole. Therefore, the Banrot/Truban and Subdue Maxx compliment each other well.

Second, Etridiazole (the only active ingredient in Truban, and 1/2 the active ingredients of Banrot) and Mefenoxam (the active ingredient in Subdue Maxx) work in totally different ways. Etridiazole only works in the soil (don't apply it to the above ground portions of the plant), and Mefenoxam is absorbed into the plant tissue (mostly by roots) and protects from within. Again, this supports the idea that the products compliment each other. Note that the systemic action in Banrot comes from Thiophante Methyl, not Etridizole.

Third, Scotts does offer a Thiophanate Methyl fungicide branded AllBan. I'd love it if you purchased our brand, but the Thiophante Methyl market it pretty clogged up with generics (including AllBan), so don't feel bad purchasing the T-Storm brand if that is what is available.

Finally, always follow the WPS statements on the label. Those guidelines are there to protect the applicators from injurious exposures.

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

Shoot, I didn't address the Aliette question! Aliette really rocks on Phytophthora! It isn't as powerful on Pythium but I don't think resistance is that big an issue. I think it's just stronger on Phytophthora. I would definately include it in a Phytophthora managment program. Also, it's considered "totally systemic" which means if you put it on the leaves, it'll move to the roots. That makes it nearly unique! However, I understand that movement to the roots from the shoots is considerably less than movement from the roots to the shoots. Like Subdue Maxx, Aliette must be absorbed into the tissue to induce protection. Hope this helps.

[LJG]

Keith, stupid question but I must ask - can you put both into one mix and spray? I ask because I have your Ovation Miticide and Avid. I have them in two sprayers. I would love to combine them.

[kahili]

Keith-thanks so much for your reply! My bad...I didn't read your first post that carefully and substituted pythium for phytopthora-I need a vacation...and it ain't coming for a while!

When its all said and done-if there is a outbreak of phytopthora/pythium, we all reach for at least the Truban and Subue. As an annual grower, pythium is more of a problem anyway and even then-only every few years depending on the weather-although I do grow a pansy crop every year and they are very susceptible to both water molds. Ergo-a preventative spray ( I should clarify-I drench the soil before we transplant the seedlings/plugs).

While Truban is not a true systemic-it is effective in the soil for 30 days? What percentage of the full strength dosage would you suggest using for a preventative drench?

You are right- I can't even keep track of how many names thiophanate-methyl is sold under. I have seen/used at least 3. Have not seen Allban though-

This is great having you here answering our questions! thanks

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

LJG. Tank mixing Truban or Banrot with Subdue is probably possible. We haven't looked at that specifically, but have hear that professional growers have done so. Also, keep in mind that these products should be applied as a drench (see labels for specifics), NOT as a spray.

Kahili, Truban works by turning into a gas in the soil. It takes some time (I've heard a couple of weeks) for that transition to be complete. However, we generally say that the affect lasts for a total of about 30 days. However, understanding Pythium and Phytophthora, I question whether that may be a bit optimistic, especially if the irrigation water source contains the organisms (which is more and more common with recycled water).