Flower farmers get new fungicide to fight buds disease

Flower growers will now have access to a highly effective fungicide to protect their crops against powdery mildew.

The fungal disease impairs maturity of flower buds in rose bushes.

This is after BASF, a leading chemicals company, unveiled Dagonis, a highly effective and easy to use fungicide that is expected to enable farmers maximize their yields.

The product has two active ingredients Xemium and Difenoconazole, a powerful combination that provides exceptional efficacy and allows savings on other treatments, giving the farmer peace of mind.

BASF East Africa Ltd Country Cluster Head Shollay Ramlaul said Dagonis is best suited for flower growers as it provides a good resistance management tool with a long-lasting protection, from first foliage appearance to harvesting.

“BASF continuously invests in innovation and research and uses its expert knowledge and a very good understanding of the farmers to manufacture Dagonis which provides a wide spectrum of disease control,” Ramlaul said.

 The company has recently launched several new sustainable and highly effective fungicides, herbicides and insecticides targeted at helping farmers of key crops in Kenya combat pests and boost yields in a more sustainable manner.

Dagonis seeks to aid farmers with an excellent multi-purpose tool for powdery mildew control.

“BASF continues to foster the growth of the agricultural sector through its commitment to respond more effectively to the farmers needs in the region for sustainable crop protection solutions,” Ramlaul added.

Powdery mildew is a common fungus that affects a wide variety of plants and thrives in mostly warm dry climates.

It appears as light grey or while powdery spots usually found on infected leaves but van also be found underneath on stems, flowers, fruits and vegetables.

According to the sales and business development manager at BASF Patrick Ngugi, flower growing is challenging due to the many diseases that are emerging pausing a challenge to the products quality and output.

“The largest beneficiaries will be florists because for cut flowers number one considerations is quality so we will walk together with farmers which will include bringing more innovations in future,” Ngugi said.

According to experts, the spots spread and will eventually cover most of the leaves on the plant with new plant growth being most susceptible.

If left unchecked, powdery mildew will eventually cause harm to plants by sucking of water and nutrients.

Plants in turn become weak, bloom less and grow slower.