November 2020 - 28

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More than just a
FUNGICIDE
Our world of plant health management is ever
changing. Looking back at some of the " common "
management strategies 5, 10, 20+ years ago are
almost unrecognizable to the way plants are grown
today. Factors such as resistance, EPA regulations,
customer demand and new pests have all been
contributing drivers to change. Thanks to a great
deal of industry innovation those improvements to
integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are
highly effective and pose considerably less risks to
humans and the environment.
One of the latest unique technologies introduced for the
US horticulture industry is Obtego Fungicide and Plant
Symbiont. A combination of Trichoderma asperellum
strain ICC 080 and Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC 012,
Obtego serves as a multi-functional tool for growers
by protecting the plant from damaging soil-borne
pathogens and enhancing root growth.
As a fungicide, the two active ingredients combine to
stave off 10 different of root diseases including; Pythium
spp., Phytophthora spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium
spp., Theleiviopsis, Verticillium spp., etc. The plant
symbiont aspect of Obtego provides additional plant
health benefits and is what make this a truly unique
technology. Obtego and specifically the plant root
system forms a mutually beneficial relationship. The root
structure act as a host for Obtego to colonize around
while the beneficial fungi protect the roots from harmful
pathogens as well as aid in water and nutrient uptake.
Though new in the US, the Obtego technology has
been putting down roots (literally) in horticulture and
agriculture production in Europe for over a decade.
Growers have benefited from improved plant health
and more importantly to those growing food crops,
significant increase in yield. The natural aggressive
activity of each Tricoderma species provides a high
level of disease protection and root development
across a wide range of conditions (temperature,
soil pH, moisture, media type, etc.).
From a disease management perspective, one of the
challenges the industry faces today is resistance.
For years growers have relied on many of the same
chemistries to help eliminate harmful diseases from
their crops. With significant use over time some
chemistries have become less and less effective,
especially those with a single mode-of-action (MoA).
Utilizing multiple MoAs can reduce the likeliness of
resistance development.
Obtego utilizes four unique MoAs to combat harmful
plant pathogens; active competence, resource
competition, parasitism and plant defense activation.
The high activity and aggression of Obtego promotes
colonization within the rhizosphere effectively occupying
Untreated Celosia.
Celosia drenched with Obtego at 5 oz/100 gal.
Images were taken 3 weeks after treatment.
Untreated Verbena.
Verbena drenched with Obtego at 5 oz/100 gal.
Images were taken 3 weeks after treatment.
potential infection sites by pathogens. Additionally,
these beneficial fungi outcompete soil pathogens for
nutrients. Directly, Obtego can parasitize and break
down fungal structures. Lastly, inducing the plant's
natural defense system(s) proactively helps the plant
combat early pathogen infections.
An integrated approach to disease management
creates sound overall practices for growers to follow.
This includes sanitation, scouting, cultural measures
and biological and chemical stewardship, among
others. Seamless integration and compatibility of each
component within the program is critical. Obtego
fits into many IPM programs. Specifically, Obtego is
compatible with most synthetic fungicides used to target
soil-borne diseases.
Growers can obtain disease protection and plant health
benefits with Obtego in several different scenarios.
Labeled uses, use sites, crops and applications
methods are quite vast. All ornamental crops (grown
indoor, outdoor and in landscapes) as well as
vegetables, fruits, herbs and leafy greens are within
the list of permitted crops. For those looking for organic
solutions, Obtego is OMRI-certified.
Growers also have several application methods to
select from to effectively deliver Obtego to their crops.
A traditional media drench is a labeled option, where
Obtego is directly introduced to the soil and plant roots.
At planting, cuttings and plugs/liners can be dipped
in a pre-mixed solution. Media incorporation and
chemigation are also efficient application methods.
Plant health continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
Technologies like Obtego are one of several examples.
There are several brilliant minds in the industry. It is
exciting to see the new heights the future will hold.
November 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2020
