Sep 22, 2015

Nufarm’s ChampION++ fungicide/bactericide now OMRI listed

Nufarm announced that ChampION++, a fungicide/bactericide that controls key fungal and other diseases in a wide range of high-value crops such as citrus, walnuts, grapes, tomatoes and peppers, is now OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listed.

The OMRI is an international, non-profit organization that determines which input products may be allowed for use in organic production and processing. OMRI Listed products are approved for use in certified organic operations under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program. To receive OMRI certification, a product undergoes rigorous review to ensure that the product complies with the USDA’s National Organic Standard. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed and appear on the OMRI Products List.

ChampION++ is a new dry formulation (water dispersible granule) of copper that features consistently smaller particles and other unique formulation attributes to provide more thorough coverage – and thus better disease control – with less environmental loading.

“ChampION++ has the smallest average particle size of any dry copper formulation,” said Bob Bruss, technical services director for Nufarm. “The average particle size of the ChampION++ product is approximately three to four times smaller than the average particle size of competitive products.”

“The cupric ion (Cu++) is the active part of the molecule, and it works by attacking the bacteria or fungi where it disrupts enzyme processes,” Bruss said. “Because copper is not systemic and doesn’t redistribute after application, complete coverage of the leaf surface is essential for good disease control. The smaller particle size that ChampION++ provides means more complete coverage, which results in more copper ions available to coat plant surfaces. This improved coverage, in turn, provides more effective disease control.”