UnicurPlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

A fungicide for the control of diseases in bulb onions and shallots.

Unicur is our leading fungicide for use in bulb onions and shallots, giving you unrivalled control of downy mildew (Peronospora destructor) and reduction of bacterial rots associated with this disease. It also controls leaf blight (Botryotinia squamosa, anamorph Botryis squamosa) and has activity against Botrytis, Cladosporium, Stemphylium and Puccinia species. Combining the powerful strobilurin, fluoxastrobin with the triazolinthione, prothioconazole (tzt technology), Unicur strengthens plant health for better bulb quality from field to store.

In development trials Unicur has shown unrivalled performance against onion downy mildew. In severe trial tests it achieved 95 per cent control of downy mildew, compared to the best mancozeb-based product at less than 40 per cent control. It also increased yield - assessed on the basis of 100-bulb weights - by 20 to 50 per cent over bulbs that were untreated.

The combination of active substances in Unicur also delivers a physiological boost that makes onion bulbs more resilient to the development of bacterial rots in storage.

Strongest strobilurin and DMI combination for bulb onions
Unbeatable protection against downy mildew
tzt technology works with strobilurin for better plant health and resilience

Unicur should be used on bulb onions at a dose of 1.25 L/ha. Four applications are approved per season from the beginning of bulb formation with the latest application at 10% of leaves bent over. Apply from mid-season to optimise ‘greening’ and quality-enhancing effects and alternate with products containing other modes of action for resistance management .

Remember to follow FRAC guidelines, especially for strobilurins (QoI) based formulations:
Two Unicur in 6 sprays
Three Unicur in 9 sprays
Four Unicur in 12 sprays

For sustained control, always use in a programme with other modes of actions with a maximum of four sprays on label and no more than two applied consecutively.
Mancozeb-based products have been shown to be the best alternation partners with Unicur for downy mildew control.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
IMPORTANT: This information is approved as part of the Product Label. All instructions within this section must be read carefully in order to obtain safe and successful use of this product.
PROTECT FROM FROST
Unicur is a mixture of strobilurin and triazolinthione fungicides recommended for control of downy mildew caused by Peronospora destructor and a useful level of control of leaf blight caused by Botryotinia squamosa (anamorph Botrytis squamosa).

CROPS
Unicur may be used on all commercial varieties of bulb onions and shallots.
If the crop is intended for processing consult the processor before use of Unicur.

RATE OF USE
Apply Unicur at 1.25 litres per hectare, the maximum total dose per crop is 5.0 litres per hectare.

APPLICATION
Water volume
Apply Unicur in 100-300 litres per hectare water. The higher spray volumes are recommended where the crop is dense or disease pressure / risk is high to ensure good penetration to the lower leaves and stem bases. Disease control may be compromised by reducing water volumes, where good spray coverage is difficult to achieve.

Pressure
A spray pressure of 2-3 bar is recommended.

Spray quality
Apply as a MEDIUM spray quality (as defined by BCPC).

Latest Permitted Timing
Up to 10% of leaves bent over (GS 47).

Mixing
Thoroughly shake the pack before use.
Add the required quantity of Unicur to the half-filledspray tank with the agitation system in operation and then fill to the required level. Continue agitation at all times during spraying and stoppages until the tank is completely empty. Spray immediately after mixing.

Tank washing
Any product rinsings should be added to the spray tank and sprayed on the crop to be treated.
The product can be removed from spray tanks by rinsing with water and detergent.

General
Sprayers should be thoroughly cleaned before use, and filters and jets checked for damage and blockages.
Boom height should be adjusted to ensure even coverage of the crop, particularly at later growth stages. The correct height is one at which the spray from alternate nozzles meets just above the crop. In dense crops, at later growth stages, higher water volumes should be used.
Thoroughly wash equipment with water and detergent after use.

DISEASES CONTROLLED
Downy mildew (Peronospora destructor)
A useful level of control of leaf blight, (Botryotinia squamosa, anamorph Botrytis squamosa)
*Qualified minor use recommendation:
Based on limited data, useful reductions can be expected of infections caused by Botrytis, Cladosporium, Stemphylium and Puccinia species and also some reduction of bacterial rots of bulbs associated with downy mildew infections.

APPLICATION TIMING
Apply Unicur as part of a protectant programme, at any stage from when the leaf bases begin to thicken (BBCH 40, beginning of bulb formation) until when 10% of the leaves are bent over (BBCH 47). Do not apply any more than two consecutive applications of Unicur.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY TO MINIMISE THE LIKELIHOOD OF RESISTANCE
Apply fungicides according to manufacturer’s recommendations for the target disease (or complex) at the specific crop growth stage indicated. Effective disease management is a critical parameter in delaying the build-up of resistant pathogen populations. Unicur is a mixture of two fungicides with different modes of action, a strobilurin and a triazolinthione.
Unicur contains fluoxastrobin, a member of the Qol cross-resistance group. Unicur should be used preventatively and should not be relied on for its curative potential.
Use Unicur as part of an Integrated Crop Management (ICM) strategy incorporating other methods of control, including where appropriate other fungicides with a different mode of action.
Do not apply any more than two consecutive applications of Unicur.

CAUTION: The possible development of disease strains resistant to Unicur cannot be excluded or predicted. Where such resistant strains occur, Unicur is unlikely to give satisfactory control.

FACTORS AFFECTING CROP SAFETY
Application of Unicur to young plants before the beginning of bulb formation may cause, some transient leaf chlorosis, leaf white tipping and leaf distortion. To avoid this and gain the maximum yield and quality benefit from the product, apply from the beginning of bulb formation.