Considering its activity and purpose, BioSafe Systems’ ZeroTol® 2.0 is an excellent addition to a grower’s integrated pest management (IPM) program.
ZeroTol 2.0 is a broad-spectrum contact oxidizer of fungal, bacterial, and algal spores and cells. Eric Smith, Horticultural Sales Manager for BioSafe Systems, calls it a “plant sanitizer.” ZeroTol 2.0 kills more than 20 different plant pathogens, including powdery mildew, Botrytis, Xanthomonas, and Rhizoctonia.
A primary goal of an IPM program is to reduce resistance of pesticides and ZeroTol 2.0 can make a significant difference. While it’s classified as a fungicide, ZeroTol 2.0 is not a fungicide in a traditional sense because it is not systemic. Unlike other fungicides, ZeroTol 2.0 doesn’t require a FRAC code because of its on-contact activity.
“It is just a great tool for a grower’s IPM toolbox,” Smith says.
ZeroTol 2.0 tears apart disease cells of susceptible and resistant spores so they can’t mutate, Smith explains. This means by implementing ZeroTol 2.0 growers can improve the efficacy of other FRAC code chemistries and help them maintain their strength and performance longer.
ZeroTol 2.0, which debuted in 1998 and is BioSafe Systems’ flagship product, contains two active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide (27%) and peroxyacetic acid (2%). The two AIs work together and strengthen each other, Smith says.
When ZeroTol 2.0 is used weekly, biweekly or in another time-frame, the chances of plants becoming ill are greatly minimized. It can be used on many greenhouse crops, from poinsettias to mums to azaleas to bedding plants, and is clean enough to be used in cannabis and food crops, Smith says.
When used in small doses during the disease lifecycle, Smith says ZeroTol 2.0’s activity is akin to someone sanitizing his or her hands every so often to kill bacterial spores or viral cells.
“The same thing happens on the plant surface – we disinfest the plant and that contact activity eliminates the inoculum,” he explains. “Then the chances of a disease outbreak occurring with extremely low inoculum levels is almost zero.”
Another reason ZeroTol 2.0 fits well in an IPM program is because it leaves no toxic residues and has a 1- or 0-hour re-entry interval (REI). “That serves an important purpose in that a very low REI speaks to worker safety,” Smith says, noting that greenhouse employees can get back to work safely and quickly.
Another attractive IPM component of ZeroTol 2.0 is its low use rate, which makes it very cost effective. When used for resistance management of fungicides, growers only need to use one-quarter ounce of ZeroTol 2.0 per gallon, which equates to 1 quart per 100 gallons.
ZeroTol 2.0 is also OMRI-Listed, meaning it is allowed for use in certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program. “It breaks down into water and oxygen,” Smith says. “It has that environmentally friendly component.”
ZeroTol 2.0 was the first peroxyacetic acid introduced to the horticulture industry. “There was nothing like it before BioSafe Systems introduced it,” Smith says. “It is the gold standard for these types of chemistries.”
Questions?
Contact Eric Smith, BioSafe Systems’ National Horticulture Sales Manager
