Actinovate®: A Living Organic Fungicide with a 2-Year Shelf Life

Actinovate® is a living, OMRI-listed organic fungicide designed for both growers and home gardeners. It utilizes beneficial bacteria, Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108, to combat fungal pathogens effectively on a microscopic level. Originally isolated from linseed plant roots in England, this bacterium helps protect plants from various fungal threats.

How It Works:

Streptomyces lydicus creates a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, breaking down fungal cell walls and producing byproducts that inhibit other microbes. Essentially, the S. lydicus feeds off the root’s secretions and discharges toxins that keep other microbes (including pathogens) out. This multi-faceted action helps protect plants from both soil and foliar pathogens.

Actinovate® Key Features:

Shelf-stable for 24 months.
Can be stored under normal conditions despite being live bacteria.
Effective on a range of soil and foliar pathogens.
Non-phytotoxic
Can be applied as a foliar spray and/or soil drench.
Compatible with IPM programs and traditional fungicides.
Low Re-Entry Interval (4 hours) and no Pre-Harvest Interval.
The biological active ingredient in Actinovate poses no threat of resistance formation

Pathogens Controlled:

Soil: Damping Off Fungus, Root Rot, Turf Brown Patch, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Fusarium, Verticillium, Sclerotinia, and many others.
Foliar: Downy Mildew, Gray Mold, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis, Phytomatotricum, Sclerotinia, Alternaria, and more.

Take a look at the effect that Actinovate® has on the fresh weight of tomato roots when the seedlings are infected with pythium.

Application Guidelines:

Soil Drench: Mix 4-6 ounces per 100 gallons of water. Apply to damp soil or root zones.
Foliar Spray: Mix 6-12 ounces per 50-100 gallons of water. Apply to leaves and stems, ideally with a non-ionic spreader sticker.

Usage Tips:

Apply Actinovate as a preventive measure, ideally before pathogen development. For best results, use early and reapply every 2-12 weeks as needed. For foliar applications, apply at the first sign of infection and repeat every 7-14 days.

Safety and Handling:

Read the label for safety instructions. Actinovate is safe to use up to the day of harvest and has a low re-entry period. Clean application equipment and use the solution within 4 hours of preparation.

Integration with IPM:

Actinovate is suitable for IPM programs and works well with both beneficial fungi and traditional fungicides. It does not contribute to resistance and is safe for pollinators.