A natural breakthrough in botrytis control for NZ vineyards

Sipcam New Zealand has announced the launch of Novellus, a novel, naturally derived fungicide now registered for use by all grape growers across the country.

Designed to combat bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea), Novellus offers a powerful new solution that aligns with both conventional and growers wanting softer options.

Novellus contains three plant-derived compounds — geraniol, eugenol, and thymol — each of which is Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) exempt, making the product ideal for use close to harvest. These active ingredients are encapsulated in a patented capsule suspension formulation, which allows for slow, controlled release and enhanced field performance.

“This is a genuinely novel mode of action,” says Gordon Harris, technical and development manager at Sipcam NZ. “Novellus disrupts fungal cell walls, membranes, and organelles, stopping spore germination and mycelial growth before the disease can take hold.”

Novellus has demonstrated strong efficacy in NZ field trials, including high-pressure sites in Eskdale, Hawke’s Bay; and Nelson Road, Gisborne. In these trials, Novellus-treated vines showed significantly reduced botrytis infection compared to untreated and conventional programs.

For example, under extreme conditions in Gisborne, Novellus achieved just 4.2 per cent bunch area infection, outperforming synthetic chemistry and conventional programs.

Growers can apply Novellus at key timings — flowering, pre-bunch closure, veraison, and pre-harvest — with up to four applications per season depending on disease pressure. The formulation is water-based, safe for all grape varieties, and compatible with a wide range of tank mix partners.

Novellus can be applied up to 14 days before harvest with nil residues, making it an excellent fit for the Sustainable Wine Growing Program. It is also approved as an allowable input for organic production in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, with further approvals pending.

“Novellus will give growers the flexibility they need to manage botrytis effectively, even late in the season,” adds Harris. “It’s a softer chemistry that doesn’t compromise on performance, and it fits perfectly into conventional programs.”

Already widely used in Australia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and France, Novellus is now available to NZ growers looking for a reliable, residue-free solution to botrytis control.

With its innovative formulation, proven field performance, and sustainability credentials, Novellus is poised to become an invaluable tool for integrated disease management strategies in vineyards nationwide.