CURATIO® is based on the active ingredient lime sulphur and is suited for controlling fungal diseases like scab, sooty blotch, Marssonina and powdery mildew especially in organic orchards but also in the integrated production it is more and more a part of the strategy. Particularly in years with heavy rainfall and continuing leaf wetness duration fungal diseases including apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) can develop to a level where they threaten economic viability. Contact fungicides lose their effectiveness as their contact layer is washed off during rain. Therefore the use of a curative fungicide is essential.
CURATIO® with its unique mode of action is the only curative fungicide in organic fruit production which is able to protect apples during long-lasting rainfalls without to expect resistance. The alkaline reaction of CURATIO® causes the hydrolysis of lipids in the fungal cells and thus facilitates the permeation of the active component calcium polysulfide through the cell wall. Once inside the cell the active ingredient hinders the normal metabolism and interferes with the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle). This effect is not only caused by the active ingredient, but also by its metabolite elemental sulphur which is a well-known and effective fungicide. After drying CURATIO® forms a contact layer of elemental sulphur with a good rain stability and good protective effect.