What do root rot and Phytophthora all have in common? They are the nightmare of Canadian berry growers. The frequency of these diseases seems to be increasing due in part to unpredictable weather patterns, and often once you have it, it is near impossible to get rid of. 

What tool can help battle these tough berry diseases?

Orondis^® Gold DC is available to help growers manage tough water mould diseases. Orondis Gold DC is a preventative fungicide with two active ingredients: oxathiapiprolin (OXTP, Group 49) and metalaxyl (Group 4). This combination has been available on the market since 2016, but to get the most out of this tool, understanding the "what", "when", and "how", will allow wise use of this tool for the long term.

When to use Orondis Gold 

Preventative use is key to successful management of Phytophythora root rot, so for soil applications use Orondis Gold early in the season.   

For downy mildew in onions, apply preventatively at first risk of infection.

Crop	L/acre	Application placement	First application timing
Raspberries	1.85	Soil	Before the plants start to grow in the spring
Blueberries	1.85	Soil	Before the plants start to grow in the spring
Strawberries	1.85	Soil	Before first bloom (or soon after planting for new plantings)

 

How does Orondis Gold DC work? 

Physical and chemical properties 

When applied as a drench, soil spray, or through irrigation, the two active ingredients, oxathiapiprolin and metalaxyl-M, move into the roots within two weeks. 


Source: Internal Syngenta research (Jealotts Hill, UK, 2016). Images taken 7 days after treatment and daily watering. 

• Oxathiapiprolin has low water solubility – this means Orondis Gold DC sticks and stays in the application zone, providing long-lasting protection against root rot. This also means it’s important to put the product where you need it to be through application placement or supplemental irrigation. 
• Metalaxyl-M redistributes across the surface and percolates down to the root zone, complementing the movement of oxathiapiprolin and providing optimal coverage of the root zone. 

Biological mode of action 

• Orondis Gold DC is most active against the early stages of pathogen life cycles and will stop spore germination and inhibit mycelial growth in the roots.  
• Orondis Gold DC is effective against Phytophthora root rot and manages populations that are insensitive to metalaxyl-M. 
• The oxathiapiprolin component of Orondis Gold DC disrupts the flow of lipids between cells and membranes, causing them to drown in their own fat. 
• The oxathiapiprolin component has limited or no activity against Pythium spp. 

How has Orondis Gold performed in fruit? 

In 2024, research authorizations in strawberries showed an advantage to using Orondis Gold DC compared to leaving plants untreated:

Source: Research authorization trial in strawberries, QC, 2024, n = 1. Orondis Gold DC was applied at 1.85L/ha at time of transplanting in spring. Photo taken in September. Performance evaluations are based on internal trials, field observations and/or public information. Data from multiple locations and years should be consulted whenever possible. Individual results may vary depending on local growing, soil and weather conditions. Always read and follow label directions.
 

Keep in mind that Orondis Gold DC is a pre-mixed formulation of Orondis (OXTP) and Ridomil Gold^®. In raspberry trials conducted in B.C., Orondis and Ridomil Gold increased yield by more than 250 and 300 percent compared to the inoculated control.  


Source: External replicated raspberry trials conducted in BC (AAFC), 2013-14, n=2, Phytophthora rubi. Orondis Gold is formulated to deliver an application rate of Orondis between 0.7 and 1.4 L/ha. 
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What about MRLs for key blueberry export markets? 

Interested in trying Orondis Gold in your blueberry crop? Check in with your packer or reach out to your local Syngenta horticulture specialist. 


For more information contact our Customer Interaction Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682).

Performance evaluations are based on internal trials, field observations and/or public information. Data from multiple locations and years should be consulted whenever possible. Individual results may vary depending on local growing, soil, and weather conditions.

Please check with your packer or exporter when using Orondis Gold on highbush blueberries destined for use outside of Canada. At time of distribution, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) had been established for the active ingredients oxathiapiprolin for export markets in the United States, and metalaxyl-M for export markets in the United States and Japan. Please see the Bryant Christie Inc. Global MRL database at https://www.globalmrl.com/db#query for a complete list of MRLs. Should you need additional information on export market MRLs, please consult with Syngenta to receive the most up-to-date information. 

Always read and follow label directions. Orondis^®, Ridomil Gold^® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.