Plant-based fungicide designed to activate crops’ natural defenses against Botrytis, offering no residue and no pre-harvest interval
01 October 2026, Australia: ADAMA Ltd. has launched Actavan® in Australia and New Zealand as a plant-based fungicide for grapes, offering growers a botanical option for managing Botrytis through activation of the crop’s natural defense mechanisms.
Based on beet extract, Actavan® acts as a Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) elicitor, stimulating the plant’s immune response before infection occurs. According to ADAMA, the product is fully biodegradable, non-toxic and compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
The company said Actavan® has no residue and requires no pre-harvest interval, allowing growers greater flexibility in disease management through harvest and during post-harvest storage.
Actavan® works by activating genes involved in the production of enzymes that break down pathogen cell walls while also stimulating the production of antimicrobial phytoalexins. This systemic response strengthens the plant’s defenses against fungal diseases and allows the product to complement conventional fungicide programs.
The product has also recently received a new classification from the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) in P Group 11, reflecting its distinct mode of action. ADAMA said the classification provides growers with another option to incorporate into fungicide resistance-management programs.
“Growers are increasingly looking for solutions that combine strong performance with flexibility and sustainability,” said Jean Zonato, Head of Global Fungicides at ADAMA. “Actavan® expands the options available for disease management by introducing a plant-derived mode of action that can be integrated into existing programs while helping growers meet evolving market and production requirements.”
Actavan® will be available for purchase in Australia and New Zealand from October 2026.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
