Actinovate FAQs

How does Actinovate work?

Actinovate utilizes a patented bacterium that forms a mutually beneficial relationship in the rhizosphere by feeding off the plant’s waste and secreting beneficial by-products that keep pathogens under control. These by-products break down the cell walls of fungus and kill/repel other microbes. This control of fungi and microbes results in the prevention or control of the diseases they cause. In addition to the disease prevention and control, the bacterium also aids in mineral & nutrient uptake and promotes increased root growth and plant size. This results in plants that are more vigorous and able to survive under stressful conditions.

What diseases does Actinovate prevent?

Actinovate controls a wide variety of pathogens and diseases, including:


Club Root

Damping Off*†

Gray Snow Mold

Pink Snow Mold

Root Rot*†

Turf Brownpatch†

Turf Dollarspot

Turf Take-All Patch


Bacterial blast

Bacterial spot

Black spot

Citrus canker

Downy mildew†

Fire blight

Gray mold†

Leaf spots and rusts

Peach leaf curl

Powdery mildew†

Walnut blight

*ornamentals and vegetables

†only these diseases recognized as controlled in California, due to differences in product label requirements

What plants can Actinovate be applied to?

Actinovate can be applied to a wide variety of plants, including:

  • Annual and perennial bedding plants and flowers, roses, potted flowers, foliage plants, trees, shrubs and lawns located in homes, greenhouses, and home landscapes
  • Fruits; including tree fruits, berries, and melons
  • Nuts; including a wide variety of tree nuts
  • Vegetables; including leafy vegetables, root crops, cole crops, peppers, and tomatoes

How should Actinovate be applied?

Actinovate is solubilized in water and can be applied to the soil as a drench or applied as a foliar application. It can also be applied with misting systems and foggers.

Is Actinovate a better as a preventative or curative treatment?

For best results, Actinovate should be applied before disease onset as a preventative treatment. If disease pressure is high, Actinovate can be tank mixed with another fungicide labelled for use on the target disease.

How many applications are needed?

For severe disease pressure or problems, multiple applications may be needed. Actinovate can be reapplied 30-45 days after a soil drench or 7-14 days after a foliar application.

What is the reentry period?

After application, the area should not be entered for one hour or until the Actinovate is dry.

How soon after application can the plants be watered?

Plants should not be watered for 4 hours after application.

What is the pre-harvest interval?

The pre-harvest interval is 0 days.

What is the shelf life?

Actinovate contains live microbial spores, so it has a 6 month shelf life to ensure survival and efficacy of the microbes.

How does it need to be stored?

Actinovate should be stored in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Keep from overheating or freezing. The optimum storage temperature range is 40°F to 85°F.

How does Actinovate work with Mycorrhizae?

Actinovate and Mycorrhizae work very well together to help the plants be as strong as possible. The Mycorrhizae do not compete with the Actinovate organisms or hinder efficacy.

What is the difference between Actinovate and Actino-Iron?

Both products use the same microbial active ingredient. Actino-Iron adds iron and humic acid to the microbe. Microbial interaction with the iron in Actino-Iron slowly releases iron to the plant and reduces the risk of burning, even with iron-sensitive plants. The microbe uses the humic acid as a food source in the soil ecosystem.

Can I use Actinovate in a rotation with other fungicides?

Yes, Actinovate can be used in rotation with other fungicides.

Is there resistance to Actinovate?

Biologicals typically do not have resistance issues, but we do suggest a rotation of different fungicide products to ensure the problems are being treated with multiple modes of action.

What is the advantage for using Actinovate over other biological fungicides?

In addition to providing disease prevention and control, Actinovate also aids in mineral & nutrient uptake and promotes increased root growth and plant size. This results in plants that are more vigorous and able to survive under stressful conditions.