In California’s sun-soaked vineyards, where the wine and table grape industries are cornerstones of the state’s agricultural economy, powdery mildew remains a relentless adversary. Caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe necator, powdery mildew is one of the most pervasive and damaging diseases in viticulture, affecting both the yield and the market quality of grapes.

Once established, powdery mildew spreads rapidly, producing a characteristic white, powdery coating across leaves, shoots, and fruit. Beyond its visual symptoms, the disease can severely compromise vine function—distorting leaves, scarring fruit, and reducing sugar accumulation, all of which pose significant threats to both growers and winemakers.

Conventional Control and Emerging Challenges

Traditionally, powdery mildew has been managed through a combination of cultural practices, resistant cultivars, and fungicide applications. Preventive fungicides such as sulfur and biologicals are commonly used as protectants, while eradicants—including horticultural oils and potassium bicarbonate—are employed when infections are already visible. However, repeated use of these chemicals raises concerns about environmental impact, pesticide residues, and, increasingly, pathogen resistance. With the pressure mounting to find sustainable, effective, and residue-free solutions, attention has turned to novel technologies that offer both performance and environmental compatibility.

Introducing Mineral Oxychloride (MOCl) Technology

A promising alternative is emerging in the form of JC 9465 Mineral Oxychloride Solution (MOCl), a proprietary advanced oxidation reagent developed for agricultural applications. MOCl functions through the generation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which target and destroy microbial cells by oxidative stress rather than chemical toxicity.

In the summer of 2024, a field study was conducted on a commercial vineyard in Fresno County, California, specializing in Crimson Seedless grapes—a Vitis vinifera cultivar with a documented susceptibility to powdery mildew, particularly during the latter part of the growing season. The goal was to evaluate MOCl’s efficacy in managing powdery mildew in a real-world, production-scale environment.

JC 9465 MOCl solution is:

• EPA-registered as a biocide.
• NSF-certified for use in potable water systems.
• Certified organic, and approved for applications in organic agriculture.
• Classified as safe for human consumption, with no pesticide residue or withholding period.

Importantly, unlike conventional fungicides, microorganisms cannot develop resistance to oxidative stress, making MOCl a compelling option for integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) programs.

STUDY: Evaluation of Mineral Oxychlorides for Powdery Mildew Control in Grapes

Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe necator) is a prevalent fungal disease in grape production, significantly affecting yield and fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a mineral oxychloride-based formulation (MOCl) in controlling powdery mildew.

• Study Location: Clovis, California
• Crop: Grapes (Vitis sp., cv. Crimson)
• Target Disease: Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe necator)
• Study Duration: April 24 – October 4, 2024
• Application Frequency: 7 applications from April to October 2024, approximately every 7–10 days
• Application Method: Mist blower at 100 gal/acre at a dosage of 400 PPM
• Experimental Setup: 4 treatments, 4 replications, 3 vines per plot
• Assessment Parameters: Disease incidence on leaves and bunches, bunch rot at harvest, phytotoxicity

Observed Advantages of JC 9465 Mineral Oxychloride Agent

1. Effective Disease Suppression

MOCl significantly reduced powdery mildew incidence and severity across all observation dates:

• Leaf Infection Reduction:
  • From 58% (untreated) to 34% after 3 applications.
  • From 73% (untreated) to 38% after 4 applications.
• Bunch Infection Suppression:
  • Reduced mildew severity from 49% (untreated) to 35% after 6 applications.
  • Reduced and maintained severity from 59% (untreated) to 30% one month after the last application.
• This translates to approximately 50% reduction in disease pressure, confirming MOCl ability to effectively suppress powdery mildew in field conditions.

2. Reduced Postharvest Bunch Rot
   At harvest, MOCl-treated plots showed a marked reduction in bunch rot:

• Rot in untreated plots: 31.3%
• Rot in JC 9465 plots: 16.3%

This represents a nearly 50% decrease in bunch rot, an important quality and shelf-life factor for fresh-market grapes.

3. No Observed Phytotoxicity

Across all evaluation dates, JC 9465 exhibited zero phytotoxicity, even with repeated applications. This suggests excellent crop safety, allowing for its integration into intensive spray programs without risk of plant damage.

4. Comparable Performance to Sulfur with Additional Benefits

On a side-by-side comparison with sulfur (Microthiol Disperss), JC 9465 MOCl delivered :

Similar disease suppression
Better performance under high disease pressure
Easier handling and potential for reduced sulfur-related vine stress

Conclusion
JC 9465 mineral oxychloride-based agent demonstrated reliable and consistent control of powdery mildew in grapevines. With its:

• Proven efficacy against leaf and bunch infections
• Substantial reduction in bunch rot
• Zero phytotoxicity over a full season
• Performance comparable to sulfur, with enhanced safety and handling

Mineral oxychloride solutions are a viable and valuable addition to integrated grape disease management programs. It is particularly suited for growers seeking an effective, non-phytotoxic alternative to sulfur or rotating fungicides to mitigate resistance development. JC 9465 MOCl technology offers a sustainable and scalable solution for vineyard disease management, particularly suited for organic operations or those seeking to reduce dependence on synthetic fungicides. Its mechanism of action—through oxidative degradation rather than toxicity—presents no risk of pathogen resistance development, a critical advantage as resistance to commonly used fungicides becomes increasingly problematic. As California grape growers continue to navigate climatic variability, regulatory pressure, and market demand for low-residue fruit, innovations like mineral oxychloride represent a timely and promising addition to the viticultural toolkit.

By Charles Jennings, Jenfitch Inc, Walnut Creek, CA

Executive Summary

The Goleta Water District (GWD) is currently in compliance with all State and Federal drinking water
quality standards, including the four-quarter Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) total
trihalomethanes (TTHM) standard of 80 micrograms per liter (μg/L).

Water quality has been declining in Lake Cachuma, GWD’s surface water supply, as a result of drought
and wildfire impacts to its watershed. Increasing levels of organic matter are anticipated to exceed
GWD’s current treatment capabilities persist at high levels into the foreseeable future. Accordingly,
one of the District’s top priorities is to maintain water quality, specifically to upgrade treatment to
reduce organic matter and reduce the formation of THMs in the Corona Del Mar Water Treatment Plant
(CDMWTP) treated water and in the distribution system.

This proposed plan serves to notify the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of
Drinking Water of GWD’s intent to perform a full-scale plant test at CDMWTP of JC9450 as an alternative
to sodium hypochlorite, with the goal of reducing THM formation. Manufactured by Jenfitch, LLC,
JC9450 is a proprietary, NSF 61-approved water treatment chemical with properties similar to chlorine.
Jenfitch NSF-approved products have been used for a number of water quality improvements by other
water treatment plants, including Stenner Surface Water Treatment Plant (SSWTP) in San Luis Obispo,
California and the City of Martinez Water Treatment Plant in Martinez, California.

Jar testing of JC9450 was performed by GWD staff in October 2017 to simulate CDMWTP treatment
processes. GWD observed a 95% reduction of TTHM and a 21% reduction in the seven-day TTHM
formation level in samples that were treated with a low dose of JC9450 as an oxidizing agent in lieu of
sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite was still used as the disinfectant.

Based on these promising results of the jar testing, GWD proposes a limited duration, low throughput,
full scale plant test of JC9450. In addition to being NSF 61 approved, the JC9450 chemical has been used
successfully at SSWTP and other plants, with one adverse impact reported: a turbidity increase at the
filters, which was overcome by renewing the adsorption capacity of the filters. GWD is heeding the
lesson of SSWTP’s experience by proposing to super-chlorinate the filters in advance of the CDMWTP
full-scale test.

A preliminary full scale plant test of up to two weeks’ duration is tentatively scheduled for January 2018.
The test will allow GWD to evaluate the efficacy of JC9450 to reduce THM levels and formation potential
and to monitor impacts to CDMWTP processes. During this test, GWD expects to operate CDMWTP at
approximately three million gallons per day (MGD) throughput. GWD also anticipates meeting the
balance of customer demand in the distribution system via groundwater production.

Full-scale plant testing will be conducted with extensive process monitoring, cooperation from the
chemical manufacturer, and routine plant sampling and monitoring by GWD Operators. If the initial twoweek test shows promising results and no adverse impacts, the District expects to prepare for an
additional full-scale testing of up to three months to allow for more comprehensive testing while
primarily on surface water. During this longer full-scale plant test, groundwater production may be suspended, and water quality changes will be monitored within CDMWTP and throughout the
distribution over a longer period to evaluate the suitability of JC9450 as a long-term treatment solution
for reducing THM formation.

To read the complete study, Click Here

Technical and Operational Superiority of Mineral Oxychloride Reagents Over Chlorine Dioxide for Water Treatment

Abstract

This scientific article presents the technical and operational advantages of mineral oxychloride reagents over chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) in water treatment. Mineral oxychlorides are advanced oxidation agents that deliver superior disinfection, biofilm removal, and residual protection compared to conventional oxidants. By generating highly reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydroxyl radicals, these reagents offer a safe, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative that aligns with all 12 principles of green chemistry. While both agents have antimicrobial applications, mineral oxychlorides represent a second-generation advanced oxidation process (AOP) with greater oxidative efficiency and broader reactivity.

Introduction to Mineral Oxychlorides

Mineral oxychlorides (M_xO_yCl_z) are a class of compounds composed of transition metals bonded to oxygen and chlorine. In aqueous media, these compounds exhibit high photocatalytic activity, primarily through the generation of ROS—especially hydroxyl radicals (^•OH)—which drive their efficacy as AOP agents. When dissolved in water, mineral oxychlorides initiate highly reactive oxidative pathways without requiring external energy input.

The primary mechanism involves modified Fenton reactions, notably the Haber–Weiss pathway:

Haber–Weiss Reaction
O₂^•⁻ + H₂O₂ → (metal catalyst) → O₂ + ^•OH + OH⁻

Unlike chlorine dioxide, which engages in selective oxidation of limited contaminants, mineral oxychlorides initiate a cascade of non-selective oxidative species, including:

• Hydroxyl radicals (^•OH)
• Superoxide (O₂^•⁻)
• Perhydroxyl radicals (HO₂^•)
• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
• Hydroxyl and oxygen ions

These ROS are generated via self-sustaining chain reactions catalyzed by the internal vibrational energy of the mineral components, resulting in a highly efficient, low-energy process.

Mechanism of Action in Water Treatment

Hydroxyl radicals possess an oxidation potential of 2.8–2.9 V, second only to fluorine, but far more practical for water applications. The reagent’s unique catalytic profile ensures continuous in situ ROS generation without external energy input.

Water Activation Pathways:

1. Dissociation: H₂O + e⁻ → ^•OH + ^•H + e⁻
2. Excitation: H₂O + e⁻ → H₂O* + e⁻ → H₂O + ^•OH + ^•H
3. Ionization: H₂O + e⁻ → H₂O⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₃O⁺ + ^•OH

These autocatalytic reactions keep the system active until new contamination is introduced.

Advanced oxidation via mineral oxychlorides rapidly degrades both organic and inorganic pollutants into biodegradable and non-toxic byproducts. Mechanisms include:

• Hydrogen abstraction
• Electrophilic substitution
• Electron transfer

These reactions lead to the formation and subsequent oxidation of carbon-centered radicals, ultimately yielding alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and complete mineralization to CO₂ and H₂O.

At high redox saturation, hypochlorite ions (OCl⁻) may form and convert into hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in acidic environments. However, ROS remains the dominant active species in these systems.

Key Oxidative Targets:

• Biofilms: Degraded via oxidative destruction of extracellular polysaccharides
• Microorganisms: Eliminated through ROS-induced cellular lysis

Organic/Metal Contaminants: Decomposed via rapid electron-transfer reactions

Biocidal Mechanism

Hydroxyl radicals exert powerful oxidative stress on microorganisms by:

• Attacking unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes
• Inducing lipid peroxidation and membrane destabilization
• Oxidizing proteins and nucleic acids via sulfhydryl and amino acid damage
• Promoting disulfide cross-links and DNA mutations

This broad-spectrum, multi-target mechanism ensures rapid microbial death, biofilm eradication, and minimal potential for resistance development.

Implementation and Operational Benefits

Historically, AOPs were reserved for high-COD effluents due to cost and complexity. Mineral oxychloride reagents overcome these limitations by offering:

• Easy-to-use liquid formulation
• Minimal capital and operating costs
• No specialized equipment or training
• NSF and EPA certifications for potable and non-potable use
• Complete compliance with green chemistry principles
• Zero formation of regulated DBPs or bromates

The reagent integrates seamlessly with existing chlorinated protocols, enhancing efficiency while reducing chemical demand.

Chemistry of Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂)

Chlorine dioxide is a dissolved gas produced on-site from sodium chlorite or chlorate. It functions effectively as a selective oxidant with antimicrobial properties, particularly against protozoa and biofilm.

Key Properties:

• Oxidation Potential: 0.94 V (sodium chlorate), 1.57 V (sodium chlorite)
• Oxidation Capacity: 5-electron transfer (~263% available chlorine)
• Selective Reactivity: Targets phenols, sulfides, cyanides, Fe, Mn
• Low Reactivity Toward: Aromatic and unsaturated bonds
• Temperature Sensitivity: Degrades rapidly at high temperatures
• Byproduct Profile: Lower DBP formation than chlorine

Though effective, ClO₂ has limitations in broader oxidation of complex organics and presents handling, storage, and safety challenges due to its gaseous and explosive nature.

Comparison with Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂)

Operational Advantages of Mineral Oxychloride

• No on-site gas generation or hazardous storage
• Stable liquid form with long shelf life
• Broad-spectrum action with minimal contact time
• Converts contaminants into biodegradable byproducts
• Compatible with most treatment protocols
• May reduce or eliminate use of additional chemicals

Application Areas

Mineral oxychloride reagents are ideal for:

• Municipal and potable water systems
• Industrial and cooling water systems
• Food and beverage sanitation
• Oil & Gas generation and processing- Biofilm, H₂S, FeS, and mercaptans
• Agriculture & Aquaculture-Pre & Post Harvest disinfection

Approved by the U.S. EPA FIFR as a disinfectant, USDA NOP (National Organic Program), and certified by the NSF Std. 60, these reagents are suitable for both potable and non-potable systems.

Conclusion

Mineral oxychloride reagents represent a significant advancement in water treatment, combining unmatched oxidative potential, environmental safety, and operational simplicity. Compared to chlorine dioxide, they deliver superior disinfection, longer residual protection, and greater degradation of a wide range of contaminants, all without producing hazardous byproducts.

Mineral oxychlorides represent the next generation of water treatment technology, offering superior oxidation strength, safety, and sustainability over chlorine dioxide. As water disinfection and regulatory compliance challenges increase, this reagent provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and technically superior alternative for meeting treatment goals.

Contact & Additional Information

For product inquiries, and technical support, contact:

📧 sales@jenfitch.com
🌐 www.jenfitch.com