Get cover against seed-borne potato diseases
13 November 2021, UK: Use of Maxim to reduce seed-borne disease pressure this season can enhance crop emergence and growth – to ultimately harvest increased marketable yields with higher quality, more consistently sized tubers with improved skin finish.
The move to liquid seed treatment delivers more even application and coverage of the seed tuber surface, to achieve consistently reliable results against seed-borne diseases, according to Syngenta Technical Manager, Michael Tait.
Research and field trials with Maxim has shown:
- Greater number of eyes opening
- Consistent crop emergence
- Stronger early crop rooting
- Increased tuber numbers
- More even tuber size at harvest
- Improved skin finish
Over the recent seasons, specialist applicator manufacturer, Team Sprayers, report new Storemaster CTC2 equipment, developed in conjunction with Syngenta, has been installed by seed producers and, increasingly, by ware growers gearing up for Maxim use.
MAXIM 100FS has activity against a range of seed borne diseases of potato seed tubers.
- Black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani)
- Silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani)
- Black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes)
Field observation of effects on:
- Common scab (Streptomyces scabies)
- Dry rot (Fusarium spp)
Liquid fungicides applied correctly to seed can give good coverage, be cleaner to use and removes an operation on the planter, allowing operatives to focus on getting crops planted in good order, points out Mr Tait.
“A further advantage of Maxim is the distinctive red colour, which clearly indicates seed tubers have been effectively treated.”
To assess for potential seed-borne disease issues he urges growers and agronomists to have intended seed stocks inspected at source for signs of infection at the earliest opportunity.
“This gives the chance for Maxim treatment before seed is delivered onto farm, or to organise for on-farm treatment.”
Growers operating on just-in-time delivery for planting, or not set up to handle or store seed, can have seed conveniently treated at source.
Optimising crop emergence using Maxim seed treatment, coupled with Amistar and Nemathorin to tackle soil-borne pathogens and pests, gives the foundation for crop yields and tuber quality.
Top Tips to get the best from seed treatment
- Inspect or test seed early to assess treatment requirements
- Apply liquid seed treatment to achieve even tuber coverage
- Use Team Sprayers’ Storemaster CTC2 for application
- Choose Maxim to control a wide spectrum of skin diseases
- Combine with Amistar as a soil treatment at planting, to target soil-borne disease with an integrated disease management solutio
