Seed Industry

Protect yield with well timed early spring management

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11 March 2023, UK: Driving around East Anglia recently, it is evident that we have a wide range of crop development in wheat fields. The drilling window for UK wheat crops has been wide-ranging this season due to the variable weather conditions experienced in the autumn and winter. Many took advantage of the early dry conditions, whilst others were still drilling winter wheat into 2023, largely following root crops.

Many wheat varieties will likely benefit from a T0 application.

Several frosts over the winter and the more recent cold snap will have slowed the development of rust but the mild and damp weather that has been experienced across much of the UK recently could increase the risk of yellow rust developing and spreading in some crops and we are starting to see more reports. Almost 40% of the varieties on the current Recommended List are seedling susceptible, including Syngenta favourites GLEAM, GRAHAM and SY INSITOR. Such varieties are particularly likely to benefit from a T0 application, be it a strobilurin based product in protectant scenarios or a triazole based product if trying to control any active rust. Adult plant resistance builds over time and is not switched on overnight at a certain development stage.

Whilst crops that are planted earlier in the season are exposed for a longer period in which the fungus can establish itself, later drilled crops which can be more stressed and have smaller amounts of green leaf area can be equally, if not more severely impacted by early season yellow rust.

Joe Bagshaw, Syngenta Technical Manager says “If there is a known risk, get protection onto the crop early doors as you can’t get green leaf area back once it’s lost. Less green leaf area means reduced yield-building ability.” Matt Bull, Syngenta Technical Manager for wheat concurs “yellow rust is the last disease you want to be chasing in season. It has a short life cycle and if the conditions are conducive to development, it can be difficult to get back on top of”. 

Top Tips for managing yellow rust:

  • Understand the seedling and adult plant resistance status of your varieties and manage them appropriately
  • Yellow rust has a diverse population which can rapidly overcome genetic resistance. Adopt an integrated approach and do not rely solely on adult plant resistance
  • T0 fungicides are often economic, particularly on seedling susceptible varieties
  • Use the best available chemistry at the most valuable time: target ELATUS Era applications on leaf 3 (T1) for programmes specifically for yellow rust management

Also Read: Tendovo soybean herbicide from Syngenta earns rave reviews during first season of use

(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)

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