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Chris F

Staff Member
Media
Location
Hammerwich
Season extension to boost beet

8 July 2014
Lincolnshire sugar beet grower and contractor, Richard Ivatt, has completed the first stage of his fungicide programme this week (7 July 2014), with an application of Spyrale across all 130 hectares of his own crop, based at Shillakers Farm, near Spalding.

Richard Ivatt mr.jpg


The plan is to follow-up with a second Spyrale application in around five weeks, with the timing adjusted depending on disease pressure. Any crop destined for later lifting, essentially into the New Year, will most likely get a third fungicide treatment as well this season.

It’s a programme Richard has proven to work well, and advocates on the further 100 hectares he looks after on contract - along with any crop that makes up a total of around 1100 hectares he lifts over the harvesting season.

“The benefits of effective disease control have become even more apparent as we have moved to ‘just-in-time’ lifting for a longer beet campaign,” he says. “With beet in the ground for longer, better green leaf retention has allowed it continue putting on yield right through the autumn and winter.

“Last season the highest sugar levels were recorded from beet lifted in February, where crop left for late lifting on the light gravel-based land really benefitted from the mild conditions.”
With the longer growing season he highlights that retention of healthy green leaf is also crucial for frost protection and to help harvesting, as well as driving yield. “British Sugar is urging us to micro-top so as not to cut into the crown, but they don’t want any leaf material going into the factory.

“That is virtually impossible if you have dead rubbery leaves on the plant that wrap around the scalper knife. We can achieve a much more consistent, cleaner top and improved root quality with a healthy upright green leaf.” Richard says it is abundantly clear to the harvester operator which crops have had a two or three spray fungicide treatment.

Furthermore, the green leaf offers valuable frost protection for later lifted beet, he reports. Generally Richard aims to lift the heavier fen land first, followed by low-lying blackland fen that tends to be more susceptible to frost damage.

“Where we used the three-spray fungicide programme in 2010, we didn’t experience the severe losses encountered on unprotected beet when early frosts hit in November. We certainly find that green-leaved beet will stand one bout of frost and continue growing through the winter, although a second frost will still tend to stop it.”

He believes that the advances in varieties, agronomy, weather conditions and the longer growing season has extended the opportunities to grow beet on lighter land. Even if there is a dry period through the summer, he argues that there is generally still ample time for healthy beet to put on yield and sugar levels later in the season. “We used to struggle to reliably yield 40 to 50 t/ha on some of the lighter land,” he recalls. “Last year the vast majority exceeded the target yield of 70 t/ha, and with good sugar levels.”

Richard adds that this season’s first Spyrale fungicide treatment will include a tank-mix of four kilos of bitter salts and two litres of soluble manganese to enhance crop health; with increased rates of salts and manganese on the lighter gravel land. “Even though the crop was late drilled and the seedbeds suffered from no frost mould over the winter, the crop looks exceptionally well. We now just have to keep it clean for the rest of the season to get the full benefit.”

Disease risk

Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Simon Roberts, highlights reports from the BBRO that rust has started to be identified in East Anglian sugar beet crops, with risks escalating in hot, dry conditions. Furthermore, previously wet weather in recent weeks would have primed conditions for Powdery Mildew, which could be triggered by summer storms or irrigation.

“Trials have repeatedly shown the importance of proactive treatments to prevent disease getting established in beet crops,” he advises. “It is essential that growers don’t neglect sugar beet crops during busy cereal harvest periods. With most crops reaching full canopy, it will be essential to make timely applications of Spyrale and Priori Xtra as soon as any disease is seen or conditions pose a high risk.”

Simon points out that the broad-spectrum disease control of Spyrale is especially valuable with the trend for variable weather conditions, including periods of prolonged dry weather interspersed with heavy storms, which is highly conducive to all sugar beet diseases. Priori Xtra also offers excellent alternative broad-spectrum disease control, along with additional strobilurin greening effects for plant health and leaf retention.
 

Chris F

Staff Member
Media
Location
Hammerwich
Protect maize before it gets too tall
21 July 2014


Heavy rain and thunderstorms across southern and eastern England could trigger the onset of foliar diseases in maize crops. Cool wet or humid conditions typically result in more serious loss of green leaf area caused by Eyespot and Leaf Blight, at a time when crops should be growing at their fastest, warns Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Simon Roberts.

“After a slow start, most maize crops have been growing incredibly well,” he reported. “For many, the height of plants is such that now is the last opportunity to spray a preventative fungicide using conventional farm sprayers without causing damage.”

Leaf diseases that result in early die-back of plants can severely affect yields of forage maize and feedstock for biogas production. This season is the first time UK growers have a fully approved fungicide for use in maize, with Quilt Xcel.

Mr Roberts advocates that enhancing maize plant health and protection of the green leaf area with Quilt Xcel ensures the crop can make more effective use of sunlight to boost cob yield. Yield improvements of over 15% have been seen in trials from the control of Leaf Blight alone.

Quilt Xcel trial - untreated left - treated right.jpg


Quilt Xcel trial - untreated left - treated right

The label recommendation for Quilt Xcel is for one application of 1.0 l/ha, at any time from stem elongation (GS 30) through to the end of flowering (GS 69). “Quilt Xcel is a preventative fungicide, targeted to protect the leaf from infection ahead of high risk conditions - typically at an earlier timing,” he added.

Application advice

Later application, in taller crops, is likely to require specialist high clearance spray equipment. That may require a contractor, although Mr Roberts highlighted many arable farms growing biogas maize will currently have sprayers kitted out for oilseed rape desiccation that would give greater crop clearance.

He pointed out that operators should aim for 50cm boom height clearance above the crop, with the use of angled nozzles potentially giving better coverage into the canopy. He reported new Syngenta nozzle technology and application trials could give growers further options to extend spraying opportunities in the future.

“Although most spraying operations are now geared to speed, where sprayers are going through taller crops much of the damage can be alleviated by slowing down; allowing the crop to bend over and then spring back, rather than snapping off,” he advised.

However, any sprayer damage is likely to be minimal, compared to the losses from an outbreak of disease stripping leaves and decimating yield.

Northern Blight

Northern Leaf Blight (Helminthosporium turcicum) has only been identified in the UK relatively recently, however climatic conditions and the increase in industrial maize cropping is expected to see the incidence worsening over coming years, said Mr Roberts. “Humid conditions appear most conducive to rapid infection; initial spots can spread by over 1cm in just 24 hours, leading to rapid leaf loss.”

Maize leaf with Eyespot and Helminthosporium.jpg


Early infection at or before flowering can result in up to 50% yield loss, but if leaves can be kept clean for several weeks post flowering from a Quilt Xcel treatment, any late infection will have little or no effect on final yield.
 

Chris F

Staff Member
Media
Location
Hammerwich
Beet under pressure from disease risk

18 August 2014

East Anglian sugar beet crops have had an outstanding growing season, with real potential for high yields if crops can be kept clean and green through the autumn.

Syngenta Technical Manager, Simon Roberts, reported trials at the company’s Innovation Centre near Rougham, Suffolk, have shown untreated plots are now severely affected by Rust and Ramularia - highlighting the current disease pressures.

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“A preventative Spyrale treatment last month has proved highly effective in keeping disease out. However, a second application would now be required to bolster protection over the coming weeks,” he advised.

Mr Roberts advocated Spyrale would be the first choice where crops are currently clean, with the option for Priori Xtra if there was already some disease present - to include the benefit of both triazole curativity and strobilurin chemistry.

Ramularia mr.jpg


“With the recent wet weather we would have expected Rust to be the predominant threat to sugar beet, but we have also seen Powdery Mildew outbreaks in the eastern counties, even in otherwise clean crops,” he warned. “Clearly growers and agronomist need to look at a broad-spectrum fungicide strategy.”

Powdery mildew mr.jpg


Mr Roberts highlighted the increase in crops destined to be left in the field for ‘just-in-time’ lifting before direct delivery to factories reinforced the need to protect green leaf for as long as possible – enabling a cleaner lift by harvesters and providing essential frost protection of root crowns.

Lincolnshire sugar beet grower and contractor, Richard Ivatt, has seen the benefit of improved green leaf retention from a Spyrale-based fungicide programme.

“British Sugar is urging us to micro-top so as not to cut into the crown, but they don’t want any leaf material going into the factory.

“That is virtually impossible if you have dead rubbery leaves on the plant that wrap around the scalper knife,” according to Mr Ivatt. “With a healthy upright green leaf we can achieve higher yields of a much more consistent, cleaner top and improved root quality.” He says it is abundantly clear to the harvester operator which crops have had a two or three spray fungicide treatment.

“With beet in the ground for longer, better green leaf retention"
 

llamedos

New Member
Aphids on the wing spread virus risk


Myzus persicae aphids trapped in all arable areas – Winged aphids on the move from other crops – Higher risk of oilseed rape yield loss from early TuYV infection


Aphids that are the primary transmitters of Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) to oilseed rape plants have been caught in traps in all key arable growing areas for the first time last week. Monitoring of pest populations at the Syngenta Innovation Centers across the UK highlighted that Myzus persicae aphids have taken wing and are on the move.


Further monitoring of brassica vegetable crops by Syngenta Field Technical Managers has identified a huge increase in these aphid populations in warmer weather last week, along with greater numbers of winged adults that now pose the greatest risk of virus spread at the most vulnerable early stages of oilseed rape growth.


Oilseed rape growers should take heed of the early warnings from aphid monitoring to visually inspect their own crops, and be ready to spray with Plenum when infestations are found, advised Simon Roberts of Syngenta.


“It is important to get the application timing as precise as possible,” he said. “The aim is to prevent foci of virus developing in the crop from the feeding activity of infected aphids, which could then spread further as the season progresses.”

Research has shown the early-season infection of oilseed rape plants has the greatest impact on plant health, yield and oil production. Plenum treatment can give up to two weeks control of aphids feeding on treated plants.


Trials by Dr Alan Dewar have indicated the best results may be achieved from Plenum applications in conjunction with a high-quality methylated rapeseed oil adjuvant.


Mr Roberts highlighted that with pyrethroid resistance now so prevalent among Myzus persicae aphid populations, Plenum is the only foliar insecticide option currently available with a full label approval to control all aphids and minimize the risk of virus spread.






“Aphids stop feeding almost immediately after ingesting Plenum; although they may remain alive on the plant for up to four days, they pose no further risk of virus spread,” he added.


HGCA-funded monitoring work, carried out by Rothamsted Research, has shown up to 70% of Myzus persicae(Peach-potato aphids) could be carrying the virus - which is far higher than most aphid transmitted viruses.


Without treatment, the work has calculated annual yield losses from TuYV could be over 200,000 tonnes, costing the industry approximately £50m* a year, equating to nearly 10% of the total crop value.


Results of the Syngenta Innovation Site aphid traps are published within hours of identification on the company’s
website, along with latest results of the national aphid monitoring scheme in a dedicated Plenum insect pest management area.


*Recalculated to Sept 2014 crop value (£240/t); actual report £69m (£345/t)
 

Chris F

Staff Member
Media
Location
Hammerwich
abeatyourbestyield.com_wp_content_uploads_2015_05_Beat_Your_Best1.jpg


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llamedos

New Member
Wildflower attraction boosts pollinator numbers


Farmers are making a huge contribution to increasing pollinator populations with new Operation Pollinator seed mixtures for field margins and pollinator habitats. The new areas established are already delivering a greater diversity of wildflower food sources, and supporting important pollinating insects.


With Pollinator Awareness Week events occurring across Europe this week (13-19 July 2015), leading independent entomologist, Mike Edwards, has identified significant increases in some of the key pollinator species in new wildflower areas on commercial farms.


“Against a backdrop of declining numbers of pollinating insects, we have seen encouraging results for some species, thanks largely to the efforts of farmers to establish wildflower habitats and the changes in cultivation techniques that help some ground nesting solitary bees,” advised Mr Edwards.


Monitoring of Operation Pollinator Annual Wildflower Mix habitats, has identified a number of valuable solitary bee species, including Andrena flavipes that is an important pollinator of oilseed rape, fruit and other crops.


The Operation Pollinator Annual Wildflower Mix offer established more than 400 hectares of new habitat over the past year.


Mr Edwards cited some of the flower species now included in the Annual Wildflower Mix as being especially important for solitary bees. Corn Camomile and Corn Marigold, for example, provide an early food resource and encourage bee populations, alongside OSR and the increased area of field beans this season.


“From the flavipes’ perspective, what is ideal are areas of annual wildflowers to support a first generation, and then perennial margins coming into flower and feeding a second generation that will give rise to early bee populations the following spring.”


Mr Edwards noted that field edges had seen a noticeable increase in nest sites, particularly in areas around the annual wildflower margins of the Syngenta Innovation Site in Hampshire, for example.


Further monitoring and scientific evaluation aims to quantify the real difference being made by farmers through ecological enhancement alongside productive field cropping.



Wildflower mix offer

Farmers and growers can once again take advantage of the outstandingly successful Syngenta Operation Pollinator Annual Wildflower Seed pack offer this autumn. In partnership with the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) and seed suppliers, Kings, it is set to repeat the 400 hectares of farmland dedicated to pollen and nectar wildflowers.


Operation Pollinator trials and growers’ experience have shown annual wildflowers are relatively easy to establish alongside conventional cropped farmland, using the same techniques, timing and cultivation equipment as establishing winter oilseed rape crops.



“Annual wildflowers can play an incredibly important role in feeding pollinators, alongside other ecological features, including perennial pollen and nectar mixes, hedgerows and grass margins,” reported Syngenta Environmental Initiatives UK Manager, Belinda Bailey. “Farmers have been extremely successful in providing pollinator friendly habitats for food and overwinter nest sites - to the point where the populations of some bee species have been increasing in recent years.


“This joint initiative with CFE and Kings fully supports our efforts to encourage even more farmers to get involved, and helping to create a more diverse range of habitats on farmland across the UK. It is an extremely powerful demonstration that productive commercial farming and positive ecological management can co-exist in the same field.”


Richard Barnes of Kings added: “The Operation Pollinator Annual Wildflower mix is based on sound ecological research of pollinator activity. It has been extensively trialed on farms as part of the Syngenta initiative to enhance growers’ oilseed rape yields. The growers involved have found it relatively easy to establish and manage the margins, with extremely positive results in pollinator activity and crop performance.”

Bee on flower 21 mr.jpg
Mike Edwards Op Poll monitoring mr.jpg
Operation Pollinator Annual Wildflower Mix - July 2015 3 mr.jpg
 

llamedos

New Member
WET WEATHER WOES FOR ROOT STRENGTH

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Root loss of cereal plants sitting in waterlogged soils could have serious implications for the rest of the season - limiting growth potential and increasing the risk of lodging. Spring agronomy decisions will need to encourage rooting, with product choice and application timings adjusted to help plants recover.


Whilst some crops have been entirely lost to extensive flooding, the greatest overall yield losses is likely to be the vast majority of crops that have suffered in the anaerobic conditions created by waterlogging. The loss of root mass now will limit the plant’s ability to take up nutrients and support spring growth, as well as make plants more susceptible to drought conditions later in the season.


Most crop lodging at harvest is now most likely to be a result of poor root anchorage, warned Syngenta Technical Manager, Jason Tatnell. “Using Moddus as an early PGR promotes root growth and anchorage, along with shortening height and encouraging a more efficient compact plant.


“Trials have shown a 40% increase in root length density at 30cm depth from Moddus application at growth stage 30,” reported Mr Tatnell. “Increased rooting has demonstrated a greater uptake of nutrients, and up to two weeks longer tolerance to drought stress in the summer.”



Early application of Moddus at the T0 timing gives more chance for plants to repair root structures and replace lost root hairs that are most efficient at taking up water and nutrients. Root development will continue through to flag-leaf emergence in good soil conditions.


He highlighted that encouraging rooting is even more important on current wheat varieties, many of which now have an inherently lower rooting capability, coupled to changes in establishment techniques and weather patterns. Mr Tatnell believed that an increase in rooting and physiological enhancement of the plant could be the key reasons why Moddus treated crops yield better than untreated.
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The new Moddus Variety App is now available to download that will give growers and agronomists up to date advice on bespoke PGR programs for all leading wheat varieties. The App uses independent assessment of varietal strengths and weaknesses, calculated by researchers at Harper Adams University College, to indicate potential risks, which can be tailored to individual field situations for the 2016 season.


In addition to Moddus application Mr Tatnell urged growers to assess and adapt planned fertiliser applications for the coming season. “The extreme rain and wet conditions may require a rethink in the split timing and rates of fertiliser application,” he advised, “but in all cases improved rooting will enable plants to make best use of what is available or applied.


“There is still good opportunity for growers and agronomists to make s significant difference in the crop’s ability to recover, and to keep it standing through to harvest.”
 

llamedos

New Member
EARLY APHID MOVES RISK BYDV

SPREAD TO SPRING CROPS

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Delayed drilling of some spring cereal crops due to wet soil conditions will result in later emerging seedlings being more susceptible to effects of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) infection, compounded by high numbers of winged aphids on the move.



Aphids that are already carrying the virus, picked up from infected crops over the mild winter, can rapidly transmit BYDV - with younger plants more susceptible to infection and potential to suffer greater losses, warns Syngenta Technical Manager, Pete Saunders. After prolonged aphid activity through the autumn, the level of infection sources for transmission this spring is predicted to be high.

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Pete advocated the fast knock-down action of Hallmark Zeon is essential to minimise the virus transmission to newly emerged spring cereal crops, plus its proven repellent activity can help to reduce the threat of aphid migration into the crop. “Seeking to keep initial infection of BYDV out of the crop is crucial to prevent hot-spots of disease, which could be rapidly spread by further aphid feeding activity,” he advised.



When targeting small leaves on young plants, Pete highlighted the microencapsulation of Hallmark Zeon, with its physically greater number of nano-capsules containing the active ingredient, can achieve greater coverage of the leaf surface. Furthermore, he points out that as capsules retained on the leaf rupture with insect movement to release more active, it can deliver greater persistence of aphid control.



Results of aphid monitoring have already highlighted the large numbers of aphids ready to migrate after the relatively mild winter - including the Bird Cherry Aphid and Grain Aphid most closely associated with BYDV transmission. Adult Grain

Aphids and young nymphs could be readily found on all wheat varieties at the Syngenta Innovation Centre in Oxford during March, for example, reported trialist, Tom Clarke.



Whilst Storm Katie’s wet and windy weather may have checked movement over the Easter weekend, he anticipated the sheer numbers of aphid present in crops and surrounding fields would be likely to trigger new flushes during every mild and settled period.



Once a cereal plant is infected with BYDV, as the pathogen rapidly multiplies it saps the energy of plants – which leads to the symptomatic yellowing of leaves and weak growth. Small plants, without the photosynthetic potential to respond, can suffer the greatest losses. The relatively short growing season of spring crops means they can be particularly badly hit, especially if rooting is reduced and crops are then affected by drought or other stresses.



Pete Saunders advises: “With the predictions of an especially difficult season for aphid control, growers and agronomists will need to be ready for Hallmark Zeon treatments at the full robust rate of 50 ml/ha to minimise the risk of BYDV spread.”
 

llamedos

New Member
GO EARLY TO AVOID LOSS IN MAIZE YIELDS

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Early removal of competitive weeds from maize crops is so important that, for most situations, a pre-emergence residual herbicide should be seen as a standard option, according to Maize Growers Association consultant and agronomist, Simon Draper.
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Speaking at a Syngenta Fast Start for Maize Agronomy meeting, he reported growers should always err on controlling weeds at the earliest possible opportunity, with the potential for competition and yield loss effects before the crop even reaches the four-leaf stage.



“It’s far better if weeds can be taken out with the crop at the two-leaf stage, which requires good identification skills when weeds are just coming up, combined with risk assessment of knowing the field, expected weed burden and seasonal conditions.



“I would always advocate a pre-emergence treatment, if soil conditions allow,” he advised. “It will significantly open up the window and the options for post emergence treatment.



“And, if the post-emergence treatment is delayed, it will crucially buy some flexibility in the follow-up timing.” Simon pointed out that if treatment is left beyond the crop’s four-leaf stage, by the time the herbicide has taken action and the threat of competition eliminated, it could have had a serious impact on final yield.



Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Iain Hamilton, advocated pre-emergence herbicide treatment was especially important in known weedy situations - where the huge flush of weeds would likely be too much for a single post-emergence treatment – and to offer better control of some difficult weeds.

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“Dual Gold is a very good starting point for grass weeds, along with an extremely useful range of broad-leaved weeds,” he advised. “Importantly it provides another different mode of chemistry for grass weed control, including Black grass and Barnyard grass that can be a real issue for many maize growers.



“Also, getting on top of the selected broad-leaved weeds early can make a real difference in effect with the follow up post-emergence treatments to complete the weed spectrum.”



For the post-emergence treatment, Iain advocated the dual-active Calaris would help to give a broader spectrum of weed activity and, crucially, be faster acting on weeds. Overall, he calculated the better results it would achieve offered growers greater value for money over single actives, complex tank mixes or repeated treatments.



However, he highlighted that growers targeting specific grass weed issues or high burden of cleavers should consider Millagro, possibly in tank mix with Calaris or Calisto.



Iain’s Top Tips for this season’s maize herbicide strategy include:

* Predict likely problems and expected weed spectrums

* Establish residual pre-emergence control with Dual Gold

* Assess weed species at germination

* Target to remove weeds at or before the crop reaches the four-leaf stage

* Use Calaris for fast, broad-spectrum post-emergence weed control







Maize application advice

Iain Hamilton added that the MGA recommendation to leave a rougher seedbed surface for the earliest drilled maize crops - to reduce the risk of soils slumping and capping - reinforced the need for application using angled sprayer nozzles for pre-emergence herbicides.



“Syngenta research and trials by the Application Club has demonstrated the new Defy 3-D Nozzle, fitted to alternate forward and backwards along the sprayer boom, can make a real difference in delivering all round coverage of clods and the soil surface, for the most effective pre-emergence results,” he advised.



With post-emergence applications, the angled nozzles also offer far superior performance in targeting weeds amongst the establishing maize plants, compared to conventional flat fan nozzles, he added.



The Defy 3-D is also significantly less susceptible to spray drift, ensuring the maximum spray is targeted where it is required and making it the premier choice for pre-emergence applications. Maintaining the boom height at 50 cm above the surface and keeping the speed down to less than 12 km/hr is also important to minimize the risk of drift with all pre-emergence sprays.
 

llamedos

New Member
Beetle hits open wounds for Sclerotinia infection

Extreme levels of Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle activity occurring in oilseed rape plants this spring could seriously increase risk for Sclerotinia infection. Damage to leaf petioles from as the larvae emerge, will leave an easy entry point for disease pathogens to get in.

A two-spray Amistar programme offers growers the best chance to protect crops from Sclerotinia attack, and to help affected plants to compensate for the lost leaf damage.

Although Sclerotinia risk has, so far, been low this season, with cool temperatures through March and early April, there is ample soil moisture for primed apothecia to produce ascospores as soon as soil temperatures rise, warned Syngenta Field Technical Manager, James Southgate.

He highlighted that, hitherto, the relatively weak Sclerotinia pathogen has primarily relied on decaying fallen leaf petal material to generate activity to infect plants. But physical damage to stems and leaf petioles has also been recognised as potential disease infection points - which has become significantly greater with the high beetle numbers.

“Amistar will provide essential protection from the potential disease risk. Importantly, its highly systemic activity will help assure movement of the fungicide activity to the damage points on the leaf, to prevent infection,” he advised.

Furthermore, James pointed out that, with the extensive leaf damage caused by the beetle larvae, it will be more important than ever to protect the remaining green leaf area for as long as possible this season.

“Oilseed rape yields, and the oil content of seed, is driven in the final few weeks of the crop’s life,” he said. “The green leaf retention and prolonged photosynthetic activity stimulated by Amistar treatment will still enable plants to make the best

possible results from the remaining healthy leaf area, even if there is no Sclerotinia infection.”

Since highly damaging Sclerotinia epidemics have occurred just twice in the past 10 seasons, growers had still made an economic return from Amistar treatment every year through higher yields and greater oil content of seed.

There are also increased warnings of Verticillum Wilt effects on plants stressed by beetle larvae damage this season, where the promotion of oilseed rape green leaf area and healthy plant growth could help to mitigate its effects.

James advocated that an initial Amistar application at early flowering will protect against infection if the Sclerotinia risk rises, with a second application at mid- to late-flowering to bolster the disease protection and maximising the potential for green leaf area retention and yield enhancement.

Pest and disease interaction

Insect pest monitoring results on the Syngenta Innovation Centres and growers’ fields has identified unparalled Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle activity this season. Where inspections had typically found one affected plant in every 10 to 20 plants for the past two seasons, this year almost every plant has been affected in some crops, usually with multiple larvae in each leaf.

This season, the Syngenta Innovation Centre crops will be further monitored to evaluate any correlation between beetle larvae damage now, and Sclerotinia and Verticillium Wilt infection at harvest, along with the benefits of Amistar application.



Pete Saunders, Syngenta Insecticide Technical Manager, indicated that the initial threat is from the damage to leaf area of this season’s growing crop and the risk of disease infection. “However, growers must also be aware of the threat to next season’s crop establishment,” he warned.

“Our work to manage Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle without neonicotinoid seed treatment highlights the crucial importance of getting crops growing quickly; especially moisture conservation, nutrition, seedbed conditions and drilling technique.

“We have also seen the advantage of hybrid vigour to get crops moving quickly and outgrowing adult beetle feeding damage,” advised Pete. “We are continuing to

monitor the incidence of pyrethroid resistance among Flea Beetle populations and to develop application techniques to optimise spray control, with full rate application of Hallmark Zeon still giving the best results to control susceptible populations.”


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llamedos

New Member
EARLY WARNING FOR MORE ACTIVE BLIGHT RISK
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Potato growers and agronomists can be better prepared to cope with more aggressive blight strains this season, with the new Syngenta website BlightCast warnings, tailored to focus on infections now typically occurring earlier in the season at cooler temperatures.

The new forecasting model, developed by Syngenta agromet specialists, uniquely predicts conditions conducive to blight strains that develop more rapidly at lower temperatures. This reflects the changing dynamics of today’s blight populations more effectively, believes Syngenta Technical Manager, Douglas Dyas.

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“In recent seasons the first signs of foliar blight could be found on volunteers and unprotected crops even before any conventional Smith Periods had been recorded,” he reported. “Clearly blight was active earlier and at lower temperatures that we previously considered.”

The ‘New Criteria’ in the BlightCast forecast pinpoints when local temperatures are set to hit over 8°C and more than 11 hours at 90% humidity over two consecutive days to trigger a Blight Risk Period, or a Near Miss where conditions occur for a shorter duration.

“With BlightCast growers and agronomists can now have up to five days advance warning of these conditions, which means they can be more proactive in their spray programmes and product choice,” advised Douglas.

“It reinforces the importance of starting the blight programme early, and utilising the highly effective blight fungicide, Revus, early in the programme to protect new foliar growth,” he advocated.

The new cooler temperature activity is now being evaluated by leading independent blight researchers, as the conditions where they believe today’s blight strains may already be active.



Spray opportunities

The free BlightCast service also provides exclusive spray-window forecasts. These detail potential application opportunities according to weather conditions, which could prove crucial to ensure protective fungicides can be successfully applied before blight risk hits.

“With potato growers often operating large acreages across a wide geographic area, the spray-window forecast could prove invaluable in helping to prioritise application scheduling,” according to Douglas.

High seasonal pressure

The high risk of early blight infection has been widely reported this season. The exceptionally mild over winter conditions, and now the delayed start to planting, could mean crops emerging to greater infection pressure of spores from infected volunteers and dumps.

“Having a more proactive tool that will flag up potential problems early will ensure all growers are better prepared. It could help to minimise early outbreaks, and reduce overall build-up of blight infection risk across all crops.”

BlightCast is now available for growers to register in the dedicated potato agronomy area of the Syngenta website: www.syngenta.co.uk
 

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New SDHI fungicide previewing at Cereals​

Syngenta will be previewing an exciting, new SDHI cereal fungicide at Cereals 2016.

After an 11 year journey from initial lab tests to the field, Syngenta’s new SDHI fungicide active, SOLATENOL™, will be previewing at the arable industry event of the year. Iain Hamilton, Syngenta’s Senior Field Technical Manager, explains what makes SOLATENOL™ different, and why it’s a must see at Cereals this year.

“Bringing a new active ingredient to a competitive market is no easy feat,” explains Mr Hamilton. “The SOLATENOL™ project has been on-going since 2005, when it was first discovered as a compound with huge potential as a fungicide.”

Since then, SOLATENOL™ has passed through a rigorous testing process, including formulation testing, microscopy and biokinetic studies, and hundreds of field trials. “This is a very exciting product. It’s been put through so many tests, and in all the trial work I’ve witnessed, it’s always looked outstanding.

“The tremendous research and development investment has given us a complete understanding of how SOLATENOL™ works, and why it consistently performs well as a T2 fungicide,” he explains.

“Trials in the UK and across Europe show very consistent results. We’ve seen exceptional control of Septoria and rust across various varieties, disease pressure scenarios and geographical locations, and this is down to the technical credentials of the product.”

“Seeing really is believing, and I really would encourage growers to come to Cereals or to one of our regional Innovation Centres or Platform Sites across the country to see SOLATENOL™ in action at a local level. You won’t be disappointed,” says Mr Hamilton.

Syngenta will be on stand 117
, next to the Sprays and Sprayers arena. Don’t miss your chance to see what this product is all about first hand.

A formal application for approval has been submitted to CRD for evaluation. SOLATENOL™ is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company for the active substance Benzovindiflupyr.

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further product information including warning phrases and symbols refer to www.syngenta.co.uk
 

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HEAT SURGE TRIGGERS BRUCHID ACTIVITY

The recent mini-heatwave of extremely high temperatures for early May should be a warning to bean growers for the potential of bruchid beetle activity this season.

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Hot, dry weather has initiated overwintered bruchid beetle movement into crops over recent days. Fortunately, most crops have yet to reach the first pod set stage, when they would vulnerable to egg laying triggered by the hot weather.

However, growers are urged to sign-up now to the Syngenta BruchidCast pest warning service, to be ready for further beetle activity and egg laying in the crop.

BruchidCast uses localised weather forecasting to predict the critical trigger point of two consecutive days with temperatures in excess of 20°C, with growers advised to treat with Hallmark Zeon if plants have reached the first pod set stage and beetles are present in the crop.

Becky Ward of PGRO reported that, overall, bruchid damage levels last year were similar to 2014, at around 3% average damage across the UK, so quality remained good.
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“Where BruchidCast spray timing recommendations were not followed, however, there have been reports of some spectacular failures in control last year, in areas that are known hot-spots for bruchid activity,” she added.

Becky highlighted that growers in the eastern counties, in particular, have been achieving excellent results in controlling bruchids by following the guidelines, and levels have dropped in the region over the last couple of years.

Where the risk conditions occur, Syngenta Technical Manager, Pete Saunders, reported trials have shown treatment with Hallmark Zeon can help to prevent adult egg laying, and the resulting larvae damage to bean quality in the pods.

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“Our studies have also shown that bruchid damaged beans have a significantly lower TGW, which reduces overall yield of the crop, not just the quality. Growers producing beans for animal feed, where yield is paramount, should also be considering bruchid control this season,” he advised.

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Pete also reported Syngenta application trials have shown that spraying with angled nozzles - alternated forward and backward along the spray boom - proved most effective in targeting beetles within the crop. “In particularly tall, dense crops, operators should consider increasing water volume to aid coverage throughout the canopy,” he added. BruchidCast available free for all growers and agronomists registered on the new Syngenta website, with advance warning of risk periods delivered by email.
 

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New Member
Innovations in arable cropping on display

A series of summer arable demo days at Syngenta’s Innovation Centres offer the perfect opportunity for growers and agronomists to attend and get in-field experience on the latest technical developments in the pipeline.

Throughout June and July Syngenta will be opening their Innovation Centres and multiple trial Platform Sites to give people the chance to see first-hand multiple new varieties up close and in comparable situations, as well as viewing the latest new and exciting developments in the Syngenta product portfolio.

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Jason Tatnell, Syngenta’s technical indication expert, explains why this year the demo days are a must attend event. “Within the arable sector there are increasing challenges that growers are coming up against. Our Innovation Centres are designed to give people the opportunity to see first-hand, new technology that can deliver at a farm level.

“The trial work carried out at our trial sites across the country, are designed to answer the questions growers want answered, enabling them to make informed decisions alongside their agronomists.

“And this year, we will be previewing our exciting, new SDHI cereal fungicide, SOLATENOL™, which is an opportunity not to be missed,” he adds.

“SOLATENOL™ was first discovered as a compound with huge potential in 2005. Since then it’s passed through a rigorous testing process, including extensive formulation testing, microscopy and biokinetic studies, and hundreds of field trials.

“The tremendous research and development investment has given us a complete understanding of how SOLATENOL™ works, and why in trials it consistently outperforms current market standards as a T2 fungicide,” says Mr Tatnell.

“Trials in the UK and across Europe show very consistent results. We’ve seen exceptional control of Septoria and rust across various varieties, disease pressure scenarios and geographical locations, and this is down to the technical credentials of the product.

“Attending one of our Innovation Centres, will allow growers to see for themselves how well SOLATENOL™ is performing at a local level, and have any questions answered by your Syngenta area manager.

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To ensure there is sufficient hospitality on the day, please register to attend your local Innovation Centre/Platform Site in advance by calling our events team on 0800 025 3454, or find out more at www.syngenta.co.uk/innovation-centres.​
 

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BLACK-GRASS FOCUS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

INTEGRATED APPROACH SUCCESS

Hybrid barley spring vigour and ability to suppress black-grass makes it an essential tool in any growers’ long-term approach to controlling the problem, according to Scott Cockburn of Syngenta.

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Speaking at a Syngenta Black-grass Focus Week demonstration in Oxfordshire last week (7 June 2016), he highlighted trials that showed hybrid barley, together with a pre-emergence herbicide stack, had suppressed black-grass heads from over 700 per m2, to less than 100 – equivalent to over 85% reduction.
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The trials, under incredibly high black-grass pressure at the Syngenta Innovation Centre near Kiddlington, showed the Bazooka hybrid barley, sown at its standard recommended 200 seeds per m2, was over twice as effective as Gallant winter wheat sown at 400 seeds per m2 and three times better than the conventional barley, Glacier, also sown at 400 seeds. All the trials received the same pre-emergence ‘stack’ herbicide treatment.

The hybrid barley even outperformed Gallant wheat sown at double-rate 800 seeds/m2 – with the implication that would have for cost, increased lodging risk and higher disease conditions.

“This work has clearly demonstrated the value of the spring hybrid vigour in suppressing black-grass seed head numbers from developing,” reported Scott. “The extra rooting, flag leaf size and crop height have all helped to reduce back-grass tillering and head numbers – as well as enhancing the crop’s productivity.

“Furthermore, each black-grass seed head - and individual seed - is physically smaller, which should help to reduce its viability and the risk from seed return,” he added.

Scott pointed out a compilation of results from independent trials under high black-grass pressure had revealed that wheat crops returned an average 4509kg of black-

grass seed per hectare, compared to 2060kg under conventional barley cropping, and a 85% reduction at just under 660kg/ha with hybrid barley.

“Growing hybrid barley is not going to eliminate the black-grass problem for growers,” he advised, “but it clearly has an important role in reducing the burden. As part of an integrated approach, alongside the herbicide programme, cultivation, drilling dates and cropping options, it has definite back-grass control benefits for the long-term rotation.”
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Reviewing black-grass herbicide options on the Oxfordshire site, Syngenta Field Technical Manager. Iain Hamilton, demonstrated the advantages of pre-emergence stacking to increase control rates and minimise the seed return.

“The trials have shown that each individual component in a pre-emergence mix can offer an incremental advance for overall results, depending upon the season and the specific conditions,” he advised. “The challenge is to know which element to include or leave out, depending on the individual field’s back-grass population and the season.

“The one thing that we have seen, year on year, is that the inclusion of Defy in the mix is the one element that has always proved effective and given a positive increase in black-grass control.”

Adding Defy to a flufenacet base treatment has consistently increased black-grass control by more than 20% over the past three year’s work at the Syngenta Innovation Centre on the farm. It has given significantly better improvement compared to other options, such as flupyrsulfuron.

A pre-emergence stack of Defy plus, flufenacet/pendimethalin plus DFF and flupyrsulfuron, has delivered the best control in each of the past three seasons It has become the standard on the worst affected fields on the farm, topping 90% control in 2014/5 season.

“The actual levels of control delivered by the pre-emergence stack vary from year to year, which further highlights that herbicide performance is always dictated by the season and the field conditions,” Iain reported.

“It also reinforces why growers and agronomists must adopt an approach that optimises performance though application best practice, and incorporates all the tools available to beat black-grass.”
 

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SYNGENTA 3D NOZZLE WINS INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD

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Syngenta’s Defy 3D Nozzle has won the International Machinery Manufacturers Awards’ 2016 Innovation Award for Sprayers. This highest accolade in sprayer design and development research recognises the Defy 3D Nozzle has made a step change in accurate application, better results and environmental protection.

The complete redesign of conventional flat-fan nozzle technology has created a nozzle with a precision droplet spectrum that delivers significantly better coverage of the spray target, which maximises productivity and results with today’s high capacity sprayers - along with a reduction in spray drift risk of up to 75%.

More uniform droplet distribution from the distinctive design of the Defy 3D Nozzle has proven to enhance the coverage of the target when using angled nozzles, alternated to face forward and backwards along the spray boom. This novel technique, instigated by Syngenta specialists, has improved performance and reduced drift with many applications.
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Receiving the Award at the International Syngenta Spray & Sprayers Event, the company’s Application Specialist, Ben Magri, said: “The new Defy 3D Nozzle is designed to deliver drift reduction to a level we haven’t had before, particularly for grassweed control.

“Less drift risk also means a greater number of spray days, which will help in the timely treatment of grassweeds such as blackgrass,” he added. In-field trials with the Defy 3D Nozzle have demonstrated a significant 6% increase in black-grass control using a Defy-based herbicide treatment.

“We are delighted that then IMMA has recognised that the nozzle is the delivery point for every sprayer, and appropriate nozzle selection can make such a significant impact on the success of any application,” said Ben. “The development of the Defy 3D Nozzle effectively makes conventional flat fan design obsolete, and sets a new standard for application accuracy.”

The IMMA’s are an independently judged awards recognising and rewarding the innovation and development of machinery products within the arable industry. The Awards are made annually at the Cereals Event, incorporating Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers.
 

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New Member
Local demo days showcase exciting arable innovations
Exciting crop innovations and in depth conversations on how arable varieties perform, interact and suit farmers, were very much the talk of Syngenta’s summer demo days held up and down the country throughout June and July.

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With several hundred farmers and agronomists attending their local Syngenta Innovation Centres or Platform Sites, the open days provided a great opportunity for them to see what’s new in the sector, what's around the corner, and most importantly, how these innovations perform in their local area.

Syngenta Technical Indication Expert, Jason Tatnell, explained that they were excited to be able to preview SOLATENOL™, their powerful new SDHI fungicide for the first time at each of the events.

“Farmers really want confidence that new products and varieties are going to deliver at a local level in their situation, under a similar climate and weather conditions.

“That’s why local technical events like the open days we have held this summer are so important to help farmers make informed crop decisions for the coming season, based on local knowledge and experience,” he added.

“This season has been a very high pressure disease year, but SOLATENOL™ has proven itself at the T2 application it’s intended for, as it has in the extensive development work carried out in over 700 field trials.

“In the trials it has delivered consistent yield results due to the complete leaf protection inside and outside the leaf against key diseases farmers’ face. We are awaiting the 2016 (this seasons) yield results from each of the sites, but all looks promising at this stage,” he adds.

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“At each of the events we also had giant 3D electron microscopy images on display that really demonstrate how quickly Septoria and brown rust disease takes hold inside the leaf if left untreated, way before farmers can see any visual signs of damage on the leaf.

“Everyone seemed really engaged, and were surprised that these were real images and not computer generated. There is no substitute for seeing how products and crop varieties actually perform.”

Mr Tatnell also explained how Syngenta have been running a prize draw competition at all their demo days this summer. “We’ve been running a competition for attendees to be entered
into a draw to win a trip of a lifetime to South America, the first continent to launch SOLATENOL™.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for the lucky winner to see first-hand how SOLATENOL™ is already performing for growers across the globe. The winner will be announced later this summer, so we will wait and see who our winner will be,” he added.

For those interested to see more local field trial work this season, and know more about SOLATENOL™, please get in touch with your local Syngenta area manager, and visit www.SOLATENOL.co.uk.
 

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UK GROWERS GET TO GRIPS WITH BLACK-GRASS

Black-grass now has a serious effect on whole farm profitability and productivity for nearly 60% of arable growers, according to results of the latest nationwide survey conducted by Syngenta. Ranking the effects out of 10, growers rated the weeds’ effects as 9.7; with less than 2% seeing little or no impact on the farm.

Whilst the problem is continuing to get worse on 60% of farms, encouragingly 75% of farmers now believe they have the tools and measures to get back in control in the future, reported to Syngenta Marketing Communications Lead, Cat Gray.

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“A quarter of all growers who completed the survey highlighted the situation has been actually getting better on their farms,” she said. “Utilising a range of integrated agronomy tools, alongside an effective herbicide strategy, appears to be paying dividends.”
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The survey revealed that delayed drilling and growing more spring crops were seen as the most popular agronomy changes, both adopted by nearly 90% of respondents. However, whilst 80% of them considered spring cropping was effective or highly effective, only 23% believed delayed drilling was proving highly effective.
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Increased herbicide stacking was being used by 85% of growers, with a similar number having increased seed rates to further reduce black-grass competitiveness and seed return. Some 57% of growers had grown more competitive hybrid barley in a bid to gain a greater effect.

“Ploughing was still widely used, on over 80% of farms, but less than a third saw it as effective or highly effective - with 25% believing it had limited value in the overall programme,” reported Cat. “Rogueing was less popular and also seen as of limited value, especially when compared to the burn-off of infested crop patches, which over 60% of respondents said was effective or highly effective.

“What was clearly apparent from the survey is that growers are now using a wide range of agronomy tools in developing a truly integrated approach to long-term management of black-grass,” she added.
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The report also highlighted that over half of growers are now using four or more herbicides in a stacked treatment programme. Pre-emergence application timing was the most popular, applied by 96% of growers, along with 85% using post-emergence treatments. Peri-emergence herbicide treatment was least popular.

“Interestingly, whilst a high number of growers still apply post-emergence treatments, 59% of them considered the applications of little or limited value,” said Cat. “However, 86% of those using pre-emergence applications reported effective or highly effective results, and just 2% seeing limited value.”

The efficacy of post-emergence treatments possibly reflected the fact that some 94% of respondents believed they could be suffering from herbicide resistant black-grass. However, only a quarter (28%) had populations regularly tested, with the majority reporting anecdotal reduction in herbicide efficacy.

For nearly half of farms (47%) black-grass is a problem right across the farm. The survey also showed that most growers are now seeking to map the extent of black-grass populations on the farm, to assess the success of control strategies. The majority is undertaken manually whilst crop walking, with around 10% of growers now using new technology, such as drones, to further increase accuracy and record keeping.

Rick Davies, who farms over 400 hectares of arable cropping near Olney in Buckinghamshire, is one of the Black-grass Beater farmers who believes they are getting on top of the weed with a fully integrated approach to herbicide use.
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“As part of a whole farm approach, we have successfully used Defy pre-emergence on our very stubborn black-grass, followed-up with rogueing in the following June,” said Rick. He has also gradually moved from a plough-based system to direct drilling, with less than a third of the farm ploughed last year, and aiming to be fully min-till this autumn.

“My main objective is to be free from black-grass, which will allow us to reduce input costs - and to be in full control of drilling dates to maximise the yield potential of our wheat crops," he added.
 

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FAST DESICCATION CUTS TUBER BLIGHT SPREAD

With blight endemic in this season’s potato crops means growers and agronomists will have to pay greater attention to fast desiccation this season, to minimise infection spread to tubers, warns Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Douglas Dyas.

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Speaking to growers at Potatoes In Practice in Scotland, he highlighted that shortening blight spray intervals and greater use of the highest performance fungicides, such as Revus, had mitigated the spread of infection – particularly in the south and eastern counties, where weather conditions had dried up.

“However blight pressure has remained extremely high in the north of England and Scotland,” commented Douglas. “Compounded by high winds and rain interrupting spray programmes.

“Wherever there is, or has been, blight lesions in the crop there is now an increased risk of zoospore spread to infect tubers. As we move into harvest of second earlies and towards maincrop varieties, many destined for storage, effective desiccation will be crucial to protect tubers.”

Douglas advocated a two-spray Reglone programme can be the most efficient and cost-effective route to prepare crops for lifting and assure clean tubers. “Achieving a rapid removal of green leaf deprives blight of its host material. Reglone has been shown to be faster and more reliable than some other diquat products or alternative desiccants,” he added.

Best results have been achieved in a dense or actively growing crops from using a water volume of 400 l/ha and angled spray nozzles to achieve better penetration of the leaf canopy. The first spray in the programme is aimed at quickly removing as much leaf as possible, to open up the crop for a second Reglone application targeted at the stems.

“Desiccation trials, and growers’ experience, has demonstrated the importance of leaving sufficient time for the crop to open up,” he advised. “Typically that would be five to seven days, but depending on conditions and the crop, it could be up to 10 days.

“During that time the crop will have been triggered into senescence and the initiation of skin set, so there is no delay in harvest from waiting to apply the second treatment,” added Douglas. “The key advantage is that stems can be completely desiccated with Reglone - and significant cost savings over using carfentrazone.

“Reglone is equally effective at killing off stems and it’s also far more convenient and efficient for the sprayer operator to use Reglone throughout the desiccation programme, rather than switching to another product.” The second application can usually be made at a lower 200-300 l/ha water volume, again using the angled Syngenta Potato Nozzles, he advised.

Research has shown that Reglone has a direct effect on blight spores, but with this season’s high pressure Douglas added he would always advocate a tank-mix with the blight-zoospore active Shirlan at each desiccant spray timing.

He added that trials in Scotland, reported at Potatoes In Practice, have also shown efficient Reglone desiccation can minimise the risk of blackleg spread to tubers, particularly where crops are being flailed prior to lifting and compounds the risk of disease spore spread.

“A pre-flail Reglone treatment also hugely reduces the volume of green material to be chopped - which can significantly improve flail output and performance, as well as reducing fuel use and costs,” he added.
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SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

  • 0 %

    Votes: 75 43.6%
  • Up to 25%

    Votes: 61 35.5%
  • 25-50%

    Votes: 27 15.7%
  • 50-75%

    Votes: 3 1.7%
  • 75-100%

    Votes: 3 1.7%
  • 100% I’ve had enough of farming!

    Votes: 3 1.7%

Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

  • 1,283
  • 1
As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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