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Stay on the front foot against disease
Early reports of rust, coupled with increased difficulties controlling septoria, mean winter wheat growers must stay on the front foot against diseases in 2017, according to Syngenta field technical manager, Iain Hamilton.
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As the main UK wheat disease, septoria is nearly always present, says Mr Hamilton. But controlling established infection has become much more difficult following septoria's reduced sensitivity to key fungicides, notably azoles, he says.
There have already been early reports of yellow rust affecting wheat varieties in Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire this season, he adds.
“No parts of the country are immune to rust or septoria although yellow rust cases have started off fairly isolated, it’s important to remember that these early sightings come on the back of a high pressure year.
“The 2016 season demonstrated all too clearly just how difficult yellow rust is to control if it’s not prevented early enough. So it’s vitally important that growers learn the lessons from 2016.
“I’m not suggesting that crops in general need treating now. The winter weather will play a big part in how disease develops, but it will be important not to let any disease escalate.
“We saw in 2016 just how important a T0 fungicide can be for achieving this – even if crops look clean at the T0 timing, which is typically in March.”
As part of a wider campaign in 2017, Mr Hamilton says Syngenta will be urging farmers to stay on the front foot against cereal diseases.
Plenty of septoria getting started in this early drilled Trinity at our Hampshire demo, perfect soggy weather for it. pic.twitter.com/G0btZyodA8
— Catherine (@AgriCatherine)Plenty of septoria getting started in this early drilled Trinity at our Hampshire demo, perfect soggy weather for it. pic.twitter.com/G0btZyodA8
— Catherine (@AgriCatherine) December 13, 2016
See also: Scientists pinpoint link between wheat yield and septoria susceptibility
“Once disease takes hold you can’t turn the clock back. But growers can waste a lot of money trying,” says Mr Hamilton.
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