Nitrogen applications (52%) followed by drilling spring crops (32%) are the top priorities this spring a survey of farmers and agronomists has revealed.
Crop protection manufacturer UPL carried out the survey as part of its Good Growing Club. It suggests a crowded to-do list, where, realistically, everything needs to be done, says Tom Wheelhouse, technical specialist at UPL.
“It’s no surprise that every respondent tank mixed at least two products; over 20% said they typically mix four,” adds Tom. “Tank mix compatibility and worries about crop scorch are cited as the main reason why they will not consider bigger mixes.”
Looking closer at T0 fungicides, three quarters regularly apply one. Azoles and strobilurins are the main chemistry, followed by the multisites folpet or Thiopron (sulphur) and plant health elicitors. This suggests that rust control is now the main focus of T0 sprays for farmers since strobilurins and older azoles like tebuconazole have little effect on septoria, says Tom.
“It is a big change since the days of chlorothalonil when most fungicide programmes began with a T0 multisite application for septoria control,” he notes.
Over 75% of farmers said the weather was the main challenge when applying a T0, with others also mentioning time constraints and correct timing as concerns. Thus, it is no surprise that almost 80% said that if their chosen fungicide had greater tank mix and application flexibility, it would help them with early disease control.
“There’s clearly a demand for greater flexibility in the fungicide products used at T0, so farmers should look closer at plant health elicitors like Iodus (laminarin),” adds Tom.
Laminarin moves through the plant, stimulating its defences. The mode of action means offers more flexibility in when it is applied, because it doesn’t necessarily need to go on leaf four like a conventional T0 fungicide.
“Also, there are no known tank mix compatibility issues, allowing farmers to safely include it in mixes containing products that farmers would typically consider ‘hot’ like herbicides or PGRs.
“Iodus is perfectly suited to early spring when there is too much to do and insufficient time to do it,” declares Tom.
Webinar to advise on getting the best start this spring
UPL plans a webinar on March 4th at 17.00 where three industry experts will offer advice to help farmers get their crops off to the best start this spring.
David Allison is a senior agronomist for Frontier, James Green is farm director for Connant Farming in Rutland, and Valentine Le Ny is an expert in biopesticides for UPL. Tom Wheelhouse will chair the panel.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for farmers to learn more about products like Iodus and Vitalroot. Setting up crops with the best possible start in spring helps tiller retention, plant health, and disease reduction.
“This helps crops to be more resilient to changing weather later in the season and fulfil their potential at grain fill. By boosting plant health and lowering disease levels, there’s also an opportunity to save on later inputs, too.
