A new-generation of cereal seed treatment that has not only been shown to give first-class control of key diseases that threaten crop emergence, but also to visibly improve root growth and boost yield, is being launched in the UK for this autumn.
Vibrance Duo from Syngenta, which is approved for use in winter wheat, winter triticale, winter rye and spring oats, is the first UK treatment based on the company’s all-new SDHI fungicide, sedaxane, developed specifically for seed treatment use.
Trials across Northern Europe show it has boosted yield by an average of more than 0.5 t/ha compared with untreated seed.
But the standout benefit of Vibrance Duo is its ability to boost root development, Syngenta seedcare campaign manager, Mark Bullen, points out.
“Cereal seed treatments are typically used to control diseases that threaten crop establishment,” says Mr Bullen. “Indeed, Vibrance Duo gives outstanding control of major establishment diseases, such as Microdochium and Fusarium. But by boosting root growth, it goes further.
“Farming has already reaped the benefits of keeping foliage healthy. Now, improved root health is seen as the next opportunity for improving crop output. Improved rooting is associated with improved water and nutrient uptake, so crops are able to make better use of available resources,” he points out.
Pointing to research findings, Syngenta seedcare technical expert, Michael Tait, says there is plenty of evidence behind the root growth benefits of the new SDHI seed treatment, sedaxane.
“Studies show sedaxane treatment has led to faster root development, even in non-diseased seed,” says Mr Tait. “Further results show improved crop establishment from Vibrance Duo in soils inoculated with Microdochium and Fusarium.
“As well as boosting yield by more than 0.5 t/ha compared with untreated seed, we have seen an average yield uplift of nearly 0.15 t/ha from Vibrance Duo compared with an alternative seed treatment across trials in Northern Europe,” Mr Tait adds.
Dr Jonathan Ronksley, Syngenta field technical specialist, says yield improvements have also been seen in UK on-farm trials.
“Vibrance Duo has also given faster crop establishment, especially when drilled in challenging conditions,” says Dr Ronksley.
“It has also produced increased root length, higher plant counts, better tillering and higher yield than an alternative seed treatment. The UK yield increases seen from using Vibrance Duo in trials would equate to a return on investment for the grower.”
According to Michael Tait, while early rooting benefits lay the foundation for higher yield, outstanding control of Microdochium and Fusarium coupled with a high level of crop safety account for the rapid crop establishment with Vibrance Duo.
“The two active ingredients in Vibrance Duo have a real complementary fit,” explains Mr Tait.
“Fludioxonil is already recognised as being kind to the crop and providing a flying start to crop growth in the seed treatment Beret Gold. The addition of sedaxane doesn’t compromise this.
“Also, while fludioxonil is noted for its activity against Fusarium, both sedaxane and fludioxonil are excellent against the UK’s key establishment disease of Microdochium. These are in addition to combined activity against common bunt and loose smut.
“Sedaxane and fludioxonil are designed specifically for seed treatment use,” adds Mr Tait, “so Vibrance Duo also does not impact on the number of foliar SDHI applications that can be made in the same crop.”
New Vibrance Duo seed treatment – key points
• The first UK seed treatment based on Syngenta’s new SDHI fungicide, sedaxane (plus fludioxonil)
• Approved for use on seed of winter wheat, winter triticale, winter rye, spring oats
• Excellent activity against Microdochium, Fusarium, loose smut and common bunt
• Rapid crop emergence
• Clear improvements in root growth
• Extra 0.5 t/ha compared with untreated seed and extra 0.15 t/ha compared with alternative seed treatment in Northern Europe trials
The picture shows crop emergence in Microdochium-inoculated soil – untreated (left) v Vibrance Duo (right)
