www.agritrading.ie/Tillage
Issue 3. May 2013
RRP 13.75
Dairygold’s Agronomy Bulletin
Early Disease Control
In Barley promotes:
Thicker Crops
Higher Yields
Also in this issue...
Regional Report
Page 3
Crop Watch
Page 5
Fungicide Resistance
Page 17
PRCD Notes
Page 20
welcome
contents
Welcome to the third edition of Trust in Tillage in 2013,
Dairygold’s Agronomy Bulletin. In this edition, we begin
with a regional report from Denis McCarthy (local Dairygold
advisor based in Carrigaline) who gives us an update on
crops in mid-Cork and some advice on how to protect your
already substantial investment in cereal crops by choosing
modern fungicide chemistry. We then have our regular, crop
watch section where we bring you updates on individual
current crop performance and advice on upcoming tasks.
CONTENTS
This edition’s feature article, from the front cover, focuses on
recent research that suggests earlier fungicide application in
barley crops is likely to put more money in your pocket. This
does not necessarily mean a higher spend on fungicides but
moving the control programme earlier to protect tillers which
drive barley yields.
We then look at the potentially disastrous issue of fungicide
resistance; explaining what has happened in the past,
what could happen in the future and most importantly best
practise to prevent (or at least minimise the risk of) resistance
occurring.
We are pleased to again have notes from the Pesticide
Registration and Control Division (PRCD) of the Department
of Agriculture who outline the common pitfalls relating to
pesticides in cross compliance inspections, how to avoid
them plus an update on developments at EU level in relation
to pesticides.
This issue concludes with an updated grain market report
from R&H Hall and another reminder of our locally based,
Dairygold I.A.S.I.S. crop advisor team.
Be sure to contact us for more detailed support and advice to
help you deliver the best return from your crops and look out
for this year’s fourth edition of Trust in Tillage in the autumn;
at which point we hope to be commenting on how 2013, from
a crop yields perspective, proved to be closer to 2011 than
2012. If you have any feedback on this edition or if there is
any area you would like to cover in future editions, I would be
delighted to hear from you (email address
[email protected]).
Scott Lovell M.agr.sc. I.a.s.i.s.
Technical Manager, Dairygold Agribusiness
REGIONAL REPORT
3
CROP WATCH
5
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY
SEASON DISEASE
CONTROL IN BARLEY 13
FUNGICIDE RESISTANCE
17
PESTICIDE REGISTRATION
AND CONTROL DIVISION NOTES
20
GRAIN MARKET REPORT
22
OUR TEAM
24
Regional
Report
Report
Denis mc carthy.
Denis McCarthy is the Area Sales Manager
and local I.A.S.I.S. qualified crop advisor for
Dairygold Agri Business based in Carrigaline,
Co. Cork.
Local crop update (end of April)
A
s I look around my area here in mid-Cork, it strikes
me that we have a mixed bag to manage in the
months ahead to harvest. Winter crops have turned
lush green and have begun to soak up nitrogen
following the very welcome but very late rise in
temperatures. Unfortunately, not all winter crops
survived to enjoy this feast, as many fields had to be
completely re-sown due to wet weather and in many
cases leatherjacket and slug damage, with some other
crops having the unsightly look of spring patch work.
Spring cereal sowings are at many different stages
with some crops nearing the three leaf stage and
other fields have just been planted. Fodder beet and
maize plantings are well underway.
I
t is clear when looking at winter cereals they have
been held back by the coldest March-April period we
have seen in some time, with many crops having just
reached GS 30. Most have received all their fertilizer
at this stage and should progress well from here. In
this part of the country there is quite a lot of Rhyncho
present on winter barley, especially on the variety
Cassia, with many of these crops now having received
their first fungicide. Winter wheat is also about three
weeks behind normal growth stage for this time of
year with the third last leaf still about ten days away.
Nearly all crops at this stage have received PGR
and Bravo plus trace elements. Having looked poor
and thin for most of the winter, these wheat crops
have recovered well and most have quiet good yield
potential.
Spring cereal crops are at various growth stages
S
pring cereal crops in general look well and are also
responding to the generous rise in temperatures,
some earlier sown crops are showing bare patches
and bare headlands and I suspect the roller is to
blame for much of the damage. Pest are beginning
to attack emerging crops and leatherjackets are at
alarming numbers in some fields; with some crops
already sprayed with Dursban/Clinch or Draza applied.
First nitrogen top dressings are being applied in the
hope of driving early growth, up to 80 units per acre
to some of the earlier sown crops. Let us hope we get
the correct weather combination from now on to drive
yield and quality of all crops.
3
Regional Report
The roller is likely to blame for many bare headlands
Key message from Denis: We can
do little about price volatility or the
weather, concentrate on the things you
can influence.
Protecting our investment by
making the right cereal fungicide
choices
I
t is important for every one of us to know our
growing costs at each step, because we are investing
money to create an income for ourselves and our
families. From my experience most farmers will add up
cost versus return very well. However, I am nervous
following a difficult 2012 and poor start to 2013,
growers may be tempted to risk the money already
invested by making the wrong fungicide choice.
W
e are unfortunately in an era of high and rising
cost and volatile grain price, these factors and
the Irish weather we can do nothing about. But we
need to be constantly aware of the things we can
influence. Now our crops are in the ground, we have
already invested between €350 and €450 per acre
on owned land, so you can add your land rental cost
to this. We need to keep reminding ourselves of these
figures, as this is the investment we need to protect;
we cannot afford to make a wrong decision when so
much is at stake.
T
here are two basic choices as I see it for cereal
fungicides, we can opt for old/generic chemistry
or we can choose newer chemistry. The old chemistry
has served us well in the past, but unfortunately has
lost much of its effectiveness against present day
disease. The newer chemistry is more expensive but
these products are proving more persistent and in
commercial trials are delivering significantly higher
returns on investment e.g. typical yield increases of
0.7 ton per acre on winter wheat over older chemistry,
based on a forward green wheat price of €174 per ton
this increases profit per acre by €77. This is serious
money and a strong return on investment.
R
emember your investment in land, seed, fertilizer,
herbicides, diesel and machinery, and don’t forget
the many early mornings and late nights you have
put into these crops, all this investment is out there in
the field. Let us manage the things we can, and make
choices based on return for our spent to maximize our
profit.
Key message from Denis: A large investment has already been made to get crops
this far, protect this investment by choosing modern fungicide chemistry.
4
AUTHOR Scott lovell
TASKS
CROPWatch
Winter Wheat
Crops are still behind normal but are moving through the growth stages quickly with lush growth
evident. Septoria is visible on many crops but levels are relatively low.
Upcoming tasks
Fertiliser
Most crops have now received their full nitrogen
(N) allowance. Apply any remaining N allowance
before the flag leaf is fully emerged (GS39).
Plant Growth Regulation (PGR)
Some crops may require additional growth
regulation after the recent lush growth; options
include Terpal or Moddus/Freeze.
Fungicides
The T2 fungicide should be applied circa three
weeks after the T1 but no later than full flag
leaf emergence (GS39). Most crops are now
approaching this timing.
Dairygold recommends:
•
Librax OR Adexar (excellent Septoria
prevention/eradication) + Bravo
•
Aviator (excellent Septoria prevention/
eradication) +Bravo
•
Treoris + Rubric (Treoris is a new product
that has Bravo built-in, in combination with a
triazole mixing partner e.g. Rubric)
Include Corbel where required for mildew
knockdown.
The T3 fungicide should be applied three weeks
after the T2 but no later than the beginning of
flowering for maximum protection against ear
diseases.
Dairygold recommends:
•
Prosaro (best option for protection against ear
diseases)
•
Magnello (new product, very good against ear
diseases and Septoria tritici)
•
Gleam (best option for Septoria tritici
prevention/eradication)
Include Corbel where required for mildew
knockdown. Consider adding a strobilurin for
crops with high yield potential (greening effect)
and chlorothalonil as an anti-resistance tool.
Curator is a good options here.
Also include a systemic aphicide e.g. Perfekthion,
where required
ertiliser
Timely F
+ PGR
i de
+ Fung ic
timise d
p
o
n
i
g
r
= Ma
Key Message > The T2 fungicide typically delivers the largest yield response in winter
wheat and the fungicide spend should reflect this but remember timing (as early as
possible after full flag leaf emergence) is as crucial as product choice.
5
Crop Watch
Winter Barley
Growth has accelerated with recent warm weather and many crops now have awns emerging. Many
crops are showing evidence of BYDV with this damage a result of aphids last autumn.
Upcoming tasks
PGR
PGR programmes should now be completed;
however Cerone may still be an option in some
crops if required.
Winter barley showing signs of BYDV in late April
Fungicides
Apply the final fungicide to winter barley once
three weeks have passed since the previous
fungicide or when the head is fully emerged,
whichever comes first. Choice of product and
rates will be influenced by visible disease, variety
and the previous spray (product, rate and time
since application).
Choices include:
•
Mastercrop Barley Pack (excellent on Net Blotch and improves straw strength) +Bravo/CT500
•
Treoris + Proline (Treoris is a new product that has Bravo built-in, in combination with a triazole
mixing partner e.g. Proline)
•
Maestro (Proline/Strob) + Phoenix (alternative to Chlorothanil with good activity on Ramularia and
Rust)
Include Corbel where required for mildew knockdown (not required with Mastercrop Barley Pack).
Winter Oats
Winter Oats continues to look well, if still behind normal in terms of development for this time of year
but Mildew and Crown Rust levels are rising.
Winter oats in late April
Upcoming tasks
Fungicides
Target the final fungicide once three weeks have
passed since the previous fungicide or when the
head is fully emerged, whichever comes first.
Dairygold recommends:
•
Jenton (Excellent curativity of Crown Rust
and Mildew)
Consider including Menara for added protection
against Crown Rust.
6
Adexar
™
Unrivalled performance against Septoria.
Based on data over 3 years in
independent Irish trials
For farmers who expect more
www.adexar.ie
7
Xemium is a registered trademark of BASF and is the active ingredient brand name. Adexar is a trademark of BASF and contains fluxapyroxad and epoxiconazole. 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.agriCentre.basf.ie Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. Triple rinse containers and invert to dry at time of use.
Uneven fields have been very common this spring; the above pictures come from the
same field of oilseed rape in late April
Winter Oilseed Rape
A significant area of the winter oilseed rape crop has had to be re-sown as plant numbers didn’t suggest a
viable crop. What remains has generally recovered well, with large jumps in growth occurring and most crops
now in full flower. Uneven fields are common and therefore trying to assess the correct timing of tasks has
been difficult.
Upcoming tasks
Fungicides
The focus now turns to Sclerotina, a potentially devastating disease. Dairygold recommends Filan for Sclerotina
but timing is critical i.e. before the start of petal fall. Given the large impact this disease can have on yield and
the relatively high value of oilseed rape, fungicide application is justified unless no brassicas, beans, beet or
potatoes have been grown in the field (or immediately adjacent fields) in the last 5 years.
Key Message > Sclerotina is a potentially devastating disease and a fungicide is justified in the
majority of cases but remember timing (at the start of petal fall) is the most important factor.
Spring Beans
Some crops have been affected by bean weevil feeding (U-shaped notches in leaves) but have generally
developed well. Crops are typically about two weeks from flowering.
Upcoming tasks
Fungicides
Chocolate Spot is the focus for disease control in
Beans as it is very common locally and can cause
large yield losses. A routine programme sees
fungicide application at the start of flowering and
again 2-3 weeks later.
Chocolate Spot control is now the main
focus in bean crops
Lessons from 2012 teach us that typically the first
spray should be earlier i.e. do not wait for disease
symptoms to appear. Dairygold recommends
Signum (excellent prevention on Chocolate Spot).
Note most chlorothalonil products are not cleared
for use on beans.
Key Message > Apply the first bean fungicide early. Do not wait for disease
symptoms to appear as fungicides are preventative only.
8
Spring Barley
Patches of spring barley have had to be re-sown due to sealing caused by wet weather/rolling and pests,
primarily leatherjackets. Depending on sowing dates crops vary from 3-4 leaves to GS 30.
Upcoming tasks
Fertiliser
Apply all N requirements by GS 30-31, ideally apply
top dressing in two splits if more than 70Kg/ha (56
units/ac) required.
Fungicides
Dairygold recommends a two-spray programme.
Traditionally the T1 fungicide is applied at GS31 or
later but early disease can reduce yield. Therefore it is
likely that the first fungicide should be applied no later
than GS30 (earlier if disease symptoms are visible
before this). Dairygold recommends the Proline based
Zephyr or Proline+Galileo where Rhynco is the focus;
and Lumen for Net Blotch or Rust situations. Include
Corbel where required for mildew knockdown.
The final fungicide (T2) on spring barley generally
returns a higher yield response than the T1. Unlike
wheat it is not critical to wait for full flag leaf
emergence and the priority should be to keep as
much of the barley plant as possible protected from
disease (therefore try to keep the gap between the T1
and T2 to a maximum of three weeks).
There is a wide range of options including:
• Mastercrop Barley Pack (excellent on Net Blotch
and improves straw strength) +Bravo/CT500
• Siltra (excellent Rhyncho prevention/eradication)
+Bravo/CT500
• Pexan (good all-rounder) +Bravo/CT500
• Bontima (good all-rounder) +Bravo/CT500
• Treoris + Proline (Treoris is a new product that has
Bravo built-in, in combination with a triazole mixing
partner e.g. Proline)
• Maestro (Proline/Strob) + Phoenix (alternative to
Chlorothanil with good activity on Ramularia and
Rust)
Include Corbel where required for mildew knockdown
(not required with Mastercrop Barley Pack).
Key Message > Apply the first spring
barley fungicide early, no later than
GS30. Barley yield is primarily determined
by the number of plants per m2 and
disease can reduce the number of tillers
significantly (see article on page 12).
The next generation fungicide
Bontima
Simply greener and cleaner barley
Designed specifically for barley to deliver consistently
higher yields and quality. All major diseases controlled
with one product.
Triple rinse containers, puncture and invert to dry at time of use.
To find out more about BONTIMA contact your Syngenta Area Manager or Local Advisor.
Syngenta Ireland Ltd. Block 6, Cleaboy Business Park, Old Kilmeden Road, Waterford.
Tel: 051 377203 Fax: 051 354748 Email: [email protected] Website: www.syngenta.ie
BONTIMA® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. BONTIMA (PCS 03932) contains isopyrazam and cyprodinil. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label
and product information before use. PAY ATTENTION TO THE RISK INDICATIONS AND FOLLOW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON THE LABEL. ©Syngenta AG April 2012. IRL. GQ 02752
9
Spring Wheat
Spring wheat crops, like spring barley crops have
suffered some pest and weather damage but are
generally good. Most crops are now approaching
GS 30; Mildew is evident in some crops.
Upcoming tasks
Fertiliser
The main N split should be applied shortly, no
later than GS 30-31 (for milling wheat hold circa
20% of N until GS 37-39).
Leatherjacket damage has been
common to spring cereals this spring
The T2 fungicide should be applied three weeks
after the T1 when the flag leaf is fully emerged
(from GS39).
Dairygold recommends:
• Keystone (excellent Septoria prevention)
• Aviator (excellent Septoria prevention/
eradication)
Consider including Phoenix (in preference where
rust is an issue) or Bravo as an anti-resistance
strategy and include Corbel where required for
mildew knockdown.
Fungicides
Dairygold recommends a three-spray programme.
The first fungicide should be applied with the
plant growth regulator at GS 30-31. In most years
the focus in spring wheat at this timing is mildew
control/prevention. Dairygold recommends
Tocata (mildew prevention/knockdown plus
Septoria control).
The T3 fungicide should be applied three weeks
after the T2 but no later than the beginning of
flowering for maximum protection against ear
diseases.
Dairygold recommends:
• Prosaro (best option for protection against ear
diseases)
• Gleam (best option for Septoria tritici
prevention/eradication)
Include Corbel where required for mildew
knockdown. Also include a systemic aphicide e.g.
Perfekthion, where required
Beet
Watch for Mangold Fly and Beet Leaf Miner until crops have 8 leaves.
Apply fertiliser top dressing from the 4-6 leaf stage.
While Debut programmes should dominate weed control at the T1 timing,
conventional programmes are usually best at the T2 timing given their higher
residual activity. Try to keep the interval between the first and second spray
within 7-14 days. Where weeds have become large and beet has four true
leaves, consider adding Keeper 500 but watch weather conditions (temperature
when spraying and variation between night and daytime temperatures) when
spraying. Remember many crops may have to be sprayed three times.
10
Crop Watch
Spring Oats
Again spring oats have suffered some pest and weather damage but are generally good. Most crops
are now approaching GS 30; Mildew is evident in some crops.
Upcoming tasks
Dairygold recommends:
Fertiliser
Complete all N applications by GS 30-31. Take
care to avoid lodging by limiting N applications,
particularly on the weak straw varieties Barra and
Binary.
•
Tocata (Good on Crown Rust, Mildew
prevention/knockdown and product of choice
for Red Leather Leaf disease) +/- extra Corbel
(mildew knockdown)
•
Talius (excellent mildew prevention) + Menara
(Crown Rust) +/- Corbel (mildew knockdown)
Fungicides
Dairygold recommends a three-spray programme.
Apply the first fungicide at the first available
opportunity if not already applied. Talius is a good
option in most cases.
The T3 fungicide should be applied three
weeks after the T2 fungicide from Flag leaf fully
emerged to heading.
Target the T2 fungicide at second node (GS32)
with a growth regulator e.g. CeCeCe75%.
•
Dairygold recommends:
Jenton (Excellent curativity of Crown Rust and
Mildew)
Consider including Menara for added protection
against Crown Rust.
11
Maize
Early crops sown under plastic are now at the 4-6 leaf stage. Weed control in most crops is
reasonable but a follow-up spray may be necessary.
Many crops sown uncovered have yet to emerge. Watch for slugs and leatherjackets in emerging
crops. The main option for weed control post-emergence will be Calaris. It can be used up to the
8-leaf stage of the crop but experience suggests the 2-4 leaf stage is best (delay application if the
crop is stressed). Knotgrass must be very small for successful control with Calaris on its own; Hurler/
Reaper (Fluroxypyr) mixed with Calaris is a better option with Bromoxynil required for larger knotgrass.
Difficult weeds such as scutch and volunteer potatoes will need specialist herbicides such as Accent
or Fluroxypyr for effective control.
Dairygold recommends including Nutriphite (liquid Phosphite that increases rooting) with the postemergence weed control spray (plus any required trace elements).
Potatoes
Suggested blight control programme:
Crop
Stage
Product
EARLY
Mancozeb e.g. Dithane OR Contact, prevent infection from
Fluazinam e.g. Shirlan
tubers
Epok OR Ridomil Gold
Systemic, some curativity
RAPID
GROWTH
FULL
CANOPY
LATE
Features
Max no.
Applications
10
1 to 2
Revus
Systemic, excellent protection
4 of each
Infinito
Mancozeb e.g. Dithane OR Contact, Protect against tuber blight 10
Fluazinam e.g. Shirlan
In total, 10-15 applications (depending on the disease pressure etc.) are usually applied. Due to
the increasing presence of more aggressive late blight strains, it is now recommended to keep the
intervals between sprays tight (ideally no more than 5-7 days).
Also watch out for Alternaria (also called early blight), usually from flowering on. Most of the usual late
blight sprays are not very effective against Alternaria but Curator is good and has an off label approval. Note the variety Kerrs pink is very susceptible to Alternaria.
Key Message > Spay intervals need to be kept tight ( no more than seven days)
for successful blight control
12
AUTHOR Scott lovell
m
ears per
f
o
r
e
b
Nu m
per ear
s
in
a
r
G
X
weight
in
a
r
g
e
g
X Avera
2
Grain yield in cereals is
determined by three factors:
1. Number of ears per m2
2. Grains per ear
3. Average grain weight
= Yield
Multiplying the three factors together gives us
the yield of a cereal crop. Increasing grain weight
in cereals has only a small impact on yield. There
is a strong relationship between grain number/
m2 (number of ears per m2 X grains per ear) but
only a weak relationship between average grain
weight and yield.
There is significant opportunity to increase the
number of ears per m2 in barley and the number
of ears per m2 has a strong impact on yield as
shown in figure 1 below.
FIGURE 1.
Relationship between ear number per m2 and
yield in spring barley at Kildalton, 2009
Thick crops of barley are essential for high yields
The number of grains per ear is dependent on the
number of fertile spikelets on the ear central stem. In
barley, each spikelet has only one floret while wheat
has two to five florets. Therefore, while it is possible to
achieve some compensation for low ear numbers as
crops with lower tiller numbers produce more grains
per ear, the scope is limited in barley with this ability
30-50% less than in wheat.
ears per m2
700
695
665
635
600
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
yield t/ha
Key Point > Wheat has a higher ability
to compensate for ‘thin’ crops than
barley. ‘Thick’ crops of barley are
essential for high yields.
Therefore to achieve a high yield in barley it is
important to maximise tiller production during early
canopy growth and to maintain as many of these tillers
as possible until harvest. This article focuses on the
importance early disease control in maximising tiller
numbers but there are a number of other important
practices in maximising tiller numbers including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Good seedbeds
Early sowing
Sowing rates
Early nitrogen applications
Growth regulation (primarily in winter barley)
Pest control
13
Ryncho and Net Blotch are the main disease threats in Ireland
Table 1:
Winter barley fungicide trials at sites in Cork
and Carlow (Teagasc 2010)
Disease control
The wet weather diseases Rhynchosporium and Net
Blotch are the biggest disease threats in Ireland and
have the greatest potential to reduce yield. Other leaf
diseases to look out for are Mildew, Ramularia and
Brown Rust.
Winter Barley
Recent UK research has shown larger increases
in yield from early fungicide applications than
previously thought with early spring and even autumn
applications sometimes economically justified. These
responses are attributed to additional greening in
early canopy formation resulting in increased light
interception, higher numbers of ears per m2, higher
grain numbers per m2 and ultimately higher yields.
Subsequent trials carried out by Teagasc at sites in
Cork and Carlow in 2010 (see table 1), have shown
early spring disease control resulted in higher
responses than previously thought. Traditionally
fungicide programmes in winter barley favoured a
higher spend later in the season however this work
suggests an increased spend earlier in the season
may be more profitable.
Timing
Significant response to Fungicide
Cork Site
Carlow Site
Autumn
No
No
Tillering
Yes
Yes
GS 31-32
Yes
Yes
GS 39-45
No
No
GS 59
No
Yes
The above results suggest the first fungicide should
be applied during late tillering rather than the
traditional GS 31-32. While these results are from
one year, further work in Ireland and the UK supports
the need for early disease control and is consistent
with the need to promote tiller survival to maximise
yields. In reality every year is different and there will
be different responses to fungicide timings but on
average commencing your fungicide programme early
is likely to be economically justified.
Key Point > A three spray fungicide
programme with the first fungicide
being applied no later than late tillering
is likely to deliver the greatest return on
investment in winter barley
Recommendations
• Target the first fungicide application in winter barley early in the season during late tillering (before GS 30). It
may be necessary to apply the first fungicide even earlier than this where disease threatens tiller survival.
• Applying three rather than two fungicides through the season allows greater flexibility and is likely to deliver
a higher return on investment. Suggested timings (flexibility required depending on the season):
T1 GS 25-30 (Late tillering)
T2 GS 32-37 (Stem extension)
T3 GS 37-49 (Flag leaf just visible to first awns visible)
• As the T2 timing above typically delivers the greatest yield response; the greatest proportion of the
fungicide spend should occur at this timing (circa 40%).
14
The NEW cereal fungicide for Wheat,
Barley and Oats
15
Spring Barley
Given the slightly surprising positive responses
from earlier than normal fungicide applications in
winter barley, Teagasc conducted extensive trials on
fungicide timings in spring barley in the last couple of
years.
The results in figure 2 show a slightly higher yield
response to applying a fungicide early during late
tillering compared to the traditional GS 31-32. As
with winter barley every year is different and there
will be different responses to fungicide timings but
on average commencing your fungicide programme
slightly earlier is likely to be economically justified.
Interestingly, another result of this trial work showed
that there was no advantage to applying more than
two fungicide sprays in a season.
The results of these trials can be seen in figure 2.
Figure 2:
Yield response at different timings in spring barley
in Teagasc trials
growth stage
Key Point > A two spray
fungicide programme
with the first fungicide
being applied no later
than GS 31 is likely to
deliver the greatest
return on investment in
spring barley
gs
gs
gs
0.1
yield t/ha
0.2
0.3
0.25
0.4
0.5
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
10
0.85
Recommendations
The first spring barley fungicide should be
applied no later than GS 31
16
•
Target the first fungicide application in spring
barley circa GS 30. It may be necessary to apply
the first fungicide earlier than this where disease
threatens tiller survival.
•
There is no advantage to additional fungicide
applications above the traditional two sprays.
Suggested timings (flexibility required depending
on the season):
T1 GS 25-31 (Late tillering to early stem extension)
T2 GS 37-49 (Flag leaf just visible to first awns
visible)
•
As the T1 timing typically delivers a strong
yield response; it should make up a significant
proportion of the total fungicide spend (circa 40%).
AUTHOR Scott lovell
Fungicide Resistance
Fungicide resistance occurs through evolution of a fungus when a stable mutation results in a reduction in
sensitivity to a fungicide by a fungal population. Evolution is a slow process in animals that takes thousands
of years but because fungi reproduce rapidly it can occur much more rapidly in their populations.
Fungicides with a single-site mode of action are at greater risk for resistance developing compared to those
with multi-side modes of action. Most fungicides being developed today have a single-site mode of action
because they tend to have lower impacts on the environment and non-target organisms.
Types of fungicide resistance
There are two types of fungicide resistance:
1. Those that develop from a change in a single major gene; resulting in total resistance to the fungicide
(complete loss of disease control) e.g. Strobilurins for Septoria control in wheat.
2. Those that develop from changes in several interacting genes; resulting in reduced sensitivity to the
fungicide (higher rates and/or more frequent applications needed to give the same results) e.g. Triazoles for
Septoria control in wheat.
Typically cross resistance, where all fungicides with a similar mode of action are affected, occurs with both types
of resistance. It could be argued that fungicide resistance is inevitable for all fungicides; it is simply a matter of
time, the more often a fungicide is used the greater the risk of fungicide resistance developing.
Key Point > New fungicides e.g. SDHIs (and future fungicides) are likely to be more prone to
resistance developing as they tend to have a single-site mode of action
Figure 1:
How Does
Fugicide
Resitance
Develop?
Sprayed
with
fungicide
Fungal Population:
Black Dots = Sensitive
Red Dots = Resistant
85% control
Sensitive to fungicide
Disease build up with
larger proportion of
resistant fungi
Sprayed
with
fungicide
Sprayed
with
fungicide
Only 65% control
Partial resistance to
fungicide
Disease build up with
larger proportion of
resistant fungi
Only 5% control
Almost full resistance
to fungicide
Key Point > As shown in figure 1, every time an active ingredient is used it alters the fungal
population by killing the majority of the susceptible population and therefore allowing the resistant
population increase as a proportion of the total fungal population.
17
Fungicide Resistance
Fungicide resistance management
guidelines
Following resistance management guidelines slows
down the process and minimises the risk of fungicide
resistance developing.
•
Use disease-resistant varieties
•
Try to apply fungicides before disease symptoms
appear i.e. preventative rather than curative
applications
•
Only use at risk fungicides when needed most e.g.
do not use triazoles at T0 in winter wheat
•
Tank-mix fungicides with a different mode of
action and ideally include multi-site fungicides (e.g.
Bravo/CT500 or Phoenix) because these have low
resistance risk. •
Follow best practise spraying guidelines to
maximize spray coverage. Better coverage,
especially on the underside of leaves, allows
better performance of multi-site fungicides.
•
Monitor disease control performance and report
any suspected loss of efficacy.
Many of the popular winter wheat varieties grown
are susceptible to Septoria which increases the
risk of fungicide resistance developing
Current situation in Ireland
It is over 10 years since Strobilurins were lost for
control of Septoria in wheat when total resistance
developed almost overnight. In recent years,
performance monitoring by Teagasc has shown that
the performance of the top straight Triazole products
Opus (Epoxiconazole) and to an even greater extent
Proline (Prothioconazole) has slipped, particularly
in terms of curativity. It is important that resistance
management guidelines, e.g. applying no triazoles at
T0, are followed to prevent further slippage of their
performance.
Thankfully performance monitoring shows no drop in
the performance of the new SDHI containing products
(e.g. Adexar, Aviator, Keystone, Treoris); with these
products now providing a yield benefit of over a ton
per hectare over straight Triazoles. However these
products need to be protected by the inclusion of
a multi-site fungicide i.e. Bravo/CT500 or Phoenix
whenever they are used.
18
The situation is better in barley with low levels of
Net Blotch resistance (partial) to Strobilurins found in
Ireland and no Triazole resistance to date. However,
we cannot afford to be complacent with much
higher levels of Net Blotch resistance to Strobilurins
found in the UK and reports of Rhynchosporium
resistance to Proline (Prothioconazole) in Scotland.
Proline (Prothioconazole) in particular is of critical
importance to barley disease control programmes and
it is therefore vital to follow best practise resistance
management guidelines e.g. always mix products with
different modes of action against the disease targets
when spraying for disease.
Key Point > Follow best practise resistance
management guidelines to prolong the life
of fungicides
The Future of Cereal Disease Control
‘
With its multisite activity,
no resistance and lack
of triazole inhibition,
Phoenix will not only
be a key product
in cereal fungicide
programmes but will
also be important to the
protection of existing
fungicides against further
resistance development
’
Better on rust
Better on ramularia
No antagonism with other products
DISTRIBUTED BY CROPLINK LTD., 1 AILLWEE LANE, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE. TELEPHONE 065 7077331 FAX 065 7077334 E-MAIL [email protected]
19
NOTES
Pesticide Registration
and Control Division
Notes
T
he Pesticide Registration and Control Division (PRCD) is the division of the department of
Agriculture (DAFM) responsible for crop protection, product registration and enforcement of the
rules surrounding their use and storage.
Cross compliance
Each year 1% of farmers who make an application
under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) have a
full cross compliance inspection. This equates to
roughly 1300 farmers. While financial penalties
are low overall for non compliance in the area of
pesticides, this is partly because in some areas of
the country, many farmers rarely use pesticides.
In recent years, approximately 25% of cereal
farmers inspected receive a deduction from
their single payment for infringements linked to
pesticides. In addition, almost 40% of growers
of specialist fruit and vegetable crops inspected
receive a financial penalty. These penalties
typically range from 1 to 5%.
Inspections arise on foot of a SPS application.
Therefore for growers involved in share farming
agreements, it is the SPS applicant who will be
inspected and asked to provide the relevant
records.
Each year there are also penalties of a more
serious nature, such as:
•
Use of a product on a crop for which it is not
approved e.g. Bravo on oats
Pesticides are covered under SMR 9 of the cross
compliance inspection. This covers 2 broad areas
– storage and records. Over 90% of penalties are
linked to records. The majority of the errors relate
to poor record keeping or incomplete records.
•
Uses of a product that is no longer approved
e.g. Atrazine on maize
•
Use of a product at too high of a rate
Some common examples include:
20
•
Mixing up rates per acre and per hectare
•
Failure to record all applications on a crop
•
Failure to record all products used – evident
by half cans of product bought in the current
year in store, but no records of use
Key Message > The best way to
avoid penalties is to record as much
information as possible as soon as
possible after the spray is applied.
The EU Commission have forced through their original proposal to ban
farmers across Europe from using neonicotinoid pesticides which some
believe are linked to bee decline.
Ultimately, it is important that the farmer or
his advisor checks the label prior to using the
product to ensure the planned application
complies with the label. This is particularly
important for new products or products
considered equivalent to other authorised
products. Smaller scale crops such as spring
wheat, fodder beet and triticale sometimes do
not have approval for use even though closely
related crops may be approved for use on the
product label.
Developments at EU level
Neonicotinoids
In response to concerns from some member
states, the EU Commission proposed that the use
of certain insecticides be restricted for two years
due to concerns regarding bee health. The critical
insecticides for Irish growers are thiamethoxam,
which is used as a seed dressing on oilseed
rape and clothianidin, which is available to Irish
growers in Redigo Deter seed dressing.
The EU Commission have forced through their
original proposal to ban farmers across Europe
from using neonicotinoid pesticides which some
believe are linked to bee decline.
The two-year suspension will come into force from
December 1st, following the failure of EU member
states to reach a decisive position in a second
vote on the issue in Brussels on April 29th. Fifteen
countries, including Germany, voted in favour of
a ban, which was not enough to form a qualified
majority, but enough for the European Commission
to use its powers to impose a two-year restriction.
Ireland originally voted against the proposal but
abstained in the vote on April 29th.
Flusilazole
Following a recent ruling in the European Court of
Justice, the active substance Flusilazole will shortly
loose approval in the EU. Products containing
Flusilazole registered in Ireland are Charisma,
Colstar, Contrast, Lyric, Midas, Pluton, Punch C and
Sanction 25. Normal use periods shall apply from
when the position is made official i.e. six months
for the trade to sell out followed by an additional 12
month use up period.
If in doubt when finalising records; consult
your Dairygold advisor, Teagasc advisor or
the Pesticide Control Service directly at
01-6157552 to clarify issues.
21
GRAIN
Courtesy of R&H Hall Ltd.
(Information provided accurate
at time of going to press)
Market Report
Grains have been dominated by two United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) reports in the last month - first up was the Quarterly Stocks Report
and Planting estimates at Easter and then last week the World Agricultural
Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report.
Wheat markets plummeted following the Quarterly Stocks Report and Planting estimates which put
US wheat stocks at 1,234 million bushels (33.6 million tonnes) compared to the trade estimate of 1,177
bushels (32.0 million tonnes), but by last week’s report markets were back to levels they were at prior
to the first report. The WASDE report was reasonably neutral as it only increased world wheat closing
stocks by approximately four million tonnes (relatively small from a global perspective). To put this in
context, May MATIF (French) wheat prior to the first report was trading at €245/tonne fell to €234/
tonne and then rebounded to the current trading level of €246/tonne. These relatively high prices and
quick recovery in price after a fall highlights the tightness of old crop (harvest 2012) wheat.
The new crop (harvest 2013) market remains very inactive as both farmers and consumers wait to
see how crops have wintered. In Europe, crops have gone through winter without any major losses,
except for the UK, which has been well publicised. The Black Sea may have worries with prolonged
dry weather forecasted, but it will be another month before we will see if this has any significant
consequences. Winter wheat areas in the US have suffered from frost kill and prolonged drought.
However, large stocks may offset this.
New crop (harvest 2013) corn
(maize) has an influence on all
grain markets
Corn (maize)
New crop corn continues to have a bearing on
all grain markets, as it is cheaper than wheat
and barley. The corn market continues to trade
in a wide range as much needed rain falls on
parched soil. This rain is also delaying planting,
with only 12% planted versus almost 70% this
time last year. The markets believe large areas
will be planted as farmers have already bought
seed and fertilizer. However, if planting is delayed
beyond mid-May, yields may be compromised,
so weather over the next three week will have a
huge bearing on markets.
22
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For further information please contact Dairygold
Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
ATTENTION TO THE RISK INDICATIONS AND FOLLOW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON THE LABEL.
Triple Rinse Containers and Invert to Dry at Time of Use. Roundup is a registered trademark of Monsanto LLC.
USE HERBICIDES SAFELY. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND PRODUCT INFORMATION BEFORE USE.
© Monsanto (UK) Ltd 2013.
23
MATT LAWLEE
086 2461631
www.ravendesign.ie
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