Some of the questions surrounding what drives yield in oilseed rape are starting to be answered. The importance of a hands-on approach, looking closely at how each crop develops, is becoming more apparent. Some of the most critical tools (after planting) are crop nutrition and intelligent use of a PGR fungicide.
Metconazole (as contained in Sunorg Pro) has been proven to do much more than reduce plant height and lodging. Extensive field testing has also shown Sunorg Pro to:
*Reduce canopy depth, improving light penetration and provide a yield benefit (0.2t/ha, ADAS) if applied when green area index is >1 in March.
*Substantially improve rooting at depth, positively affecting drought tolerance and yield in drought stressed crops.
*Improve side branching.
*Create a more stable canopy by enabling stronger side branches to 'lock together'.
*Allow more even flowering, thus more even ripening and therefore reduced harvest losses.