DELAYED EMERGENCE from using a long-established seed treatment can actually help crops, according to its manufacturer.

Early establishment of winter sown crops is a key concern for many growers wanting to achieve successful establishment going into the winter months.

But it is important crops don‘t get too far ahead and too lush in the spring, increasing the risk of lodging and disease incidence, said Elizabeth Spence, technical services manager for Makhteshim-Agan.

New data from a major trials series has found that a long established multi-purpose seed treatment can help in managing canopy growth, said Ms Spence.

The trials show Baytan (fuberidazole + triadimenol), which has been used by farmers for over 20 years, delays emergence of the wheat crop.

“While growers have been using Baytan for a variety of different reasons and different activities, this complete set of new data suggests that it is an effective wheat management tool.”

Miss Spence believes such canopy management may be increasingly important with modern varieties such as Cordiale, Einstein and Robigus, which are faster developing and stronger tillering.

Across ten trials conducted by Makhteshim last year, Baytan delayed the emergence of the treated wheats by 3 days on average, with no noticeable effect on plant count.