Wheat growers are to benefit from a new fungicide for cereal crops, after confirmation that Adama’s latest active undergoing Chemicals Regulation Division approval has a unique mode of action.

This addition will prove particularly valuable for resistance management, especially for septoria in wheat where the choice is limited.

Growers’ options in recent years have been depleted, with heavy reliance on azoles and SHDIs, plus the multisite folpet.

Then in 2021, Corteva introduced the first fungicide in 15 years with a new mode of action targeting septoria. Fenpicoxamid (also known as Inatreq) is a quinone inside inhibitor. 

See also: How new herbicide will benefit growers in autumn 2025

Adama’s latest announcement means growers could have another mode of action option by 2027.

Branded Gilboa, flumetylsulforim has been classified as Group 32 by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee.

This novel mode of action in cereals targets nucleic acid metabolism, a biochemical pathway that has never previously been utilised by cereal fungicides.

Adama Agricultural Solutions UK’s managing director, Ben Miles, says that Gilboa represents a major step forward in fungicide innovation.

It provides growers with an entirely new way to combat fungal pathogens in cereals and oilseed rape.

“Its novel mode of action, along with its compatibility with existing fungicides, makes it a vital addition to disease management strategies.”

He points out that fungal diseases, such as septoria, have developed increasing resistance to existing fungicides, reducing the effectiveness of chemistries including SDHIs, azoles and strobilurins.

Therefore, Gilboa’s new mode of action offers farmers a much-needed alternative.

“Its novel mode of action – which targets nucleic acid metabolism – provides much-needed diversity in fungicide options, which is especially critical as all recent cereal fungicide launches have been of similar modes of action.”

Fungicide trials

Since its early development, Adama has conducted a significant number of trials, which have shown that the new fungicide consistently delivers good results.

“In wheat trials, Gilboa delivered superior septoria control compared to existing solutions,” Ben adds.

“Gilboa also provided extended disease control, with a lasting effect of up to 35 days after final application.

“Trials also revealed that more than 70% of the flag-leaf area remained green for a longer period after the last treatment, contributing to higher yields.”

Gilboa was submitted for registration in 2023. It is expected to receive approval in Great Britain in 2027, and in the EU in 2029.