Bayer CropScience is recalling all unused supplies of its fungicide Fandango (prothioconazole + fluoxastrobin) after problems with crystallisation/sediment in this year’s supplies.

But its claim of “acting quickly” to ensure future supplies are problem-free has been met with some scepticism.

The company says that after reports that early season deliveries contained crystals/sediment it moved swiftly and subsequent batches were deemed acceptable.

However, to ensure no potentially affected product reaches the 2010 market, it is recalling all unused product at the end of this season and asking farmers to return unopened cans to their suppliers on dates soon to be confirmed.

It adds that it is carrying out a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the problem.

“Bayer CropScience understands the importance of Fandango, particularly as a valuable tool in barley production, and will work hard to resolve the issues experienced this season,” says Clive Rainbird.

The aim is to conclude that work by this autumn, he adds.

“Clearly, we would like to apologise again to those growers affected.”

Hampshire agronomist Steve Cook describes Fandango as a very good barley fungicide and says applications at T2 have been trouble-free.

“We’ve experienced a few problems but mostly minor. We did have some even where product had been replaced twice, so we were not very impressed that sub-standard product was still supplied.

“I wouldn’t call collecting stocks at the end of the season acting quickly. I’m sure it is the right thing to ensure none of the poor quality material appears again next year, and Bayer will need to build confidence in their product.”

He says he is more concerned that the cause of the earlier problem has yet to be pinned down.

“I’m sure that any farmers with unused cans will be glad to return them but will not be happy if they are more expensive next year.”

Former Barometer farmer Andrew Blenkiron, now managing in Dorset, used Fandango “very effectively” on winter barley, and has already returned some unopened cans.

“Now that the cause behind the problems has been fully explained to me by the local Bayer representative I realise the uphill task that they have faced with this product. I do hope that they can resolve it to avoid any complications next year.”