WHEAT CROPS are at higher risk of mildew this season, growers have been warned.

Levels on some susceptible varieties have risen slightly, although disease pressure varies across the country, FWi‘s latest Crop Watch reports (March 29) show.

But, while the majority of new fungicides available this season offer good control of septoria, eyespot and rust, most do not offer long term mildew control, said Dow AgroSciences‘s Liz Tomkinson.

“While it is inevitable that fungicide choice will primarily be based on these new products to ensure reliable septoria control, growers should consider including a mildewicide in high risk situations.”

Most mildew damage is caused up to growth stage 33, so growers should treat crops early in the season, before the disease becomes established, she said.

Ms Tomkinson recommends using Fortress (quinoxyfen) at 0.15 litres/ha at the T0 timing, with a further application of 0.1-0.15 litres/ha at T1 if disease pressure is high.

Keep track of weekly crop, weed and disease developments in your region in the new Crop Watch section on FWi, together with summaries in FARMERS WEEKLY magazine every Friday.