THE YIELD benefit from using strobilurin fungicides outweighs the extra cost, even at low grain prices, according to trial results.

In 13 trials carried out across the country, the average yield benefit from using a strob-based programme was 0.4t/ha, BASF found.

The trials compared a Landmark (kresoxim-methyl + epoxiconazole)/ Opera (pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole) programme against Opus (epoxiconazole).

With an average yield response of 0.4t/ha from using a strob, the extra cost of £18/ha was outweighed by the additional yield, giving an overall benefit of £6/ha at a wheat price of £60/t, the company claimed.

BASF attribute the yield increase to the ‘greening‘ or physiological benefits of the strob chemistry.

“Our trials continue to demonstrate that not all strobilurins are the same,” said the firm‘s agronomy manager, Steve Waterhouse.

“There is a clear hierarchy for disease control and yield benefit and F 500 [included in Opera] is still the best.”

The trials also found F 500 gave good control of yellow rust. This will be particularly important given the high acreage of susceptible varieties, such as Robigus, sown this season, added BASF‘s Tony Grayburn.