BROAD SPECTRUM seed dressings for later drilled second wheats fail to provide consistent yield benefit, according to Monsanto.

The firm bases its comments on 47 independent and commercial trial sites, comparing basic, specialist take-all and broad spectrum seed treatments on second wheats between 1997 and 2003.

“In this study we found no consistent benefit for later drilled second wheats,” said David Leaper from Monsanto.

In 37 of the trial sites, where take-all was evident, the yield response to broad spectrum Jockey (fluquinconazole) was 0.37t/ha, compared to 0.70t/ha recorded with Latitude (silthiofam).

In 60% of the trial sites yield response and economic return was markedly worse [from Jockey] than with the specialist take-all treatment [Latitude].

“This hardly indicates a worthwhile additional foliar disease control value.

“For early drilled first wheats, there may be a greater place for broad spectrum treatments,” he acknowledged.

In response BASF said they had plenty of trials data to say there is very little to choose between Jockey and Latitude where take-all is moderate to severe, according to the company‘s Stephen Beal.

“With Jockey, we are trying to target those who are looking for the flexibility to drill wheats up to a month earlier, without affecting yields.”

“Jockey can also delay the development of septoria and yellow Rust in the spring,” Mr Beal added.