Archive Article: 2001/03/23

23 March 2001

IN BRIEF

&#8226 PGROs Anthony Biddle suggests using Amistar in a programme with Ronilan and Bravo. "Use a Ronilan-Bravo mix as your first spray to control pod rot or botrytis. Then use Amistar as the second spray to give good control of leaf and pod spot – ascochyta."

&#8226 THE range of weeds that can be identified through Aventis CropSciences autumn-launched free web-site (www.weedspotter.co.uk) now includes 28 grasses.

&#8226 IN the past five years the number of potato growers in Ireland has almost halved, says government research organisation Teagasc. From 1700 growing spuds in 1996, only 950 remained in 2000. A further 40% decline in numbers is expected by 2005, while 70% of the national potato production is now controlled by 160 growers.

&#8226 TUNE Amistar (azoxystrobin) rates to variety response but do not base decisions on historical triazole responses, says Syngenta. Its profiling work shows varieties such as Riband, Consort, Savannah and Equinox are most responsive to Amistar and justify a season-long dose of 1.1-1.4 litres/ha. Moderately responsive varieties such as Claire, Napier or Malacca justify 0.9-1.2 litres/ha while least responsive varieties such as Hereward, Shamrock or Eclipse should get 0.8-1 litres/ha. &#42