Archive Article: 2001/09/21

21 September 2001

How new project aims to hit phoma hard

Hitting phoma and light leaf spot hard in the autumn can boost oilseed rape yields by up to 1.1t/ha. Now, a new project aims to help growers do that more successfully to avoid losses of up to £60m/year.

Branded PASSWORD, it forecasts disease and pest attack so growers can fine-tune control. Backed by government, academics, commercial organisations and the HGCA, it promises much.

There is even talk that PASSWORD could become compulsory, as government looks to get every crop application justified. If so, its supporters should ensure it delivers useful information at low cost.

Meanwhile, messages from PASSWORD are emerging already to highlight the need for timely sprays this autumn to protect yield.