New fungicides expected to boost yields
New fungicides expected to boost yields
BIGGER yield gains are on the cards for cereal growers this season following the launch of two new fungicides.
Landmark, which received approval last week, is the first formulated strobilurin/triazole mix to be sold in the UK. It contains kresoximmethyl (as in Ensign) and epoxiconazole (Opus, Epic).
Wheat yield boosts of 1t/ha (0.4t/acre) are possible when full doses are used, says maker BASF. That was the average response last season in 42 countrywide wheat trials using two Landmark applications at T1 and T2 timings, compared with a range of "robust" conventional treatments applied at the same time.
After allowing for the extra cost of Landmark, that represents a return of £48/ha, says business development manager Steve Waterhouse. In barley trials the product achieved a yield hike of 0.6t/ha.
Similar responses can be expected from sister new product Mantra, which contains extra ingredient fenpropimorph, he adds.
"Landmark outperformed conventional chemistry at every site. We have not seen that sort of consistent yield response with strobilurins alone."
The eradicant activity of epoxiconazole is the main reason, since straight strobilurins are poor at controlling established disease, he explains. "Even clean-looking leaves can be infected, so applying a combination is a wise precaution."
That, coupled with the strong protection offered by kresoxim-methyl, provides disease control which matches the best existing chemistry, he says.
As a result kresoxim-methyl exhibits its yield-boosting qualities, resulting from delayed leaf senescence and enhanced metabolism, to the full, says Mr Waterhouse.
Independent trials back up BASFs findings. Last year, Morley Research Centres Doug Stevens found Riband wheat treated with two full rate Landmark sprays gave 1.2t/ha (0.48t/acre) more grain compared with the best conventional programme, which used three passes. Specific weight was boosted by 2kg/hl.
Landmark gave £55/ha more margin over cost than the conventional programme. Removing the triazole at the T1 timing reduced that by £25/ha. "You need a triazole with these products," he advises.
Price has yet to be set, but will be competitive, says product manager Tony Grayburn.
Improved disease control from Landmark raises yield and quality and looks set to boost returns, says Morleys Doug Stevens.
LANDMARK
• Approved for use on winter wheat, winter and spring barley.
• Controls all major foliar diseases and suppresses eyespot.
• Contains 125g/litre each of kresoxim-methyl and epoxiconazole
• 2.1m hectares treated in Germany last year.