Frontier's national agronomy team has reported a number of cases of yellow rust developing in Oakley winter wheat this week.
As such, Frontier is advising growers to consider a preT0 application to susceptible crops.
Christine Lilly, technical support manager for Frontier says: "Given the high levels and rapid spread of rust seen in crops last year, it is prudent to consider a pre T0 spray in susceptible crops. With a late start to the season the true T0 timing is probably still several weeks away (late March/early April) so an interim fungicide may be necessary to prevent rapid build up of disease."
Eradicating yellow rust is challenging and can stress crops. A better course of action is to protect high-risk crops early in the year and then maintain protection throughout the season. Cold temperatures reduce yellow rust threat but do not completely eliminate the disease. Therefore, as soon as temperatures rise, disease development increases - as seen this week.
Some broad spectrum fungicide seed treatments offer early protection and disease levels may be lower where these have been used but this should not be relied upon as complete protection.
Ms Lilly concludes: "Reports of new cases are coming in daily but have only been in Oakley, so far. However, there are other susceptible varieties including Torch (HGCA rated 1), Solstice, Viscount and KWS Kielder (all rated HGCA 4). We are advising growers to check all varieties for yellow rust lesions and act quickly to deal with disease in its early stages."
Always take professional advice when making crop production decisions. To speak to a Frontier advisor, contact us today.
