The AHDB’s Early Bird Survey predicted a 3% decline in non-combinable crops this season across the UK which includes potatoes, sugar beet and vegetables but indications from this spring appear to show an uplift in potato planting area. It’s not clear if this is down to favourable conditions at planting or indeed if the changes to SFI have directed arable land intended for cover cropping and the like towards cash crops including potatoes.
Nevertheless, growers across all crops will be relieved by the recent rainfall following a record dry spell during March where it was visibly clear that many crops were beginning to show signs of drought stress. With the rainfall we are joined by warm and humid conditions which whilst conducive to productive crops, bring the additional headache of increased disease pressure and catchier conditions for spraying. The addition of biostimulant technology at this timing has the potential to help maximise the crop’s genetic potential whilst alleviating some of the stress imposed by diseases such as yellow rust in wheat – Extase, Zyatt and Skyfall appearing especially affected this season.
The key to managing disease is not only in correct fungicide selection and dose but also timing. In fact, getting the timing spot on is often the difference between success and failure when it comes to crop disease control. This especially critical when it comes to ramularia where protectant fungicides must be applied pre flowering to ensure the crop is adequately protected. The addition of Bridgeway at T2 can help to build additional resilience here. Windy weather and sporadic rainfall can limit spray opportunities and so the addition of drift retardant adjuvants can help extend those precious spraying windows. Where things do become condensed, the addition of Kantor not only helps reduce drift but also helps improve the tank mixability of what can become quite complex and challenging recommendations.
At Nichino, we’re proud to supply only evidence backed, organic certified and conventional solutions to our growers supported by an industry leading trial network across the UK and Europe. For more information about any of our products, please ask your agronomist or contact the Nichino UK team.