Apr 01 2019

Biostimulant Insight April: Protect potential in Spring crops

Get Bridgeway / Zonda on early to protect potential

Apply at T0 fb T1 in Winter Cereals

As Winter Cereals hit GS30, now is the perfect time to be applying biostimulant Bridgeway or Zonda to protect genetic yield and quality potential. Whilst many crops are looking full of promise, this could quite easily be compromised by abiotic stress as temperatures and drier weather starts to build across the country. Fertiliser and crop protection applications are of course critical for nutrition and weed/disease/pest control, but they can knock the crop. Early T0 and T1 applications of Bridgeway or Zonda 2.0 L/ha will provide the crop with the amino acids it needs to optimise photosynthesis and metabolic efficiency; defend against abiotic stress and boost plant development at this critical stage of growth. We’ve also heard from growers and agronomists that Bridgeway and Zonda protected crops seem less susceptible to knock from liquid fertiliser/crop protection product applications. Remember, crops that are healthier on the inside are healthier on the outside. 

Bridgeway protection from fertiliser scorch - effect 2 years on

Site of 2017 Winter Wheat trial that yielded +3 t/ha following 3 x 2 L/ha Bridgeway at T1-T3. The following WOSR crop looked visually better and straw breakdown was visibly better. Now in March 2019, the right side of the picture shows the crop has suffered from less liquid fertiliser scorch than the left side, exactly to a line where the Bridgeway was applied in 2017.

Less fertiliser scorch on RHS, exactly where Bridgeway was applied to field in Winter Wheat in 2017

Effect of Zonda at T0 fb T1 on yield in Winter Wheat

Where Zonda was applied, we didn't see any signs of tipping after the second dose of liquid fertiliser was applied.

Keith Challen, Farm Director, Belvoir Farming Company

Apply at GS14 in Spring Barley

The rooting ability of crops is not only vital for anchorage to prevent lodging, but also critical for the uptake of water and nutrients. Crops with better root structures are not only more likely to tiller well and increase the number of fertile spikelets, they are also better equipped to cope with abiotic stress and protect the crop’s genetic yield potential. Feeding the crop Bridgeway at GS14 has shown statistically significant increases in root and shoot growth in Spring Barley. Pathologist Dr. Steve Rossall from The University of Nottingham, designed tests to look at the effect of Bridgeway on early root and shoot growth in Spring Barley (Concerto). Treatments were applied at GS14 and assessed 24 days after application. All results statistically significant. Early applications of Bridgeway or Zonda in Spring Barley will help to optimise establishment and crop yield/quality. 

Bridgeway increased root growth by +41% and shoot growth by +15% in Spring Barley

Apply from 2TL in Sugar Beet

It is well known that there is a strong correlation between harnessing light energy and final yield in Sugar Beet. Early applications of Bridgeway or Zonda from 2TL will increase chlorophyll production, critical for the absorption of sunlight and will boost leaf biomass and green leaf area. Trials to date have shown that the best yield response comes from early applications of Bridgeway / Zonda at 2TL with follow up applications at 4TL and 6TL. 

Bridgeway increased Sugar Beet yield by 11 t/ha with 3 applications

Bridgeway / Zonda application summary:

  • Get applications on early to protect potential
  • Apply ahead of crop stress and maintain applications at the key stages of crop development
  • Apply 2.0 L/ha from GS14 in Spring Barley
  • Apply 1.0-2.0 L/ha at T0 in Winter Cereals & follow-up with 2.0 L/ha at T1
  • Apply 2.0 L/ha from 2TL in Sugar Beet & follow-up

Seasonal Updates

Will Ramsay

Operations Director UK/Ireland

Oliver Johnson

Commercial Technical Manager

Chris Blashill

Commercial Technical Manager

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