As we head deeper into the autumn spray season, oilseed rape crops across the UK are presenting an unfamiliar challenge: dense, bulky canopies. It’s a good problem to have in some ways – it reflects strong, early establishment with low cabbage stem flea beetle pressure – but it also makes fungicide and growth regulator applications more difficult. Getting product to contact leaves throughout the dense canopy is not easy.
That’s where Kantor, Nichino’s multi-functional adjuvant, comes into its own.
“This year, one of the biggest challenges is getting fungicides and PGRs to penetrate the canopy and reach the lower leaves,” says Ollie Johnson, Nichino’s Commercial Technical Manager. He has been telling agronomists and growers: “Kantor helps by improving droplet spread, retention, and penetration, even in shaded or waxy leaf layers.”
Disease Pressure Is Building
According to the recent ADAS Crop Action report (23 October 2025), the risk of Phoma Leaf Spot is high across most OSR-growing regions. Lesions have already been reported in Herefordshire, Norfolk, and the South East, and fungicide applications are underway. Smaller crops are particularly vulnerable to Phoma Stem Canker, and early intervention is key.
ADAS recommends applying fungicides when 10–20% of plants show infection, with smaller crops benefiting from treatment at the lower threshold. In these situations, coverage and uptake are critical and that’s exactly what Kantor improves.
How Kantor Works
Kantor is based on patented alkoxylated triglyceride technology, developed through Nichino’s extensive R&D programme. It buffers spray water to pH 6–7, preventing alkaline hydrolysis – a common issue in hard water areas. It also:
• Improves tank mix compatibility
• Reduces drift by up to 23%
• Enhances leaf coverage and retention
• Promotes deeper penetration into the leaf cuticle
• Extends rainfastness and spray window flexibility
These benefits are especially valuable when applying growth regulators like metconazole or tebuconazole, which need to reach as much leaf area of the plant as possible to be effective.
“We’ve seen Kantor consistently improve PGR uptake in trials,” Ollie explains. “By improving PGR effects, it helps strengthen the crop, reduce later lodging, and protect precious yield, especially in seasons like this where canopy management is going to be essential.”
Backed by Trials and Field Data
Independent trials have shown Kantor delivering yield increases of up to 0.37 t/ha, worth £118/ha, when used with OSR fungicides. In a replicated Scottish trial, Kantor reduced Light Leaf Spot (LLS) infection and added 0.27 t/ha, worth £134/ha over the fungicide used alone.
ADAS also reports that a two-spray autumn fungicide programme is the most robust strategy for Phoma and LLS control. Kantor enhances the performance of each of these sprays by improving deposition and uptake, especially in cooler conditions when leaf waxes become harder to penetrate.
“When you’re spending serious money on fungicides, growth regulators, herbicides and nutrition on a front-loaded crop like OSR, you want to know it’s getting to the leaf and doing its job. Kantor gives you that confidence.” Ollie says.
Practical On-Farm Benefits
Growers like Martin Smart in Wiltshire have seen the benefits first-hand. Managing over 1,200ha of arable land, Martin uses Kantor to tackle hard water, wind, and limited spray windows. He describes the coverage as “the best I’d achieved to date,” with leaves appearing wet and evenly coated.
Sprayer operator Jason Winning adds: “Kantor is an essential companion in the spray tank because it provides so many benefits and gives us the security that all products tank-mixed will be utilised to their full potential.”
A Smart Addition to OSR Programmes
Kantor is approved for use in oilseed rape up to 10% pod formation, and is compatible with fungicides, herbicides, PGRs, insecticides, and foliar feeds. At just 0.15% of spray volume, it’s a low-cost addition that delivers high-value results.
“It’s not just about adding another product to the tank, it’s about making every drop work harder and Kantor helps you do exactly that.” Ollie says.
Final Thoughts
In a season where canopy density is high, disease pressure is rising, and growth regulation is essential, Kantor offers a proven way to enhance spray performance, protect yield, and maximise return on investment. If you’re looking to improve fungicide and PGR performance in oilseed rape this autumn, Kantor, available from Agrii, is a smart, research-backed choice.