As I'm sure you are aware, we are losing actives in oilseed rape all too regularly. Orius P (tebuconazole + prochloraz) has been revoked as of May 2019 in oilseed rape (although re-registered in wheat, rye and triticale) and Refinzar (picoxystrobin + penthiopyrad) and Oranis (picoxystrobin) must be used by March 2019 to name a few. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
New actives
We are constantly trialling new actives and co-forms in oilseed rape, usually two years before they come to market. During these trials we are rigorously checking crop safety, dose response, efficacy and how best to sequence and mix in a programme.
So far we have tested the new herbicide, Arylex™. We believe this will make a difference this year in a co-form providing improved options for broad-leaved weed control post-emergence of the crop in the autumn, at which point DOW hope to get approval for this product. In addition, there are three new fungicide options which should be available in 2019/2020 for sclerotinia and possibly light-leaf spot and phoma depending on final label registrations. Frontier have these in trials again this spring, sequencing with plant growth regulators (PGRs) in programmes and checking dose responses.
PGRs which look promising (and are a welcome sight given the uncertainty around some current PGR options) include a trinexapac-ethyl formulated to be safe on oilseed rape. Don't make the mistake of using Moddus on your oilseed rape as it will cause damage – the micro-emulsion formulation is safe to the crop and displaying some interesting results. It claims to even up the flowering of oilseed rape, allowing light to penetrate the canopy while also protecting against lodging. This spring, we have farm-scale trials of this going in across the UK with our agronomists.
Contact herbicides will be useful where pest pressure is high, as they allow growers to ensure the crop is established before having to invest too highly. It also means the crop is growing away strongly before any herbicide is applied.
As always, we continue to trial these actives using a programmed approach testing timings, rates and mixes beyond that which is just on the label. We want to feel confident with a product before it's on farm and know its limitations.
In addition, we're also testing various seed treatments, bio-stimulants, varieties and nutrient variables. It's a vast array of trials overall and undertaken by our own trials team.
Photo: Plots of oilseed rape destined for treatment with PGR options this spring at Wickenby, Lincolnshire.
Claire Murray, Crop Specialist
For specific advice for your business related to this blog or any other aspect of crop production get in touch with Frontier.