New tool to help farmers make decisions over cereal disease launched

The new interactive tool takes into account factors such as variety resistance, whether the main target disease is yellow rust or Septoria in wheat, or net blotch,  Rhynchosporium or brown rust in barley, and whether disease is anticipated or already present.

The new online decision support tool helps to narrow down fungicide options based on criteria such as key disease risks, says Syngenta disease control specialist, David Ranner

Syngenta disease expert David Ranner says: “This information is used to help users narrow down options among different types of fungicide active ingredient. Usefully, with yellow rust a heightened concern for this year, the tool will help users to identify the optimum spray timing to apply the fungicide Elatus Era.”

With the loss of chlorothalonil similarly a concern, the decision support tool also provides information on when to consider the alternative multi-site fungicide, folpet, says Mr Ranner.

“Other information included in the support tool includes the use of mildewicides and the targeting of Ramularia in barley. With disease pressures prone to fluctuations, the tool will be updated as the season unfolds, so users should check it regularly,” urges Mr Ranner.

The tool is available at www.syngenta.co.uk/rust-locator-2021/fungicide-decision-tool,