In this issue... Buzzing with prospects page 18 Soil-led solutions page 74 New OSR varieties, new IPM ways Worcs farmer pioneers carbon culture
Robot farming page 60 Virus-beating beet page 77
Opinion
4 Talking Tilth - A word from the editor. Volume 23 Number 6 Smith’s Soapbox - Views and opinions from an Essex peasant….. May 2021 6 58 Tech Respect - CPM ’s machinery editor surveys the search for UK Ag’s next step. 72 Trade Talk - Industry views from AICC chairman Sean Sparling 91 Last Word - A view from the field from CPM’s technical editor. Technical 8 Crop Doctor - Disease slows in dry April The cool, dry April has slowed crop growth and disease development. 12 New fungicide - Flag leaf gets new option Univoq brings a new site of action to T2 fungicide programmes. 14 Bioscience Insider - Finding the unicorn The story of one of the more recent discoveries in plant physiology. 18 Battling the beetle - Cover all bases There’s a whole host of measures currently surfacing that seem to help. CPM would like to thank Jake Freestone for supplying the stunning front cover 22 Insiders View - Something to get Excited about… photo. At his request we have donated £50 to the Mind your Head campaign Improved genetics may encourage oilseed rape growers. Editor 26 Innovation Insight - A breakthrough in genetics Tom Allen-Stevens Two OSR varieties contain a new resistance gene – RlmS. Technical editor 30 Regenerative agriculture - Biology comes first Lucy de la Pasture Wheat options for the regenerative agriculture grower this autumn. Machinery editor 34 Insiders View - Sky-high resistance Charlotte Cunningham A Group 3 offering which claims the title of the best septoria resistance. Writers 38 Fit for the Future - An integrated approach Tom Allen-Stevens Charlotte Cunningham The role genetics and variety choice play in IPM strategies. Mike Abram Lucy de la Pasture 42 Real Results Pioneers - Tools for a new way of farming Rob Jones Spring barley has been part of the cropping mix on a Shropshire farm. Design and production 46 Rotational Resilience - A rye resurgence? Brooks Design Elsoms has been investing in the crop’s research and genetics. Advertisement co-ordinator 50 Agri-intelligence update - Stewarding the Transition Peter Walker The mist is beginning to clear on environmental enhancement. Publisher 54 Theory to Field - The rise of bromes Angus McKirdy Results from a four-year AHDB project. Business development manager Charlotte Alexander Machinery To claim two crop protection BASIS points, send an email to [email protected], quoting reference CP/100659/2021/g. 60 Smart technology - Driving evolution To claim two NRoSO CPD points, please send your name, The global requirement for more sustainable agriculture is driving innovation. NRoSO member number, date of birth and postcode to 64 Material handlers - Lessening the load [email protected] The right handler can bring a multitude of benefits on farm. *the claim ‘best read specialist arable journal’ is based 68 On Farm Opinion - Consistency pays off on independent reader research conducted by Running a fleet of efficient tractors brings huge benefits. McCormack Media 2020 Editorial & advertising sales CPM Ltd, 1 Canonbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 7AG Innovation Tel: (01743) 369707 E-mail: [email protected] 74 Climate Change Champions - An active community Reader registration hotline 01743 861122 The thriving soils of a Worcestershire estate are carefully managed. Advertising copy Brooks Design, Roots 24 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD Tel: (01743) 244403 E-mail: fred brooksdesign.co.uk @ 77 Sugar beet varieties - Virus tolerance makes debut CPM Volume 23 No 6. Editorial, advertising and sales offices are at The 2022 BBRO/BSPB Recommended List was released last month. CPM Ltd, 1 Canonbury, Shrewsbury, SY1 9NX England. Tel: (01743) 369707. CPM is published eleven times a year by 80 Potatoes - Alternaria – another evolving threat? CPM Ltd and is available free of charge to qualifying farmers Early blight has become a more significant disease in some varieties. and farm managers in the United Kingdom. In no way does CPM Ltd endorse, notarise or concur with any of the 84 Research Briefing - Blight wars: late blight strikes back advice, recommendations or prescriptions reported in the magazine. Latest analysis of blight strains shows a further evolution of the pathogen. If you are unsure about which recommendations to follow, please consult a professional agronomist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. 88 Pushing performance - Getting the most from chemistry CPM Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited The odds of hitting your target go dramatically up when you aim at it. material, including photographs. crop production magazine may 2021 3 CPM (Print) ISSN 2753-9040 CPM (Online) ISSN 2753-9059 accuracy of what he’s doing, inefficiency. He also needs to up by fourth generation is stupefying. learn to do the job while he’s farmer Sam Watson-Jones Tom’s ready for moving along, which will be no and tech entrepreneur commercial roll-out. You mean feat, considering he has Ben Scott-Robinson, who don’t buy him, but hire to remain well earthed while formed the Tom, Dick, Harry him in, under the zapping and needs pinpoint and Wilma vision and the plan Small Robot Company precision. to commercialise it as a (SRC) Farming as a Harry will complete the trio service. Presented just three Service arrangement, of trundling farm bots and will years ago at Oxford (still with which works a bit like plant the seeds. He’s still in no prototype) importantly Is robot contract farming. The price development, says SRC, but farmers have led its farming real? paid by Hants grower Craig rumours suggest he’ll use a development since. Livingstone, who’s been trialling novel low-draught planter unit So it genuinely was a very the service, is £40/ha, and for to ensure the system keeps its moving milestone moment to I think it was a bit of a that he receives four scans in low ground pressure promise see Tom operate autonomously milestone moment. the autumn and three in the –– Tom puts less impact on the and Dick actually kill weeds. Tom was shuffling about on spring. Over a 6ha field, Tom’s soil than a human foot. The technical barriers they’ve the headland, his AI somewhat found 12.7M plants, around So why’s this a milestone overcome have been numerous laboriously lining him up for the 250,000 of which were weeds. moment? I’ve followed the and immense, and the doubts next bout he was due to scan. These are analysed by concept ever since it was that it could never happen have Dick meanwhile had gathered Wilma, the AI brains of the presented by Prof Simon been overcome. It makes you his spiderlike frame over a patch operation, who can now Blackmore at the Oxford wonder where agri-tech will of weeds, sank in his earth rod, distinguish between wheat Farming Conference in 2014. take us next. and three fast-moving probes and grassweeds, including Interestingly titled ‘Farming were seeking out the weeds, blackgrass. What you get is a with robots 2050’, the idea was Tom Allen-Stevens has a frying them with a crackle and per-plant map of your fields. brilliant –– why use heavy, 170ha arable farm in Oxon spark of electricity, much to Dick is only at the prototype expensive and damaging and is an investor in the the delight of the onlooking stage, says SRC. Guided by machines when the job could Small Robot Company. journalists. Wilma, this is the weeding be done far more efficiently For those a bit perplexed, bot which uses technology with a swarm of robots? But it [email protected] we’re talking robots. Last month developed by Rootwave to put was pure sci-fi. @tomallenstevens saw the commercial launch of an 8kV electric charge through Inspired by this, it was taken Tom, an orange-bodied cross the weed, effectively boiling it between a deer and an ATV, that so it dies. It runs off a Tesla Tom the scouting bot and Dick, armed with weed-zapping probes. autonomously prowls the crops battery, and the aim is to get up to GS30, mapping everything the weeds when they’re small, that he finds. Covering 20ha which requires a zap of only in an 8hr day, he gathers a around 10W for 0.5s. How long staggering 6TB of data –– this the battery will last presumably includes the pinpoint position of depends on your weed burden. crop plants and importantly, Dick’s going to be tested this exactly where the weeds are. autumn. His handler, senior He’ll spot a slug, a lapwing robot engineer Andy Hall, nest, a beetle. Give him a nose assures that he’s very accurate and he’ll smell your soil, ears at locating weeds in the X, Y and he’ll record the birdsong. plane (forwards, sideways), The potential for this fledgling but still has to perfect the Z bot, still nervously righting his movement (up and down) of wheels and gathering his his three probes –– a spark, position, keen to be sure of the although exciting, is a sign of
sweet smell of first-cut silage of intervention support and longer reverberate with the and oilseed rape pollen has laid protective tariffs. song ‘Hooray, hooray, the first across the mid-spring air, there For the farmers these were of May, subsidy form-filling has been a less noble heydays largely free from red begins today’. fragrance of paperwork tape when the financial support But the question remains, filling the farmyard during arrived embedded in the grain although by the mid-2020s the fifth month of the year. cheque. All the farmer had to most of us will be free of this Since the early 90s, May do was grow the crop and sell May-time task, what new has been the month when the produce. But for three tangled bureaucratic labyrinth you need to get the support decades now, with the advent will have replaced it? With new May the mayhem payment applications in. of set-aide and area payments convoluted tiers of countryside There was a time called the introduced in the early 90s, stewardship alongside an ever diminish 1980s, almost forgotten now, forms and maps have been longer list of equipment grants when life for the arable farmer found strewn across the farm not to mention the SFI, the FSF, was remarkably free from form office desk every May. the FIF and whatever new three For a generation of farmers filling. In these times subsidies For those of us who can letter acronyms are coming the merrie month of May isn’t vital to most farm’s income were remember those A3-sized IACS over the hill –– one suspects just associated with emerging paid somewhat covertly through forms with their endless lines of the paper chase is not likely to barley awns and fungicide a price support system called eye-boggling boxes to fill in, diminish in the future. applications to wheat flag intervention buying. When world today’s BPS form seems a walk Of course, we are promised leaves but it has also become grain prices slumped towards in the park, especially this year a post-Brexit world of simpler a month of last minute form the £50/t level, UK farmers with no EFA to worry about. forms and lighter inspections. filling. along with their EU brethren Things used to be a lot more I suspect I’m not the only one For thirty years now, as the could achieve £100/t because nerve-jangling where a slip of who will only believe these the pen or the striking of a Brexiteer promises when I wrong calculator button could actually witness them firsthand lead to mayhem more prickly on my farm. Outside of these than a maybush. hopes of a simpler life not How many of us in the past dogged by worries as to have tarried around the post whether we have got our box before inserting a massive applications in on time and envelope stuffed with forms correctly done, I have one more and maps or hovered an index wish of the new system and finger over the ‘submit’ button that is that it no longer haunts torturing ourselves with the my once favourite month of thought we have made a the year –– that being the very schoolboy error that will have merrie month of May. consequences far worse than a school detention? I’ll admit to nightmares where my name is to be found in the local papers under the headline ‘Local farmer in subsidy fraud scandal’ merely because I’d got a decimal point in the wrong place or rubbed out Guy Smith grows 500ha of the wrong line on a map. combinable crops on the north But now, of course, we have east Essex coast, namely the prospect of life without St. Osyth Marsh –– officially the driest spot in the British Isles. IACS-cum-SPS-cum-BPS forms Despite spurious claims from dominating our May-time frolics. others that their farms are Maybe we will be able to get actually drier, he points out back to proper farming as well that his farm is in the Guinness as those other outside activities Book of Records, whereas that traditionally start in May. others aren’t. End of. In a few years hopefully the @essexpeasant farmhouse kitchen will no
6 crop production magazine may 2021
Disease slows in dry April
There’s a lot“ of leaf death and it’s damage that’s completely unrelated to disease.”
Technical Crop Doctor
The cool, dry April has stress from the abnormally cool weather. sampling of the newest leaf layers has slowed crop growth, disease “There’s been less than 5mm of rain detected no yellow rust so far this season at Cawood so far this month, though the and septoria levels appears to be static in development and T1 forecast today gives a 40% chance of the crop. It all adds up to making fungicide fungicide applications. CPM showers. It’s also been cold with frosts decisions at T1 much more tricky than at night, but daytime temperatures have normal, says James. joins the Crop Doctors as improved so far this week,” says “Even though there’s septoria bubbling they get back out into the James Howat, Bayer commercial technical away in the lower canopy, it’s difficult to manager (CTM). know whether the lesions are active field to see how different enough or whether it will be wet enough varieties have fared at Yellow tipping to spread up the canopy.” Wandering into a plot of KWS Palladium, a There’s clearly going to be a call on Cawood, Long Sutton, Callow hopeful for the AHDB Recommended List, T2 decisions too. Plots will get Ascra and Great Tew. Fiona has a closer look at the yellow (prothioconazole+ bixafen+ fluopyram) but tipping. “You can see clear crimp marks James will use at the minimum 1.0 l/ha rate By Lucy de la Pasture on the leaves where the growth has been if it remains dry and septoria pressure checked by either a frost or a PGR in the upper canopy isn’t a serious application in the cold weather. A lot of the concern. “At the 1.0 l/ha rate it still delivers As the country begins to open up after varieties are showing tipping, but the a 65% azole dose, in line with stewardship lockdown, the Crop Doctors are able to get degree probably varies between varieties recommendations.” back out into the field to assess the Bayer because they will have differed in growth Fiona’s thoughts are that it will need regional trials sites, albeit not as their stage at the time of the stress, making particularly ‘splashy’ or sustained rain usual double act. SRUC’s Prof Fiona some more susceptible than others.” events for septoria to make the jump from Burnett visits Cawood in North Yorkshire Another leaf effect visible in some wheat leaf six to the newly emerging leaves, and Long Sutton in Lincolnshire on varieties, KWS Firefly in particular, is with leaf three emerging at the time 27 April, while ADAS’s Jonathan Blake abiotic spotting –– further indicating that of her visit and leaves four and five
reports from the Callow site in the weather during April has been a long appearing clean. But even so, it’s not a L Herefordshire and the Great Tew Estate way from the norm. In the barley plots, in Oxfordshire on the second day of physiological spotting is even more the tour. prominent, she notes. As far as disease goes most of the Nowt brewing in Yorks varieties look relatively clean, explains At the end of March the Crop Doctors gave James. “The plots received 1.0 l/ha Aviator the winter wheat and barley sites at XPro (bixafen+ prothioconazole) at T1 on Cawood an almost clean bill of health. 25 April. We’ve found around 80% of plots The prolonged dry period in April means have mildew lurking at the base of the very little has changed on the disease front canopy on lower leaves and stems, some but the soil is now visibly cracked, more septoria is present on leaf six but there’s Mildew is lurking at the base of the majority of reminiscent of June than April, and both very little yellow rust to be seen.” varieties at Cawood, pictured here in Crusoe. wheat and barley are showing signs of The Rapid Disease Detection (RDD)
8 crop production magazine may 2021 l Crop Doctor
L good reason to take out the T1 in “You don’t expect yellow rust to go from her book. being present at that level at the end of “Septoria is pretty visible, even though March to being not much of an issue by low down, and there is also mildew there. the end of April. It would normally have It’s worth remembering that chlorothalonil been catastrophic in the untreated plots by gave fungicide programmes invisible help now but this season the frost has controlled in the past, effectively propping up it as well as any fungicide,” he says. programmes. To get to the same point Although yellow rust could still be found, without it will mean making the best use of most noticeably in KWS Zyatt but also the available chemistry, and that probably present in Gleam, Shabras and KWS means using an SDHI plus azole at T1 at a Kinetic, the infection is in distinct foci site like this but moderating the dose due to rather than being widespread, notes Eyespot lesions were hard to spot but the the lower-than-normal disease pressure.” Darren. The dead leaves in the lower eagle-eyed Crop Doctors found some canopy and leaf scarring in Zyatt are non-penetrating stem-based browning in Behind at Long Sutton evidence of the disease that has been Skyscraper at Long Sutton. Further south at David Hoyle’s farm in Long and gone. Sutton, South Lincolnshire, the wheat is Septoria is even harder to find at the day before is like comparing apples about two and a half weeks behind where it site, where even KWS Barrel –– one of the with pears. would normally be at the end of April and best indicators of septoria pressure –– Drilled at the end of September, the T1 sprays are still a good week away, says appears to be remarkably clean. Darren Callow plots have much thicker, bolder Darren Adkins, CTM at Bayer. reports that the RDD sampling has found canopies than the later drilled Lincolnshire “The site received a T0 on 13 April and it zero latent septoria infection present on site. With just 22mm of rain during March hasn’t really moved on since then due to leaves four and five, confirming that, for and a further 11mm in the form of snow the dry and cold.” now, disease pressure is low. during April, the cracking in the ground David confirms that so far there have For David, the T1 spray will be more bears testimony that the western site is been 15 frosts during April, often a cold about the physiological benefits than also dry for the time of year. Even so, northerly wind and just 5mm of rain since disease control and he is cutting back his septoria is surprisingly easy to find and 15 March. Potash applied on 23 March is fungicide spend at this timing. “I’m planning more active than at the previous sites on still evident on the baked soil surface, on using either prothioconazole on its own or the Crop Doctor tour, says Jonathan. further evidence of an April without with tebuconazole or a strobe as a partner “Where septoria was found on leaf six showers. or with folpet as well, depending on the at the other sites, here there are active The wheat plots were muddled in at the variety. I’m saving the better chemistry lesions on the tip of leaf five which is end of October after veg, he adds, leaving for later, using an SDHI at T2 and T3 as close to the newly emerging leaves and a crop that Jonathan Blake describes as historically we’re often wet here during increases the risk of septoria spreading ‘open’. He had called into the site a few June, so we can capitalize on the soil’s up the canopy.” days earlier on 23 April and he joins his natural water holding ability and keep the In spite of differences in the canopies fellow Crop Doctor virtually to compare crop greener for longer to drive yield.” between varieties, with KWS Barrel low and notes on disease levels at the site. The bigger decision is which PGR to flat to the ground and KWS Extase looking “There’s a lot of leaf death at Long Sutton use, he adds. “Crops are small and upright and knee height, there’s very and it’s damage that’s completely unrelated stressed now, but if it becomes warm and little difference in their physiological to disease. It’s the leaf tipping that makes it wet then they’re going to romp through development, with leaf three emerged, a difficult crop to look at.” their growth stages and fall over.” says Gareth. He reports the site received Dissecting plants, Jonathan finds leaf Comparing the site to her earlier visit its T1 spray the previous day, in advance four emerging –– making leaf emergence at to Cawood Fiona says the tipping isn’t as of the light rain that fell overnight and into the site a leaf behind the more northerly site evident at Long Sutton, but that’s because the morning of the visit. at Cawood. During the Crop Doctors last it’s slightly hidden by the leaf above it in David adds that most of his crops in his visit, yellow rust was the biggest concern the canopy. “The openness of the crop North Herefordshire/South Shropshire/ and was readily found in a number of means there’s very little humidity in the varieties. canopy to get disease cycling. Consequently it’s less evident than at Cawood, which although a low disease site I consider warrants a reduced rate of SDHI. I would agree that here at Long Sutton a lighter touch is justified.”
Septoria lurking at Callow On day two of the Crop Doctor tour Jonathan Blake visited his local Bayer Wheat is being irrigated at David Hoyles’ farm as trials site at Callow in Herefordshire, Yellow rust had largely been subdued by the night part of an AHDB project, even though costs vary accompanied by Bayer CTM Gareth Bubb frosts but was still bubbling away in KWS Zyatt at from £80-400/ha depending on the water supply and AICC agronomist David Lines. Long Sutton. and infrastructure. Comparing the site with Long Sutton the
10 crop production magazine may 2021 Crop Doctor
Worcestershire patch are levelling up when Wolverine is another variety to watch it comes to growth stage, with even the carefully, believes Jonathan. “It was drilled late-drilled wheats now with leaf three early because of its BYDV resistance 40-50% emerged. but has since had its septoria rating Yellow tipping and leaf scarring is downgraded on the RL to 5.2, which when evident at the Callow site, similar to the combined with early drilling will accentuate two sites visited the previous day, but the problem.” some varieties stand out for all the wrong Yellow rust is almost absent, with reasons. Jonathan describes Costello as the exception of KWS Kinetic –– an looking particularly ‘ugly’, RL candidate observation which could mean something variety RGT Bairstow as ‘not pretty’ and interesting is going on with yellow rust Kinetic as ‘yellow from a distance’. strains since none of the other susceptible LG Skyscraper has easy to find septoria varieties have infection, points out Gareth. and noticeable leaf scarring, Graham is “At Callow it’s not a protective scenario far from clean and Gleam has a structure for septoria as it was at Long Sutton, so it where the septoria infection is particularly warrants an SDHI at T1 in many varieties,” close to the emerging leaves, he notes. says Jonathan. “With some of the more In contrast, septoria resistant variety septoria-resistant varieties you can Septoria is evident in both early and later-drilled Theodore stands out as ‘green and clean’. probably get away with a lower input Gravity at Great Tew in Oxfordshire. strategy because although it’s still possible to find septoria, it will progress more slowly in the crop as there will be less latent Even in later-drilled fields, Gravity has infection than usual.” active septoria on leaves five and six, Gareth adds that the interval between he says. T1 and T2 is likely to be much closer than Having seen three of the four sites for normal this spring but warns that, whatever himself, Jonathan’s of the view that visible happens, not to be tempted to compromise disease levels aren’t that dissimilar to the timing of the T2 –– which remains the normal on the lower leaf layers at Great most crucial timing in wheat, even if it’s Tew and Callow, but the big difference is less than three weeks after the T1 goes on. likely to be lower levels of latent infection on leaves five, four and newly emerging Promise at Great Tew leaf three, a result of the predominantly Final destination on day two is Colin dry weather during April. Woodward’s farm at Great Tew in Ben agrees and adds, “Leaf four has Oxfordshire, where he takes Jonathan and been present for 3-4 weeks this spring and Bayer’s Ben Giles for a whistle-stop tour of normally that would result in plenty of latent some of his wheat in the welcome rain. septoria in the leaf, but this year the results At Callow, septoria lesions on the older leaves of Jonathan reports ‘substantial levels of from the RDD sampling have consistently Skyscraper are right next to emerging leaves due septoria’ in September-sown Gravity, which picked up no latent disease across sites to the structure of the canopy. is always a good barometer for septoria. and varieties on leaf four.” He highlights the most recent RDD National septoria snapshot – April 2021, week three results from five varieties at the local Bayer site, Hinton Waldrist, from testing earlier in the week. “As an example, RGT Saki had visible septoria on leaf six, the RDD results showed latent infection on leaf five but zero infection on leaf four.” Ben believes it’s important not to be lulled into a false sense of security because, even though the dry weather has paused the spread of infection, septoria is present in crops and the important leaves are about to emerge. Much will hinge on the weather during May, he says. The rain has certainly made the T1 decision much easier for Colin, particularly for the Extase which hasn’t received any fungicide up until now. “With wheat prices at around £200/t it’s going to be worth looking after crops this spring and Source: Bayer Rapid Disease Detection monitoring – samples of the newest leaf layers are taken from single commercial fields and maintaining green leaf for as long as are not representative of the whole country. possible,” he says. I
crop production magazine may 2021 11 Inatreq is “in a new chemical class. ” Flag leaf gets Technical New fungicide new option
Univoq has been launched by Greg explains that fungicides are Greg notes the shrinking chemical Corteva Agriscience, bringing grouped by the Fungicide Resistance Action armoury as actives lose approval and Committee (FRAC) according first to their pathogen resistance builds to those a new site of action to T2 biological effects on the fungal cell, so remaining. “As remaining chemistries come fungicide programmes. whether they have an effect on respiration, under increasing selection pressure, it’s steroid biosynthesis, or perhaps cell division. important we protect them, and that’s where CPM finds out how it works, They’re then classified according to QiI will come in,” he says. how it performs and how to target site and cross-resistance with those “But history teaches us the risk of target sites. resistance to single-site inhibitors is high and look after it. FRAC assumes for QiIs it is medium to high. No cross-resistance So Inatreq needs a robust resistance By Tom Allen-Stevens “Inatreq affects respiration, sitting in the management strategy, particularly for C4 Group 21: complex III cytochrome bc1 septoria.” Cereal growers have a new fungicide for ubiquinone reductase group. Cyazofamid Only one QiI-containing product may be the flag leaf spray and a new site of action and amisulbrom, both used for potato blight, applied to a cereal crop in a season, and on septoria –– the first to be registered in also sit in this group. But unlike Inatreq, they dose should be adjusted appropriately –– the UK for 15 years. have no practcal activity on ascomycetes 1.5 l/ha is likely to be right for susceptible Univoq combines Inatreq, the new and basidiomycetes fungi. So although they varieties and locations where septoria is a active from Corteva Agriscience, with sit in the same group, there’s no risk of significant problem, he says, while a typical prothioconazole. It offers curative and cross-resistance because they’re not used dose is likely to be 1.25 l/ha. protectant control of all septoria strains, in the same market segment.” “Always apply it in a mixture with different as well as label approval for other major As for its mode of action, Inatreq affects MoAs at balanced doses. Use other diseases in wheat, rye, triticale and durum the mitochondria –– the power station of integrated strategies, such as resistant wheat. Univoq’s iQ-4 formulation is designed fungal cells. It blocks fungal respiration and varieties and decision support systems. to ensure it sticks to and spreads across reduces the ability of a cell to produce All of these elements should be folded the leaf. adenosine triphosphate, inhibiting growth into an effective resistance management “Inatreq is the first example of a new so the fungus dies, continues Greg. strategy,” stresses Greg. chemical class –– the picolinamides and “Strobilurins also bind at complex III, but Available as the co-formulation Univoq, its active ingredient is fenpicoxamid,” on the outside of the membrane (QoI) while this offers effective control of major diseases explains Dr Greg Kemmitt, global fungicide SDHIs target complex II. So there’s no in wheat, notes Stuart Jackson, Corteva development lead at Corteva. target-site cross-resistance to other technical lead for cereal fungicides. “An interesting aspect is that it’s derived chemistries.” He points to 2019 trials with KWS Barrel at from fermentation. We take streptomyces Tests on UK septoria isolates were carried bacteria and ferment it to produce an out at Rothamsted Research by Prof Bart antibiotic –– UK-2A. Then there’s a Fraaje. All had G143A mutation for strobilurin single-step modification with this to deliver resistance and various mutations in Cyp51, Inatreq. When it’s sprayed in the field, the conferring varying levels of resistance to novel element is that it converts back to the triazoles. These were very effectively natural product UK-2A inside the plant or controlled by Inatreq and fluxapyroxad. fungal tissue, which has the fungicidal activity.” Against isolates exhibiting overexpression There’s also a new target site –– the first in and one that may also contain a non-specific nearly two decades in cereals. Inatreq is a efflux pump, Inatreq again showed very quinone inside inhibitor (QiI). “This brings it good control, reports Greg. “When tested on isolates that show a degree of resistance outstanding curative and protective activity Outstanding is how Stuart Jackson describes to the SDHI bixafen, Inatreq again gave against septoria as well as useful activity on Univoq’s level of control of septoria in wheat. leaf rusts,” he says. good control.”
12 crop production magazine may 2021 Sawbridgeworth near Stansted trials in 2019 at Bishop’s Frome, airport comparing T2 doses Herefordshire, on some of Univoq at 1.25 l/ha, 1.5 l/ha Reflection with very high levels and 2 l/ha against a 75% dose of yellow rust. Elatus Era and of Ascra (bixfen+ fluopyram+ Ascra gave good control when prothioconazole), Elatus Era assessed 50 days after (benzovindiflupyr+ prothiocona- application and Univoq per- zole) and Librax (fluxapyroxad+ formed at least as well as Elatus metconazole). Era in the trial,” says Stuart. “There were very high levels Brown rust trials were carried of septoria in the untreated plots. out at Little Clacton, Essex in Univoq showed outstanding 2020 on Crusoe. “Assessed 57 disease control when assessed days after treatment was applied, at 40 days after application, Univoq was every bit as good significantly better than the as the standard Elatus Era current SDHI offering. This treatment.” manifests into grain in the shed Univoq contains 50g/l of –– significantly increased yield fenpicoxamid and 100g/l of over Ascra,” he adds. prothioconazole with only one In 2020, Univoq was dose allowed at a maximum rate compared with Ascra and of 2 l/ha. It can be used from GS Revystar XE (fluxapyroxad+ 30-69 to control septoria, yellow mefentrifluconazole) at Ivington rust, brown rust, fusarium, tan near Leominster in AICC trials spot and powdery mildew in all again on Barrel. Here it gave winter and spring varieties of noticeably better control than wheat, rye, triticale and durum Ascra and Revystar, reports wheat. There’s an aquatic buffer Stuart, and again the benefits zone of 12m and for the first came through in yield response. 30m, 3* low-drift nozzles should “We put Univoq in yellow rust be used. I Trial comparisons give Univoq the edge
A summary of 24 trials in 2020, in a partner fungicide for brown rust which disease was present or follow up with a T3 spray. It was throughout the season, compares the out-and-out septoria trials Univoq at 1.25 l/ha with Revystar where Univoq performed better at 1 l/ha (chart below). 58% of the than Revystar.” trials showed a yield benefit for In 2019, Univoq at a 62.5% Univoq, delivering an overall average dose was compared with an 80% yield advantage of 0.14t/ha. dose of Ascra in 60 trials from UK “The trials where it didn’t and Ireland. 73% of trials showed perform as well as Revystar were a yield advantage of Univoq over brown rust trials where we Ascra Xpro, delivering an overall deliberately didn’t apply a T3 spray,” average benefit of 0.25t/ha. Again, notes Stuart. “Univoq offers about Ascra performed better in brown 3-4 weeks control of brown rust. If rust trials, while it was the septoria you need extra protection, the dose trials where Univoq came to the should be increased to 1.5 l/ha, add fore, notes Stuart. Univoq trial comparison with Revystar XE, 2020
Source: Corteva Agriscience, summary of trials in UK and Ireland. The “trehalose pathway maintains the balance between the source and sink.”
Technical Finding the unicorn Bioscience Insider
One of the more recent What does the science say? Such is the interest in T6P that there’s now discoveries in plant It’s widely accepted that T6P is an indicator an abundance of peer-reviewed research of the sucrose status in plants. It inhibits that demonstrates the role it plays in crops physiology is the trehalose SnRK1 protein kinase, which acts as a and the potential T6P offers to optimise the metabolic pathway. CPM metabolite sensor to constantly link supply genetic yield potential of crop plants by and energy demand. Together the two manipulating its levels. finds out how one of its systems form a feedback loop which signals In a paper published in Plant Physiology signalling molecules can be to the plant where it needs to allocate its in 2018, this was explored by a team at resources. Rothamsted Research, led by Dr Matthew used to help crops recover An easy analogy that illustrates the Paul. He noted that the T6P pathway may from drought stress and importance of the T6P metabolic pathway is widely impact crop improvement. to consider it as the fuel gauge, it tells you The authors also state that increasing T6P yield more. how much is in the tank and how far you promotes biosynthetic pathways associated can travel, explains John. with grain yield, such as starch synthesis, By Lucy de la Pasture T6P is formed from glucose-6-phoshate pointing out that ‘crops are not yet optimized and UDP-glucose (derived from sucrose). to maximize their biosynthetic pathways for “So important is T6P in crop plants that yield in sinks and growth recovery that are For over a century it’s been known that it’s emerged from relative obscurity to be promoted by high T6P, or for the mobilization trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) is produced recognised as an essential signal metabolite of reserves and sugar transport that can in some primitive plants, such as moss, in plants, with influence on growth liverworts and ferns, but the general and development that rivals any other consensus among scientists was that it signalling molecule, including the major wasn’t synthesised in higher, flowering phytohormones. plants. On the rare occasion when traces “T6P signalling regulates metabolism of the metabolite were found, it was in the light of carbon availability and quickly dismissed as being a result of reprogrammes metabolism between microbial contamination. The existence of anabolic or catabolic pathways depending T6P in higher plants was truly as mythical on the carbohydrate status of the plant. as a unicorn. It’s particularly supportive during times of The nature of scientists is to be curious late drought stress as T6P coordinates and probe the limits of current knowledge, carbohydrate partitioning to maintain yield,” but it wasn’t until relatively recently, just explains John. 20 years ago, that a T6P synthesis pathway “It acts as the key regulator in the balance was found to exist in flowering plants. between primary and secondary metabolism This discovery opened the door to the and upregulates photosynthesis to T6P is so important in crop plants that it’s unexpected and far-reaching effects that can compensate for any stresses plants are emerged from relative obscurity to be recognised be achieved from tinkering with the plant’s under, so maintaining growth and grain as an essential signal metabolite, says metabolism, says John Haywood, director development while using resource to John Haywood. of Unium BioScience. combat the stress.
14 crop production magazine may 2021 Bioscience Insider
Regulation of source-sink relations by T6P/SnRK1 Effects of T6P onThe echlorophyllffects of T6P on chlorophyll levels in Winter Wheat Suffolk June 2019 0.06000
0.05500
0.05000
0.04500
0.04000
0.03500
0.03000
0.02500
0.02000 Unt T6P GS 37 T6P GS 37 & 59
Source: Matthew J. Paul et al. Plant Physiol. 2018;177:12-23 Source: Unium trial, Suffolk 2019 enable resilience that are has been widely researched and the more we can see its impact promoted by low T6P.’ numerous peer-reviewed papers on the plant’s ability to achieve its Through understanding the have been produced describing potential by managing sucrose effect of T6P on the plant, it’s its importance, how to practically levels effectively and maintaining possible to see how it could make use of T6P’s undoubted them in balance.” be applied to enhance plant potential in crops has been So in theory, supplementing performance. “Increasing T6P largely ignored, explains John. plants with exogenous levels promotes flux through “Increased chlorophyll levels applications of T6P should bring the biosynthetic pathways and green leaf area duration advantages but manufacturing it associated with growth and yield, supports the impact T6P has isn’t an easy process, explains whereas decreasing T6P levels upon source-sink relations, John. But having cracked it, promotes the mobilization of ie between the photosynthetic Unium now have the first carbon reserves and the factory and grain production. commercially available product movement of carbon associated The enhanced movement of containing the metabolite, with stress responses. carbohydrates to the grain is namely 3Alo-T6P. Elevating levels of T6P during the “Low T6P levels decrease supported by increased flowering period alleviates gene expression for primary photosynthetic rates and Proving the concept physiological stress. metabolism (owth) and increase duration.” Taking 3Alo-T6P into the field gene expression for secondary Because this pathway is the threw up a number of questions could prevent exogenous metabolism. This particularly key regulator of the carbohydrate when a small number of crops applications of T6P from occurs during flowering periods, management in plants, by didn’t show the improvement overcoming any shortfall of so upregulating T6P at this time stimulating this at the correct in yield that the majority of the metabolite in crops,” will promote primary metabolism timing it’s possible to influence others were. explains John. for longer, thereby increasing plant metabolism, gene “It wasn’t until Unium started “By looking at the pathway yield.” expression and overall growth. to examine the T6P pathway in detail, it’s evident there’s It also plays a key role in starch with leading plant physiologists a cascade effect from an From Science to production and amino acid in the US, that several ‘pinch application of the stimulatory Bioscience metabolism, explains John. points’, or other key limiting metabolite. By careful Even though the T6P pathway “The more we learn about T6P, factors, were discovered that considering the rest of the pathway, it was possible to Yield response to 3Alo-T6P look at what the next ‘limiting’ step may be so that could be overcome as well. This approach has helped build a more robust, reliable treatment. “Our detailed, in-field research also discovered a link with nutrition –– we know manganese and boron, in particular, are very important in carbohydrate management and an insufficiency in either of these will reduce the effect of the T6P, hence why this is clearly stated on the label. The negative responses were all found to correlate with manganese/boron insufficiency This is the first time there’s been label recommendations Source: Unium trials, 2018-2019 which link use of a biostimulant L
crop production magazine may 2021 15 the balance between the source and sink so crops can withstand drought impacts. By making sure the supply of T6P is elevated, the flow of carbohydrates to the grain is maintained, reducing the impact of drought on yield.” Initial proof of concept The beneficial effects of 3Alo-T6P work was carried out by will be negated if crops are low in CMI/Greencrop in the UK and manganese or boron. Advanced Crop Chemicals in the USA, adds John.
L to specific nutrients in “When T6P precursor the UK.” molecules were applied to Typical effects when Unium’s wheat, a ‘pulse’ was created. T6P is applied are enhanced This resulted in sucrose being root development, improved drawn into the grain to make shoot development and darker starch, which increased grain leaves due to enhanced size and yield by 20%.” chlorophyll production, Further trials have shown an increasing the photosynthetic average 8% increase in yield capacity of plants. Typical T6P from 3Alo-T6P application over deficiencies are the opposite –– 69 trials, producing a return on pale, larger and thinner leaves. investment of £64/ha, proving Similar impacts have been seen itself to be very consistent and in potatoes when unirrigated, reliable, he adds. he notes. Flowering is a critical time in Pioneers in the field a crop’s development and it’s The science behind T6P is also a time when the crop is exciting and it appears to be very sensitive to environmental doing something different to stresses, such as drought –– other biostimulants on the which is something that seems market, says Mark Hemmant, to be occurring more regularly technical manager at Agrovista. during British summers. This But turning field trials results can result in reduced seed set, into reliable field-scale a reduction in the number of treatments doesn’t always grains per ear, smaller seed follow suit, which is why size and grains of lower nutrient Agrovista invest in further content. Numerous research development work before studies have shown the positive adding biostimulants products impact T6P has on drought to their Innovation range. tolerance, he highlights. “Last year was the first year Wheat grain has three we had T6P in trials and it was phases of development; a challenging season all round. pre-grain filling (first 10 days We had some really good after anthesis), the transition anecdotal evidence in oats that phase to grain filling and the there was an uplift in quality as desiccation phase (30 days well as yield,” he says. after anthesis), explains John. “The oat seeds had higher The levels of T6P are at their specific weights where T6P highest in the pre-grain filling had been applied and that’s phase, falling dramatically from important in a crop where so 10 days post-anthesis. So by much depends on getting a maximising the T6P levels milling premium. Oats are one during this period by applying of those all or nothing crops 3Alo-T6P at the T2 timing, it’s where a small difference in possible to help mitigate grain quality can make a big drought stress and maximise difference to the price you can yield, he believes. sell it for.” “The T6P pathway maintains The influence T6P has on grain quality is an area Agrovista intend to explore further in trials this year. “We’ll be investigating the impacts on grain quality on various cereals –– particularly where achieving milling spec is critical for profitability of the crop. It could be a game changer,” says Mark. More work is also going into finding the best timing and whether there is any synergy to be had in sequencing different biostimulants in the spring. “We’re looking at whether the best effects from T6P are at T2 Mark Hemmant believes that the or T3 or by applying it at both grain effects noted in the field after timings. We also found in last T6P application in oats could be a year’s trials that the biggest game changer if consistent. yield response was from a sequence of products, with an the drought, which makes a amino acid at GS30, Klorofill at recommendation a difficult call T1 and T6P at T2. at this stage. “We’ll be trying to understand “Because environmental better whether this was an stresses are so difficult to accumulative effect or due to predict, our advice is to target one part of the programme in biostimulants during periods particular, though it’s likely that where the crop comes under there’s also a seasonal effect to physiological stress, such as take into account too.” stem extension and during The science behind T6P is flowering. For that reason, also strong when it comes to applying T6P at T2 is a good drought recovery, though Mark timing to help the crop deal feels that a lot may depend with any stresses associated on the timing and duration of with anthesis.” I
Bioscience insider
As the chemistry toolbox continues different seasons. to shrink, a mesmerising array of Its impact on new bio-solutions are coming to seed quality is market, offering a range of benefits of additional and complementary additions. importance for Evaluating just how effective they farm-saved seed when 3Alo-T6P are, and where they’re best placed is applied to the mother crop, can be tricky, however. increasing yield and nutrient density This series of articles opens a of the seed, which has a knock-on window on the science behind effect on the daughter crop these innovations. CPM has performance. This effect amounts teamed up with Unium BioScience to an average 9% increase in gross to explore the background, unravel margin across both crops. This was the physiological processes and confirmed in YEN analysis, where provide analysis on the results of T6P increased the grain nutrient trials. Above all, these articles give content by approx. 15-20% across the grower an inside view on the board, giving a more nutrient some of the exciting opportunities dense seed and grain. biosolutions offer in the field. Learn more by joining 3Alo-T6P has proven a very the Unium technical group consistent and reliable product in https://www.uniumbioscience.com/ Unium trials over several unium-technical-group It’s not just“ the variety that makes the difference – it’s everything you do around it. ”
Technical Battling the beetle Cover all bases
There’s a whole host of other year rotation with wheat and spring strength and ability to crack on rapidly in measures currently surfacing barley. It’s a strategy he’s sticking with, the spring. along with rejecting early drilling as a way “We’re not fans of PGRs, so we don’t want that seem to help oilseed to battle CSFB. our crops over-growthy ahead of the winter. rape through those crucial “Our establishment recipe saw last After the Proline (prothioconazole) they year’s Marshchapel crop through alarming get with their Astrokerb (aminopyralid+ early stages. CPM talks to levels of flea beetle,” explains Mark. “But propyzamide) in late November we don’t two growers for whom it’s harvesting delays meant we sowed later spray them again until mid-flowering. So, and into less good conditions than we like. good light leaf spot resistance and stem not so much which, but Then it was overwhelmed by a combination strength are vital. We also really value the how many of these are of intense slug pressure and winter flooding pod shatter resistance that allows us to on the heavy ground. hold-off on combining for the highest implemented that “We went out of OSR 20 years ago yields without added risk.” brings results. because our original plough-based regime Keen not to have their OSR too forward wasn’t performing. But almost every year too early, 12 August is the earliest date the By Tom Allen-Stevens since we’ve come back into the crop with Stubbs family are prepared to sow. They modern hybrids and single-pass seeding, aim to finish before the final week of the and Rob Jones we’ve averaged 4.5t/ha or more across our month to get their crops established farms. And, despite some early flea beetle ahead of the early September peak of For many oilseed rape growers 2020 damage, we took the bronze YEN award flea beetle migration. harvest was a disappointing one, but for with 6.77t/ha from our DK Exclaim entry in some this led to a determination to 2019, going one better last season with improve chances of a good crop this year. V316OL averaging 6.71t/ha for the silver.” Finding a combination of measures and A&C Stubbs and Sons currently have implementing them carefully looks as 50ha of DK Exclaim and 160ha of HOLL though it may pay off come harvest. –– mainly the latest variety, V367OL –– in the ground. With fewer early pest or YEN-winning defiance establishment pressures, the 2021 crops Last season was the first time Lincs are looking especially promising, boding grower, Mark Stubbs had any oilseed rape well for overall farm performance as well fail since his family partnership re-introduced as further YEN success. it 10 years ago. But this certainly hasn’t “We deliberately chose hybrids for our deterred the double Oilseeds YEN award return to OSR growing, starting off with winner from growing the crop. Excalibur and now DK Exclaim, together Based at Marshchapel, Calcethorpe, on with high value HOLL-growing,” Mark Mark Stubbs received a YEN silver award for his the Wolds near the coast, he grows the says. “Dekalb varieties have always suited 2020 oilseed crop and a bronze award in 2019. crop on a tight one-in-three or once every us well for their consistent all-round
18 crop production magazine may 2021 Single-pass seeding, aim to finish drilling before the final week of August are among measures that ensure successful establishment at Marshchapel.
Taking care to preserve canopies we know deliver best soil moisture and maximise with our three-split, 210kgN/ha seed-to-soil contact in their liquid fertiliser programme. establishment, they are never “We generally set the low afraid to drill when the soil disturbance legs at about 15cm surface is dry either, providing but can go deeper to deal with rain is forecast. That way they any compaction. Dropping the know the crop is ready to go as seed behind the packer into the soon there’s enough moisture 25cm grooves created by the for germination. DD rings we’ve fitted ensures Their successful main it goes in at a consistent 2-3 defence against CSFB is crops cm before being pressed firmly that come through evenly and into place with the double set of all at once, growing away DD rings we tow behind rapidly to establish themselves the machine. strongly below ground more “After extra consolidation than above it. and slug pelleting from the Mark believes that building Cambridge roll within 24-48 soil structure and health over hours, followed by 125kg/ha of the past 10 years has really DAP, we leave the crop to do helped. The least possible what it does best. Falcon tillage in the rotation, winter (propaquizafop) ensures we covers ahead of spring keep on top of cereal volunteers, cropping and regular organic with Centurion Max (clethodim) manuring, has seen soil organic a key element in our matters climb from around 2% programme ahead of the to over 6%. Astrokerb for the blackgrass “We bale all our straw control that’s one of the main because we don’t want it reasons we grow the crop. We interfering with establishment or only use an insecticide when providing shelter for the slugs,” we can’t avoid it.” he explains. “However, we As the family have a good leave 10-15cm of stubble to local source of poultry manure protect the soil surface from and application without drying out and give our OSR incorporation is permitted after seedlings the best micro-climate. sowing, they’re planning to try “Our one-pass modified this instead of the DAP in the Discordon works well, coming autumn for some extra following the baler as closely CSFB deterrence. as possible and sowing at Although large amounts 45 seeds/m2 to deliver our target of shot-holing are seldom population of 20-25 plants/m2. apparent in them, Mark With the spring development believes his policy of only ability of our preferred hybrids, spraying off OSR volunteers this gives us the really from his previous crops a week thick-stemmed, well-branched or so ahead of early October L Battling the beetle
believes will see it through any CSFB damage. Based at Topps Farm on the 550ha Breamore Estate near Fordingbridge, Hants, David’s no stranger to predatory damage in his OSR crop. “We have a lot of pheasants who can graze it down to nothing in places. So I’m used to putting in place inventive measures to ensure a good establishment,” he says. “The difference with CSFB is that it’s over the whole field, rather than just the margins. But just as with pheasants, you can’t afford Varieties with pod shatter resistance allow to start off the season on the back foot.” combining of the Marshchapel crop to be held Last year, he had 109ha in the ground, off for the highest yields without added risk. in a rotation that includes winter wheat, winter and spring barley, linseed and on growth quickly in the spring, with a A trial field of DK Exsteel that performed twice spring oats, with occasional poppies. The medium harvest,” notes David. “We drilled as well as the rest of the 2020 crop convinced soil type overlying chalk is mostly medium at 40 seeds/m2, aiming for an established David Northway to stay with OSR. loam with some gravel and a little clay. crop of 30 plants/m2. Most of the crop was “There were lots of reasons why autumn direct-drilled and we tried to leave a long
L wheat drilling almost certainly helps 2019 was a poor year for the crop. Over stubble as we think that helps, too.” to divert CSFB from his new seeds. most of the area it yielded just 2t/ha. But David believes a consistent seed depth In addition to preventing canopy growth we had one trial field of DK Exsteel. It is important, and this is an aspect he until he really wants it in the spring, not wasn’t in the best place, drilled into struggles to achieve with the farm’s 6m drilling in the first part of August also north-facing white chalk, but it performed Amazone Cayena drill. “The two banks of means few, if any problems with CSFB head and shoulders better than the rest tines don’t work independently, so you do larvae; certainly none that are any threat and came off the field at 4.1t/ha. need a level seedbed. We subsoiled a fifth to the well rooted and resilient stands “That convinced us it was worth staying of the area which, although it established achieved by his establishment regime. with the crop, so we put the whole 52.5ha with more vigour, appeared to thin out into Exsteel this year, although it’s not just more from CSFB. Multiple measures the variety that makes the difference –– it’s “An interesting factor this season was Like many growers, David Northway everything you do around it.” the cover crop, established right next suffered heavy losses with his oilseed In autumn 2020, the crop was drilled door to the OSR about ten days later rape crop last year. So he’s put in place on 22 August. “The variety fits with our and containing two types of radish and a number of measures this year that he system as it’s an early developer, puts brown mustard. I think the CSFB were National study confirms far less CSFB damage this season
Early results from the 2021 noticeably lower autumn CSFB “Unfortunately, as ever, some improved. And even where they are National Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle pressure as well as much better growers have clearly suffered more carrying significant larval burdens, Management Study confirm a soil moisture conditions at drilling,” than most. However, it’s really many crops appear to be sufficiently marked reduction in crop damage observes Bayer study co-ordinator, heartening to see how markedly the well-established and vigorous enough from the pest so far this season. Lizzie Carr-Archer. national position seems to have to deal with them.” Growers across the country, “Less than 20% of the 187 sowing almost 12,000ha of winter crops in our initial data were judged National winter OSR crop position OSR last autumn, report a re-drilling to have suffered an intense or 100% rate of just 4% in the benchmarking substantial challenge from flea beetle 90% 90% 90% study run by Bayer with ADAS and last autumn against more than 50% 80% 67% NIAB in late March/early April. This in 2019. At the same time, only 70% 61% compares with 14% dentified in the around 15% of this season’s crops 60% almost identical study undertaken at had to deal with low or very low soil 50% the same time last spring. moisture conditions at establishment 40% What’s more, 90% of this compared with nearly 40% last | 30% P r
season’s crops survived to the season. o 20%
p 14% o
spring and all are being taken “For the second year in a row, r 10% t
i 4% o through to harvest, against 67% earlier August drillings gave higher n 0% o Re-drilled Surviving to the spring Being taken to harvest f
and 61% respectively in 2020 levels of crop survival,” she notes. c r
o 2020/21 2019/20 p
(see chart right). “The differences between these and s
“This much improved position later drillings was far less than in Source: Bayer National CSFB Management Studies 2020 and 2021 results from a combination of 2019, though.
20 crop production magazine may 2021 Battling the beetle
Battling the beetle
Building on our well-received 2020 series with robust and dependable varieties that have always leading UK researchers and advisers, CPM and been the Dekalb trademark. We hope this helps Bayer are working together again this season everyone take advantage of the opportunities to share the latest experience in combatting offering them the greatest value. cabbage stem flea beetle –– this time with By doing so we are confident the UK growers up and down the country who are can effectively minimise the threat successfully doing so. CSFB presents, restoring faith This is part of Bayer’s role in providing in winter OSR as the best cereal trusted support to OSR growers and their break even amongst those who DK Exsteel fits with the farm as it’s an early agronomists that goes well beyond the most have been worst hit by the pest. developer, puts on growth quickly in the spring, with a medium harvest. drawn into the radish by preference seems to suit our soil. So we’ll probably because it was at just the right stage stick with Exsteel. measures we’ve undertaken –– the more when they were migrating,” he says. “But I can’t hand on heart say there was robust the plant, the better it survives, The seed was dressed with Integral Pro any one factor that’s given us a crop with while the quicker it grows, the more and the seedbed received 195kg/ha of potential this year. It’s the combination of potential it’ll have,” David concludes. I Agrii-Start OSR, delivering 46kgN/ha and 61kg/ha P2O5. “I’ve had comments locally about how well the crop established,” says David. “In the spring, the quick growth is really important for us –– our soils are not the best, particularly when it’s cold and dry, so the quicker the crop pulls away the better. A 300kg/ha application in late Feb of Origin Enhanced-N (OEN) with
Polysulphate put 69kgN/ha, 21kg/ha K2O and 72kg/ha of SO3 into the crop. The OEN is slow release, which should help make N available to the crop as it needs it. This was followed a month later with 180kg/ha of Single Top (49kgN/ha +
22kg/ha SO3),” he adds. With the crop now in mid flower, there are plans next year to increase the OSR area back up to around 100ha. “We’ve had quite a few Dekalb varieties over the years, and they seem to have it about right –– I like the pod shatter plus double phoma resistance and the way they go through the growth stages
Plenty of pheasant grazing at Breamore leads to a number of inventive measures put in place to ensure a good establishment. Growers “want to buy assurance. ”
Something to get Technical Insiders View Excited about…
As oilseed rape continues through the UK system –– DK Extrovert continually proven its ability to deliver to fight for its place in the is a great example of this.” consistent performance in a range of Matthew says that Excited –– along with locations since.” rotation, improved genetics fellow stable mate DK Expectation –– is the Looking to its TuYV resistance, Matthew may encourage growers to be next step up in Dekalb’s OSR breeding reckons there’s a real demand in the programme. “When we’re designing a new market for varieties that boast this trait. more confident in how it variety, we start by thinking about new “It seems to be what the market wants, so as could perform. CPM reviews parental lines and how, or where, they could breeders, it’s important that we can deliver fit as part of a final hybrid. But essentially, it’s that within our varieties. It’s also worth noting Dekalb’s latest TuYV resistant all about considering what we can bring in to that resistant types have also benefited from variety, DK Excited. progress things. higher yields. So while TuYV isn’t completely “For us, it’s not necessarily about disastrous, having that inherent resistance By Charlotte Cunningham making huge, short-lived changes, but more could be another way of squeezing out about incremental improvements to existing those extra yield percentages.” varieties, aimed at characteristics like yield Bayer campaign manager, Lizzie AHDB’s Recommended List has been the and oil content.” Carr-Archer, agrees and says there long-standing ‘go-to’ for cereals and has been a shift in TuYV resistance oilseed rape growers. TuYV resistance importance. “We have always said that traits However, a variety’s recognition on the To name-drop a few standout features, like TuYV shouldn’t come at the expense of list and its performance in the field are not DK Excited boasts TuYV resistance –– other things like light leaf spot, as we know always mutually exclusive. as well as double phoma and pod shatter that is a major yield robber.
In fact, in the OSR market, some of the resistance –– wrapped in a package that “However, what we’ve tried to achieve L best-selling varieties have never appeared delivers rapid vigour in the autumn and on the RL, and hoping to follow suit is the good oil content at harvest. latest offering from the Dekalb stable, However, from a breeding perspective, DK Excited –– one of two new hybrids with it’s Excited’s all-round robustness that has turnip yellows virus (TuYV) resistance. impressed Matthew the most. “Looking at “The decision to enter a variety into the RL both our breeding trials and commercial has to be made at quite an early stage. The data, DK Excited has proven to be reality is that we’ve got a broad European incredibly robust across a wide range portfolio of varieties and not all can be of environments. If we compare this to entered into every national trial set at the something like newly-recommended same time,” explains breeder, Matthew DK Expectation, which is has done well in Clarke. “By the time we realised how good UK trials, DK Excited does the same but DK Excited was for the UK, it was a little over a much wider geography –– meaning too late. it’s likely to be an option for a bigger range “However, this shouldn’t deter growers of growers. Matthew Clarke says that Excited is the next step and there have been many excellent “This was actually something we picked up in Dekalb’s OSR breeding programme. varieties grown here that haven’t gone out early in its development and it’s
22 crop production magazine may 2021
Insiders view
can just put it anywhere and it will do well.” James echoes the view that the vigour of the variety could help growers stand the best chance against CSFB damage. “DK Excited really demonstrates exactly what hybrid vigour is and the regrowth in the spring is also really good. What’s more, Dekalb’s establishment assurance scheme is one of the best in the business –– in my opinion –– which provides a huge safety net for growers sitting on the fence over whether or not they should continue to grow OSR. Ultimately, growers want to buy assurance. Dekalb’s Establishment Scheme will be running Duncan Durno says that TuYV resistance is a “The only problem with this, is that again this year to encourage farmers to buy good ‘must-have’ for varieties. labelling a variety as ‘vigorous’ has just genetics that they can be confident in, says Lizzie become a standard part of branding and Carr-Archer. L with DK Excited is a good all-round marketing, but from what we’ve seen in package –– as well as TuYV resistance. trials, DK Excited really is at the top end When you can stack TuYV on top of all of of growth.” TuYV is just as difficult to control for OSR those other good traits, then you’re only growers.” bolstering that overall disease package.” Extrapolate the data With minimal issues from CSFB, OSR is Double phoma and pod shatter resistance With no official RL data to compare against an important break crop for Staffs grower, have become standard components in other varieties, potential growers have to use Rob Atkin. “We have 397ha of arable ground Dekalb varieties and Matthew credits this to breeder’s data as a guide to DK Excited’s and about 52.6ha of this goes to OSR –– for their success so far. “Particularly with pod potential performance. While this is not us, it’s been a really good break crop and shatter, I think a lot of growers have realised strictly comparable with sources like the we haven’t had too many problems with what an advantage this trait can bring. Not RL, it does give a good indication of how it’s CSFB damage, though we know it will move only in terms of yield protection, but also for likely to perform, says James. “In the case of into the area more.” protecting future crops. We’ve seen a lot of Excited, if we were to extrapolate the data But when it comes to selecting varieties, cases where OSR volunteers have had an and cross reference it against other varieties it’s a different kind of pest that the farm look impact on future wheat crops, for example.” on the RL, we think this variety would to protect themselves from. “We’re on an As the long-term future of OSR certainly be in the top half of the table.” estate where a lot of shooting is done, so our continues to hang in the balance due to its Though Excited’s yield is good, James biggest threats are actually pheasants and continued issues with cabbage stem flea reckons that for many OSR growers this is partridges. Therefore, when picking out a beetle, the rapid vigour of DK Excited could no longer a key priority when it comes to variety, we’re looking for something that can help to give growers the upper hand in the variety selection. “At the moment, just be drilled early and get up and away quickly battle against the beetle. “A major part of the getting a crop of OSR to grow is a priority, let to minimise the crop damage risk.” CSFB strategy now is getting a crop up and alone achieving high yields. So for me, the This year, Rob is trialling 21ha of Excited away quickly in the autumn and continuing key things I’m looking for –– in order of as a result of his former variety starting to that vigour in the spring. Having vigorous, importance –– are vigour, specific traits like drop off slightly yield-wise. “We picked robust varieties will undoubtedly play an TuYV, and then yield. out Excited largely for its vigour and important role in this respect,” notes Matthew. “It’s important to approach growing Another neat feature of the variety is its OSR with the right mindset. If you choose OSR assurance performance in the early drilling window, a variety that provides reliability across which could open up its suitability to a wide the whole package then you’re going to For those who want to take a punt on DK range of growers, reckons Lizzie. have the best chance of getting a crop Excited, but are nervous about the prospect “In the past, hybrids have traditionally been to harvest.” of a failed crop, once again this year Dekalb drilled later. However, DK Excited Openfield’s Duncan Durno also believes is running its popular Establishment Scheme is stiff strawed and actually suits an DK Excited is likely to be a popular option –– which is geared up to support the earlier position –– doing well when drilled with growers. There has been a good string growing of hybrids including Excited. “The anywhere between 1 Aug -1 Sept. This, of varieties from Dekalb over the past few scheme means that if a grower drills DK combined with its vigour, could be really years known for their rapid establishment, Excited prior to 20 Sept and the field fails to useful for a range of growers and early growth habit and vigour. DK Excited is establish before the end of Oct, then they situations across the country.” an extension of this, but with the added are entitled to a credit of £100/bag,” From the seed trade perspective, ADM benefit of TuYV resistance –– protecting the explains Lizzie. “We know there is a lot of Agriculture’s James Barlow claims Excited is variety’s inherent yield potential.” nervousness around growing OSR, so a ‘do anything’ variety. “From what we’ve He adds that TuYV is a ‘must-have’ for including DK Excited within the scheme this seen, you can drill it early or late, it has good varieties now. “TuYV is a real issue and the year is our way of putting a stamp of quality vigour, phoma and light leaf spot resistance level of crops infected is something that and trust on the variety. and of course, TuYV resistance. As well as ought to be emphasised more. If we look at “Our goal is to provide farmers with robust this, the pod shatter protection makes it a what’s happened in sugar beet with peach genetics that they can be confident in.” really attractive choice –– it seems like you potato aphid (virus yellows) for example,
24 crop production magazine may 2021 Insiders view
“It started well again in the spring and was quick to get up and going and actually was one of the first fields to flower.” With a strong inherent disease profile, DK Excited is also showing ‘massive potential’ for organic OSR production, yielding 0.5t/ha more than one of the top UK Recommended TuYV-resistant hybrids DK Excited is one of two new hybrids with TuYV in field-scale Scottish farm trial work resistance. overseen by independent agronomist, Andy Cheetham. strength of the variety makes it especially As well as TuYV and pod shatter well-suited to organic production. resistance which Andy considers essential “As we learn more about growing OSR Rob Atkin is looking for a vigorous variety to help for organic regimes, DK Excited proved organically and fine-tune our agronomy to protect against pests. markedly more resistant to LLS in practice make the most of it, I’m convinced we can than the leading RL hybrid grown get very much more out of DK Excited, in performance out of the autumn, which ticked alongside it, he says. Add its double phoma particular,” he stresses. “It was much the big boxes for me straight away. For us, resistance and rapid autumn development bigger-stemmed, more robust, and better we’d rather a crop was looking slightly –– especially important in dealing with branched and podded than its RL rival. It forward in Sept/Oct to ensure it doesn’t weeds –– and he believes the all-round has massive potential.” I get hammered by pheasants.” Rob drilled the Excited on 22 Aug, at 40 seeds/m2, and says it’s looking really well so far. “It’s just starting to flower but it looks really well. It came out of the winter strong –– in fact, we were a little worried we’d have to slow it down,” he laughs.
In Staffs, Rob Atkin’s crop of DK Excited is looking well. DK Excited at a glance
Yield (% treated controls) Seed yield 104 Disease Light leaf spot 6 Phoma 8 TuYV R Agronomy Pod shatter resistance R Resistance to lodging 8 Stem stiffness 7 Earliness of flowering 7 Earliness of maturity 6 Height 6 Oil content (%) 45 Source: Bayer private data – not directly comparable with other sources e.g. AHDB Recommended Lists. Now is the “time to have a new resistance.”
A breakthrough Technical Innovation insight in genetics
After 20 years of research work by breeders NPZ –– LSPB’s exclusive it comes to the resistance itself there are two and testing, LSPB has shareholder. kinds to be aware of.” To set the scene, plant breeders in Firstly, there’s quantitative resistance, commercially launched two countries such as France are beginning to which is based on several genes with minor oilseed rape varieties see a widespread breakdown of the Rlm7 effects, he explains. “Selection is made by gene. And while it’s important to note that field observations, and while it doesn’t stop containing a new resistance the same issues aren’t yet a problem for UK infection, it can reduce the impact, is often gene – RlmS – with claims growers, experts say that if the gene isn’t more durable and supports the longevity of protected, then there’s a strong possibility R-gene resistance. it offers greater protection that the same series of events could well “The other type is R-gene related against phoma. CPM explores follow. resistance. This is based on one gene with a major effect. Selection is based on cotyledon the breakthrough in genetics. Losing its efficacy testing and –– if possible –– molecular Putting this into perspective, 2020 studies markers, with the resistance itself often By Charlotte Cunningham carried out by Marie-Hélène Balesdent in introgressed from wild relatives. Unlike France have shown that Rlm7 is losing its quantitative resistance, it stops infection efficacy with only 70-80% non-virulent races from the beginning.” Since Rlm7 came onto the scene, oilseed identified from across eight trial sites. In Cotyledon testing involves infecting the rape has enjoyed the protection the gene contrast, the new RlmS gene proved to be plant seven days after sowing and scoring
has brought against phoma –– arguably 100% effective. after 14 days. “The advantage of this is that L one of the most important diseases in So how do we protect it? Much like using OSR production. a range of actives is key for the protection of And while the gene continues to be an chemistry, to protect Rlm7, breeders believe effective part of the strategy, there’s no using a range of resistant genes is essential. escaping the concern that reliance on any This is where RlmS comes in –– as an kind of singular resistance will undoubtedly, alternative, not a direct replacement. eventually, lead to challenges. But before we move into the nitty gritty of This, teamed with the effects of global how it works, let’s jump back to how and warming and the wet and mild winter often where it all began, and ask how exactly one worsening the prevalence of resistant pests goes about breeding phoma resistance. and diseases give considerable cause for NPZ’s winter OSR breeding leader breeding to focus on the ‘what’s next’ of the Dr Christian Flachenecker says there are two resistance strategy. options when it comes to developing phoma And it was this sentiment exactly that resistant varieties. “When you’re looking for has led to the birth of the new winter OSR new resistance, you go back to academic Dr Christian Flachenecker is leading the winter varieties containing the RlmS gene –– a partners and research to guide you on OSR breeding programme at NPZ. product of more than 20 years of hard where you might source this from. But when
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Innovation insight
assess adult plant resistance. This involved bringing plants from the field and replanting them in a cold house, before purposely infecting them with phoma spores which meant cutting the stems and placing the spore on the injured part of the plant. “The plants were then left to grow in the cold house and at stage BBC65 (flowering) were dug out again and the stems were cut at the base to score the cross section for phoma symptoms. This method enabled Respect and Flemming come from a new and us to bring the RlmS resistance into elite exciting generation of hybrids, says Chris Guest. A new gene, and subsequent new genetics, can material.” really give growers more robust control as well to find a way of putting it into winter material as helping to protect what they already have, Main challenge for winter OSR, which involved procedures says David Leaper. The main challenge with breeding new such as bringing up the winter hardiness as resistance is the time it takes, explains well as getting rid of any undesirable traits. L it’s a fast way to detect phoma resistance Christian. “New resistances are often “This takes another three to four years in breeding material and works well for the screened in co-operation with academic and it can be a real challenge to get rid of R-gene related strains of resistance,” partners. If we decide on a promising unwanted traits while maintaining that high explains Christian. “The disadvantages of resistance donor, for example, from a level of resistance.” this method, however, are that farmers are related species, it takes many crosses and Just like the coronavirus, the fungal interested in the adult plant resistance and back-crosses with elite germplasms to pathogens causing phoma stem canker this doesn’t take into account quantitative produce a plant which looks like OSR can mutate and change rapidly, presenting resistances (needed for high adult plant and carries the new resistance. This is the another challenge to both breeders and resistance) and some major R genes.” longest part of the process and can take growers, explains Christian. “This means In the case of RlmS, the challenge came anywhere between 5-10 years. new races develop that can overcome the as there was no molecular marker at the time “After this, breeders take over the material resistance that has been bred. It’s not an if, of discovery which could be used to confirm –– which is still not adapted to the final but a when, and even with a new gene like the resistance. “Here, we had to use the market. For example, in the case of RlmS, RlmS, we know as breeders that it’s a matter ‘Winkelmann test’ which was developed by resistance was introduced from turnip rape of time before it become less effective, an NPZ breeder around 15 years ago to to spring OSR and then we as breeders had which is why we’re always looking for the next generation of resistance. A breakdown in resistance “Remember, the RlmS process started a long time ago, and while the launch may be In 2018 a studied carried out by Mitrousia et well timed due to reduced efficacy from al, from the University of Hertfordshire, looked other resistant genes, it’s something we were at the effectiveness of Rlm7 resistance against working on before this was a potential issue. Leptosphaeria maculans –– more commonly In fact, when this process began Rlm7 was known as phoma stem canker –– in UK winter very new and very effective, so there was no OSR cultivars. ‘need’ for something new at the time. But Dr Yongju Huang was one of the researchers the more widely grown these genes are, working on the project. “The Rlm7 gene in OSR the more chance they have at eventually is an important source of resistance for control breaking down. of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape caused “What is happening in France –– where by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. This more than 40% of all varieties grown contain study showed the first report of L. maculans the Rlm7 gene –– is a prime example of why isolates virulent against Rlm7 in the UK. it is essential to have several resistances in “L. maculans isolates virulent against Rlm7 observed. Major resistance genes played a role the mix to protect.” represented 3% of the pathogen population in preventing severe phoma leaf spotting at In 2015, NPZ was able to register the first when cultivars with the Rlm7 gene represented the beginning of the cropping season and, in winter OSR variety containing RlmS, but 5% of the UK OSR area in 2012/13. addition, quantitative resistance in the cultivars since then, have continued to improve the “However, the Rlm7 gene has been widely examined made an important contribution to varietal package taking us to today where used since then, representing >15% of the control of phoma stem canker development at LSPB have two new varieties in their portfolio UK OSR area in 2015/16. Winter OSR field the end of the cropping season. –– both boasting this new resistance in an experiments included cultivars with the Rlm7 “Deployment of the Rlm7 resistance all-round attractive package for growers. gene, with the Rlm4 gene or without Rlm genes gene against L. maculans in cultivars with “Historically, we’ve probably not been and took place at five sites in the UK over four quantitative resistance in combination with loud enough about who we are and who our cropping seasons. sustainable disease management practices shareholders are, meaning the innovation “An increase in phoma leaf spotting severity will prolong the use of this gene for effective we’ve brought to the UK hasn’t always been on Rlm7 cultivars in successive seasons was control of phoma stem canker epidemics.” seen and recognised as ours,” explains Chris Guest, managing director at LSPB.
28 crop production magazine may 2021 Innovation insight
extended and resilient phoma resistance in the field. “The unique phoma resistance is also associated with strong overall plant health, and the gene has especially good stem resistance which we believe also brings better protection against the increasingly important pathogens of verticillium and sclerotinia.” Chris reckons that the OSR area is set With no molecular marker available to confirm to rebound to sustainable levels this genetic resistance, NPZ used the ‘Winkelmann’ test. The RlmS breeding process began over 20 years autumn as, by most measures, it’s the best ago in Australia. break crop on a gross margin basis. “The “We are 100% owned by NPZ, who have heightened resistance from our new varieties genetics and we’re in a situation in the UK operations all over the globe and their own to phoma - and added TuYV resistance –– where there’s a lot of reliance on Rlm7,” he innovation department, meaning we can will be an important weapon in the armoury explains. “A new gene, and subsequent new put ourselves right at the forefront of for growers.” genetics, can really give growers more game-changing developments, to deliver robust control, as well as helping to protect significant improvements to the UK market Succession of improvements what we already have –– it’s a tremendous through genetics.” He says that the introduction of the RlmS triumph that breeders have developed this.” Looking a little more closely at the gene is the next step up for LSPB’s breeding David says Respect has performed well in varieties which boast RlmS resistance, programme which has delivered huge Agrii trials last year with high treated (108%) Respect –– which was added to the AHDB benefits to growers in recent years. “Our and very high untreated (103%) yields. Recommended List this year –– is one of the winter OSR breeding programme has “It has a good autumn and spring growth latest additions to the LSPB portfolio. “It’s a brought a succession of improved varieties habit, stiff stem and outstanding disease hybrid that we believe will become a new to the RL over the years. Currently these resistance which makes it a suitable variety benchmark for plant health and yield include clubroot resistant Croozer and for earlier drilling. It has also performed stability,” says Chris. Crome, plus the HEAR variety Resort. consistently well in AHDB trials over the “Along with its resistance to phoma it has “Respect and Flemming are a new and past three years.” a high, consistent yield performance and exciting generation of hybrids set to continue “It’s suitable for all soils and the East vigorous growth habit in the autumn and our track record of innovative breeding and West region of the UK until further spring regrowth.” advances for the benefit of all UK OSR information is available, and can be drilled Flemming is another first for the UK growers. from early Aug right through to early Sept. market as a next generation hybrid with “Genetic resistance brings real security to At 143cm, it’s a relatively tall variety, but stacked traits, adding turnip yellows virus growers. We have the market for it, and we also has, good stem stiffness (8), lodging resistance (TuYV) to the RlmS resistance, can be certain that the varieties do have resistance (8) and medium maturity (5).” he adds. “It’s on the RL candidate list resistance –– which helps to bring an “Respect has an excellent disease profile, coming up for consideration this autumn and element of reliability to a crop which has obviously including the new RlmS gene promises the same yield performance and had a turbulent few years.” which provides an alternative to Rlm7 autumn vigour as Respect, with a more Agrii’s David Leaper has been assessing genetics and is good for long-term and prostrate growth habit.” the performance of Respect in trials over the sustainable phoma control. It’s important to note that the RlmS gene past two years and concurs that the new “It also has a robust light leaf spot rating is distinct from those widely found in current RlmS gene will help provide greater security (7) and the best tolerance of verticillium (8) OSR varieties, notes Chris. “By developing to growers. “There has always been concern of any variety tested by Agrii last year, our hybrids with different genetics, we give over putting too much pressure on single though it’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t have the trait for pod shatter resistance RlmS nomenclature or TuYV.” I
If you were wondering why the new RlmS gene “As I understand, the resistance gene RlmS Innovation Insight doesn’t follow the usual number-naming is derived from turnip rape and there is no pattern, Yongju explains the nomenclature. information about the corresponding pathogen CPM would like to thank LSPB for kindly “For the host resistance genes against effector gene. LSPB believe that this is a new sponsoring this article, and for providing phoma stem canker pathogen L. maculans, type of resistance gene, so it is named as privileged access to staff and material they have been named according to the RlmS.” used to help put the article together. understanding of the corresponding pathogen Christian adds: “Yongju mentioned RlmS is effector genes. There is a gene-for-gene derived from turnip rape, more precise from relationship between the host and the brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris. In the first pathogen. Because the pathogen effector publications from Australia, they also called it genes were named as AvrLm1, AvrLm2…, sylvestris-resistance and we believe that the the corresponding OSR resistance genes were “S” refers to Sylvestris.” named as Rlm1, Rlm2…
crop production magazine may 2021 29
We have to“ live with pathogens – rather than seek to defeat them with chemistry or genetics we should encourage a diversity of beneficial microbes that outcompete them.”
Technical Regenerative agriculture Biology comes first
For the regenerative “That’s not to say there aren’t some traits resources that could have a huge impact for agriculture grower, the worth picking out, but there’s so much more farming.” potential and diversity we can build into our He points to the involvement of the large question this autumn is not wheats. There’s also currently a naivety agrochemical companies –– both BASF and so much which wheat variety around certain genetic traits to deliver Syngenta have developed programmes with resilience when this could actually result varieties expected for commercial release in is the most resilient, but how in more serious agronomic issues.” the mid 2020s. Just recently Bayer and resilient is the system it’ll be RAGT announced a joint venture to develop High resistance scores hybrid wheat. placed in. CPM assesses the Here he points to the varieties on the RL “The ag-chem companies bring with them priorities. brandishing high scores for resistance to massive global resources and the potential Septoria tritici. “It’s a great achievement for to truly exploit a wide pool of genetics that By Tom Allen-Stevens breeders to have so many high-yielding currently commercial breeders simply can’t varieties with good disease scores. But justify. Hybrid wheat won’t necessarily many of these have Cougar in their improve crop grain yields on the best For those committed to regenerative parentage –– eight of the ten soft wheats to soils, but it can offer more resilience and agriculture, looking for their soils and have been added in the past three years, opportunities to improve the agronomy in their farming system to naturally including all the new Group 3 varieties. this area as well as on second-rate and complement the potential of their crop, AHDB research published in 2019 suggests more marginal land.” variety choice may not be as simple as this resistance was broken in 2015.” So what can the regenerative agriculture picking out a few key criteria from the Bill’s concerned that this is a heavy enthusiast do now? “Firstly, do your own L AHDB Recommended Lists. reliance on one source of genetic resistance. Top-line yield may be pushed down the If it transfers into the national wheat area, this priority list in favour of disease resistance, or may cause it to break down as septoria lodging scores. The more analytical grower evolves to sidestep the genetic barrier, may put their requirements through the resulting in more aggressive populations of AHDB Variety Selection tool that weighs the disease. “We’ve seen this with yellow agronomic merit against yield, or look for rust –– it’s sometimes better to go for a information on aspects such as grassweed variety with good background resistance, so competitiveness from the likes of Agrii’s a lower overall score, but one you can rely Advisory Lists. on. The key aspect, though, is to look at the But even these resources may be offering parentage, rather than just the disease little more than a simplistic way to find a truly ratings.” regenerative wheat, believes independent The “huge opportunity” for wheat breeder Bill Angus. “What you find on the breeding comes in what Bill calls RL and in commercial breeders’ lines only ‘agronomising genetics’. “Hybrid wheat has Bill Angus believes that what you find on the RL just scratches the surface of the genetic the potential to transform how we grow the only just scratches the surface of the genetic variability wheats can deliver,” he says. crop, and draws on the sorts of genetic variability wheats can deliver.
30 crop production magazine may 2021 t Regenerative agriculture
Bill Angus’ top RL tips for the regen ag grower
It’s a tricky balance for the regenerative agriculture weaknesses. Although you can say the same a different set of genetics to other popular grower to find wheats with enough resilience of KWS Extase (Boisseau x Solheio), the high wheats. RGT Saki (Cougar x KWS Santiago) looks without relying too heavily on their genetics. CPM projected area of this variety carries with it a interesting, but if its septoria resistance wavers, asked Bill to pick out his favoured front-runners. basket of risk in terms of dependence on one so too will its yield potential. Group 1 – Crusoe (Cordiale x Gulliver) It’s the set of genetics, and it’s susceptible to eyespot. Group 4 hard – Graham (Premio x Expert), one variety on the RL that millers have to use to Group 3 – KWS Barrel (Bantam x Viscount) Costello (CPBTW151 x CPBT W134), make bread. With good septoria resistance and Yes, Barrel. Though probably best for growers in Theodore (Stigg x Tuxedo) The ultimate high protein, the genetics originate from the the North. It has a low score for septoria but you blend for the discerning regen ag grower and dicoccoides subspecies, that’s still rare in UK lines, know where you are with it, and it performs a complementary trio of genetics. Graham is and it’s the longest-serving variety on the RL, so is consistently. Southern growers and those who probably the best all-rounder. Costello brings its unlikely to throw up any surprises. want to try one of the new lines could go for consistency and impressive specific weight. This Group 2 – KWS Siskin (KWS Sterling x CPBT LG Astronomer ((Cougar x Leeds) x Britannia). balances Theodore’s major weakness, but it W134) While growers on more fertile sites and Group 4 soft – LG Skyscraper ((Cassius x has the valuable septoria resistance from its heavier land will want to avoid it, Siskin has good NAWW 29) x KWS Santiago) Top of the Group 4 dicoccoides parentage. septoria resistance and no other major disease lines and incredibly consistent, the variety leans on
parentage of the wheats you grow. A blend of varieties, especially for the feed grower, is a very good option here. “Finally, don’t take your foot off the disease-control pedal –– there is a synergy between modern varieties and the chemistry we use on them. Rely too heavily on the genetics and major pathogens will quickly evolve.” While foliar diseases dominate the Many of the new varieties on the RL have Cougar thinking here, Bill cautions growers to bear As with yellow rust, it’s sometimes better to go in their parentage. in mind the impact their wheat choice has for a variety with good background disease on soil-borne pathogens. “We know from resistance that’s less likely to break down.
L on-farm trials –– work out what varieties take-all research that you can upset the soil work best for you in your own situation and fungal balance by growing a variety that understand, but maybe the greatest assess overall return, rather than just yield. is susceptible as a first wheat, leading to influence on resilience a regenerative grower Secondly, look beyond the headline RL problems with the subsequent crop,” can have is to develop the soil biology figures and seek to bring in a basket of he explains. through their cropping, cultivation and diverse traits –– it’s essential to know the “It’s an area we’re just beginning to varietal choice. We have to live with
Gentle nudge for carbon credits
Arable farmers interested in receiving income scheme do so with the help of a qualified for carbon offsetting through a new farmer-led agronomist. Details of the production system initiative have until the end of May to register entered on the online platform include tillage their interest. practices, handling of straw and residues, Gentle Farming, started by fourth generation fertiliser data, fuel use and post-crop practice for Lincs farmer, Thomas Gent, is an online platform each field registered. Once measurements are which he claims is the first in the UK to offer verified, blockchain-secure certificates are growers fully verified carbon-trading certificates. issued and payments made after harvest. Operated via European soil carbon certification “As an example, inputting 50ha for the first program, Commodicarbon, income for farmers time may take around 30mins and could yield following regenerative practices can typically be 150t of carbon, worth a projected £25-30/t Income from carbon trading for farmers following in the region of £60-90/ha and may be as high after costs,” says Thomas who claims strong regenerative practices can typically be in the region of £60-90/ha, says Thomas Gent. as £150/ha for those sequestering 5t/ha CO2e. relationships with a range of carbon buyers. “The way it works is that each certificate “We market these credits as a means to farming brand,” he adds. issued by Commodicarbon represents 1t CO2e invest in regenerative agriculture, demonstrating sequestered by a farmer in their soil. Each the clear biodiversity, water quality and The introductory cost to participate in the certificate is uniquely identifiable, and can be community benefits of this farming system. In initiative is £43/month for which you get tracked to the specific field,” says Thomas. the future we plan to link the sale of additional 80% of the carbon sales price. He recommends growers enrolling for the produce from the farm under a regenerative www.gentle-farming.co.uk
32 crop production magazine may 2021 Regenerative agriculture pathogens –– rather than seek to defeat averages a relatively high 70%, and them with chemistry or genetics we should that each farm will have its own unique encourage a diversity of beneficial microbes population. “It’s the system, not the genetics that outcompete them,” notes Bill. that has the biggest influence on AMF,” This is exactly what Simon Cowell has he says. been aiming to do across the 160ha of “Take-all susceptible varieties or practices arable cropping he has at Motts Farm, near that encourage the pathogen will compete Southminster, Essex. The heavy clay soils with AMF –– it quickly grows long thin have been direct drilled for the past 17 hyphae, while AMF is shorter and slower years, currently with either a Simtech growing. An AMF content that’s nurtured Aitchison (tine) or Moore Unidrill (disc). is much stronger, however, and will In recent years, he’s developed an out-compete pathogens –– I can’t remember interest in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi the last time we had problems with a (AMF). Current understanding is that the soil-borne disease and never have to treat The massive resources ag-chem companies AMF hyphae form a symbiotic relationship for them, while wheat seems much more can bring to hybrid wheat have the potential to with plant roots, extending the effective ‘root’ resilient to yellow rust and we often miss out transform how the crop is grown. surface area by 100-1000 times. a fungicide spray altogether. Growing variety As well as improving soil structure and blends helps here, too. return. There’s so much more to learn, supporting healthy plant growth, AMF can “I don’t think AMF will boost yield, but you though, so who knows what potential there alleviate stress, help drought tolerance and do get a healthier plant, which boosts overall could be?” I degrade pollutants. Research suggests that in the presence of AMF, plants will get the fungi to do all the work on processing phosphate, and can even do the same for nitrogen and zinc, to a certain point. “We’ve been carrying out tests to gauge the AMF content of our soils –– there’s a standard test available,” Simon explains. “We’re also doing wheat variety trials to see how they perform in a no-till situation.” Soil disturbance is known to have the biggest destructive effect on AMF, while continuous crop cover will encourage them. But they don’t like brassicae, such as oilseed rape and mustard, and this can actually drive down the fungal community. “30% colonisation of AMF is reckoned to be pretty good,” continues Simon. “You can influence this through your cropping with legumes being particularly beneficial and perennial crops, such as grass and lucerne, boosting the balance. We haven’t grown OSR for 12 years and found through our trials that different wheat varieties also have an influence.” While the variance between lowest and highest here is as much as 20%, Simon stresses that the content of AMF in his soils
You can upset the soil fungal balance by growing a variety that is susceptible to take-all as a first wheat, affecting the subsequent crop. Insiders View
Sky-high untreated yield now sits around 71%, showing the superior performance growers can expect to get from Astronomer.” In terms of treated yields, at 101, it’s not the highest on the resistance The septoria table but is still good, and “score in particular boasts a score of 102 in the East, putting Astronomer on gives Astronomer a par with its fellow Limagrain real edge. stable mates in that region, ” adds Ron. To assess geographic performance, in 2019 the team at Limagrain assessed the yield potential at four sites in the South East, as well as in Scotland –– where Astronomer could likely find a home due to its distilling status. “In a testing season, Astronomer was up there with Technical one of the best.” In terms of rotational position, Ron says Insiders View Astronomer seems to be a good second wheat, as well as a first. “From the data we have so far, I wouldn’t say it’s outstanding In a group jam-packed with to make Astronomer stand out from its as a second wheat –– compared with competitors is a really robust disease something like LG Prince –– but it has new options, Limagrain’s profile, explains wheat breeder Phil Tailby. potential.” latest offering claims the “These parents combine the best of all Looking at soil type for best performance, worlds in a resilient, secure package.” Ron reckons the variety is swaying towards title of the best septoria As well as a unique combination of 9s for doing slightly better on medium-to-heavy resistance within the UK both yellow and brown rust, Astronomer soils, though this is based on limited data scores best in class for septoria resistance, due to the difficultly with trials last year Flour Millers (UKFM) Group 3 with a score of 7.4. “Septoria resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It doesn’t category. CPM reviews comes from all three varieties, but in particular seem to like drought situations which are Cougar, and many varieties now feature often associated with lighter soils, so in my LG Astronomer. Cougar in their parentage due to this view, to get the best from it, Astronomer wants superior resistance.” to be drilled on the heavier soil types with By Charlotte Cunningham moisture retention.” Molecular strategies This limited data has also impacted That said, with so many seed houses making being able to draw conclusions on where The reasons why certain varieties are use of Cougar’s resistant lines, it could Astronomer falls best within the ‘normal’ selected over others are changing. raise questions over the longevity of such autumn sowing window, but so far, it seems Limagrain recently carried out a survey resistance. “Relying on a single gene is a to be doing well in the early slot (before which revealed that 67% of respondents put risky approach, but a lot of knowledge has 25 Sept), explains Ron. “AHDB RL data so more of an emphasis on overall security been gained over the years and now we use far suggests yields of 105% when planted in (disease, resistance, standing power, yield molecular strategies to actively combine this early window. The variety has the right consistency) when it comes to selecting a multiple resistances together to protect the combination of agronomics that allows it to wheat variety than they did five years ago. individual lines. On the other hand, just 8% said they have “The focus for the future is looking at a greater focus on higher yielding varieties. overall resilience, and this includes So it seems gone are the days of protecting the resistance we have, as well picking something purely based on yield as bringing through new lines that don’t potential, replaced instead by a real hunger come at the cost of yield.” across the industry for a resilient, consistent According to arable technical manager, and robust variety… not much to ask Ron Granger, this inherent resistance shines for, right? through in Astronomer’s yield –– namely, the Limagrain believes it has a real tangible untreated performance. “Compared with both solution to tick growers’ multiple boxes with our own recommended varieties and the its latest offering LG Astronomer –– a high other key commercial listings, Astronomer yielding soft Group 3 wheat, wrapped up in comes out on top with 86% of controls. a pretty robust package. To put this into perspective, KWS Barrel was Astronomer’s parentage combines the best of all Spawning from a (Cougar x Leeds) the leading biscuit variety for a number of worlds, says Phil Tailby. x Britannia parentage, what’s most likely years, and was a very good option, but its
34 crop production magazine may 2021 Insiders View do well, even in an earlier slot.” somewhat of a ‘must-have’ in the Group 3 Quality indicators are also likely to attract category, he adds. growers, adds Ron. “It has a good Hagberg, Astronomer’s slight downfall is its mildew but the outstanding feature is its specific score (4), but Ron reckons this is easily weight (77.8kg/hl) which is the best in the controllable with existing chemistry. However, group. It’s one of the key attributes growers this will require monitoring on some soil types, are looking for on farm, so Astronomer really he warns. boosts the current offerings.” Agronomy wise, Astronomer is stiff-strawed Slightly different –– which compensates for its slightly taller Agrii’s Colin Lloyd has been looking at nature –– and has orange wheat blossom varieties in a slightly different way, giving midge resistance which has become them ‘variety sustainability’ ratings rather than scoring on specific characteristics. Ron Granger says Astronomer’s inherent disease “The ethos behind this is to help growers resistance shines through in its untreated yields. choose varieties that offer them the greatest agronomic strength with the least production assessments of grassweed competitiveness risk and environmental impact.” from our Stow Longa variety screening. And, This is no criticism of the RL, stresses we add to the breeders’ latest safe sowing Colin, with Agrii looking at performance date information on the RL with latest under commercial farming regimes rather optimum sowing dates from our own than primarily genetic potential. evaluations.” “Our List compliments the RL with These ratings became available for the first disease ratings that take account of possible time last year, and Colin says that Astronomer breakdowns in resistance at relatively few was the variety that came out on top. sites that can easily be lost in multi-site and “Interestingly, while of course Astronomer is multi-year averages. a solid group 3 variety, it is worth bearing in “We deliberately include trial sites and mind that it is a really good option as a feed treatments designed to put varieties under wheat. Forget its group status, it will work for Astronomer came out on top in Agrii’s variety the greatest possible lodging pressure. Plus, growers without constraints on whether they sustainability ratings, says Colin Lloyd. we also have the only available scientific usually grow soft or hard Group 4 varieties. L L “If growers are looking for a low a real edge.” risk, flexible variety –– which also Another thing that stood out boasts a premium potential –– for Russell was its early drilling then Astronomer will deliver potential. “I’ve got a horrible exactly that.” feeling that more and more So what does the seed trade growers are going to want to think? get on earlier this year after two COFCO seed manager, difficult autumns, and Astronomer Russell Frost, says that although will allow growers the Group 3 category is full of to do just that if necessary. new options, it’s that disease “On top of this, the high resistance that makes Astronomer untreated yield adds to the stand out. “The septoria score flexibility of the variety and in particular gives Astronomer is particularly helpful if
What’s in a name?
When it comes to finding its place in the market, Limagrain’s Tom Barker reckons the options are endless for Astronomer. “Traditional Group 3 growers will know that their wheats are used for a number of processes including baked products, cereal, distilling, biofuel and export. However, those who tend to stick to the left-hand side of the table could also benefit from growing a resilient variety, like Astronomer.” Interestingly, the LG wheat somewhere between 10.5-11% for growers survey showed that 56% of protein, 72-75kg/hl specific weight growers are growing Group 1, 2 or –– depending on the contract –– 3 wheats primarily for feed, with the and a Hagberg of anywhere between main reason for this –– as opposed 100-225). So in terms of growers to growing a Group 4 –– was due hitting that Group 3 spec it’s an to the agronomic package of the awful lot easier and doesn’t require varieties. a lot of extra nitrogen.” “One of the things I’ve learnt In 2020, of the 4747 samples about Group 3 varieties is that tested for the AHDB Cereal Quality they’re considerably easier Survey, only 32% met full spec for farmers to hit the right milling for nabim Group 1 (now specification,” says Tom. “If you known as UK Flour Millers, or UKFM look at the full specification Group Group 1) compared with 66% for 1s, you’re aiming for around 13% Group 3 –– meaning an awful lot protein, 76kg/hl and 250 Hagberg of Group 1 wouldn’t have made –– which is a pretty tall order, and specification, but would probably still most of the time if farms are going have cost the grower in terms of to struggle in one of those areas it’s inputs, says Tom. going to be protein. “The year before, 42% met full “It’s well documented that the spec milling for nabim Group 1, higher the yields get, the more and but 68% did for Group 3. more nitrogen you have to feed it “Because Astronomer has this and unless you’re in the right part of all-round package that we think the country, it can be really difficult growers want, the message from me to hit that protein requirement –– is that in Astronomer, we have a and I think this is where Group 3s really robust variety, it’s great for can be really beneficial.” feed, but you’re also going to get a With Group 3s, end-users premium for Group 3 and there’s a generally don’t want a high protein good chance you’re going to get it variety, he explains. “They are because the spec is much easier usually looking for a specification to hit.” LG Astronomer at a glance
Yield (% treated controls) UK treated 101 East region 102 UK untreated 86 Disease Mildew 4 Yellow rust 9 Brown rust 9 Septoria tritici 7.4 Julius Deane reckons a continued OWBM R interested in home-baking, triggered Agronomy by the recent lockdowns, could Lodging (% +PGR) 8 cause soft wheat demand to Lodging (% -PGR) [7] increase. Height (cm) 88 Ripening days (+/- Skyfall) +1 Specific weight (kg/hl) 77.8 for our normal biscuit flour, but to Protein content (%) 11.9 see something in the Group 3 Hagberg falling number 238 category with such a good Source: AHDB Recommended List Winter specific weight is really pleasing.” wheat 2021/22 [ ] = limited data During the first lockdown in 2020, many supermarkets ran unpredictable weather hampers out of flour due to an uptake disease control.” in home baking, and if this And from a milling perspective, continues post-pandemic, Julius Deane –– wheat director at Julius reckons it could further Carr’s Flour –– says having a increase the demand for biscuit good bold grain that millers wheats. “The majority of the extra can get as much flour out of as flour sold was plain/self-raising possible is key. “Here, we’re for biscuits and cakes, meaning looking at specific weight, and the biggest market uplift we saw Astronomer has been consistently last year was for soft wheats. good in this department. If this becomes a long-term “It’s not always crucial to have hobby for people, it could see high Hagberg and high protein demand surge further.” I
In-field performance
A combination of good yields and robust resistance are key priorities for Lincs grower, David Hoyles, who is growing 32ha of Astronomer this year. “LG varieties have always suited our soil/rotation and we often try and pick out varieties that are at the harvest meant we were just better end of the resistance grabbing acres where we could. spectrum. We can normally grow “However, the crop has come quite luscious, thick crops, so what on well so far –– especially we really want is that considering the cold winter we’ve inherent genetic resistance.” had. It has tillered nicely, and David drilled the crop on 13 I think it has really good potential. Oct, into fairly wet conditions. But “The field of Astronomer that despite the poorer start, all looks went in promising so far. “One field went after kale has been entered into in after potatoes and the other YEN, so I’m really looking after kale. Usually, we’d aim to forward to getting that detailed drill earlier than this, but the late analysis at harvest.” From an IPM“ point of view, it’s more favourable to get genetics to do the heavy-lifting. An integrated ” approach
Technical Fit for the Future
Adopting integrated pest picture’, despite it often falling on somewhat environmental approach.” management (IPM) strategies deaf ears. ECM’s integrated crop management Among those is Environment Crop system takes into consideration the following is steadily becoming a Management (ECM) managing director factors: very important part of farm Peter Clare, who has headed up this way G Energy consumption of thinking for the past 30 years and G Soil management and crop nutrition businesses. But what role do advocates the benefits of taking an G Wildlife and landscape management genetics and variety choice integrated approach when it comes to G Crop protection crop and pest management. G Monitoring and auditing play in this? CPM finds G The site location out more. Harming the environment G Organisation management “When we first started up, it was obvious G Waste and pollution management By Charlotte Cunningham that farming had to change and our ethos G Crop rotation. was –– and still is –– that while a farmer Digging deeper into crop rotation, and has to produce a profitable crop, it can be more specifically, variety choice, Peter says Though decisions in agriculture have done without harming the environment,” selecting the right variety can have a huge never been based on just one factor, explains Peter. influence over other factors in the IPM perhaps the true value of integrated pest “Growers are constantly under pressure picture. “To make it work on farm, growers management (IPM) is only just coming to produce more food from less land, but require varieties that can handle modern to fruition. providing an expanding population with challenges –– though these challenges will For some time, how we protect crops and enough to eat is a huge challenge. often be area-specific.
the tools we need to grow them has been “How we meet this challenge and at the “For example, one of the biggest L a dialogue involving just chemistry and same time respect biodiversity –– while also genetics and how they can be used together taking into account climate change –– are to support each other. matters of the utmost importance.” But the reality is that there are a whole But protecting the environment and using host of other factors and elements –– like an integrated strategy spans further than just microbes and biostimulants –– which can reducing chemicals, in fact, it can be quite be manipulated and used to influence plant the opposite. “ECM agronomists do use behaviour and performance. conventional chemistry, but this is only So while farming is moving towards a done when necessary, instead basing much more multi-faceted approach –– rather decision-making on the situation as a whole, than simply operating in a 2D world –– rather than relying on canned solutions. perhaps as an industry, we are only just “That said, this isn’t about removing all starting to scratch the surface on an area of chemical usage, but instead, fine-tuning how great depth. we can use these tools more effectively. That said, there have been a number of We specifically use an IPM system which Peter Clare is an advocate for producing a early adopters –– those who have pioneered effectively balances the requirements of profitable crop without harming the environment. a shift in thinking to focus on ‘the bigger running a profitable business with an
38 crop production magazine may 2021
Fit for the Future
“I think it’s important to stress again here portfolio, KWS Extase is one that could be that this approach isn’t in place of chemical useful as part of an on-farm IPM strategy –– solutions –– and I think it’s fair to say that largely due to its good septoria resistance, even the most robust variety won’t replace she adds. “In our view, KWS Extase offers fungicides. However, the reality is that security in the field, the potential for chemical efficacy has reduced due to structured fungicide savings in certain resistance and discovering new chemistry situations and the potential to reduce spray –– and getting it through registration –– is passes. a challenge.” “But that doesn’t mean chemistry is unnecessary. And taking that one step Number of elements further, it’s not just about what you’re putting Though variety choice can influence a on, but also the opportunities you have to number of elements across the production do so,” she points out. cycle, Peter warns that there’s no quick fix “And this is another area in which when it comes to IPM. “Because these genetics are going to be incredibly important Kirsty Richards says when it comes to variety strategies involve the whole farm and are for giving growers flexibility.” selection every farm is unique, and this is a site-specific, there are no hard and fast rules To put this into perspective, KWS looked crucial factor to consider. about how we achieve this. at weather station data for the East Mids and “Individual farms differ in many ways: assessed the number of spray/no spray L challenges in recent years is the shift in location, climate, soil type and cropping days (wind over 10mph) across a 21-day weather patterns. We’re based in the North pattern, to name a few. Whatever the farm, period in Apr-May –– that crucial T1 timing. West and for this area, it’s crucial for growers wherever it is located, planning, taking “Based purely on wind speed –– not taking to have varieties that can be drilled earlier action and monitoring outcomes are the vital into account rain or days that you can’t get and are quite tolerant of water logging to processes of making this system work.” on the land because of the rain –– there was avoid the impact of the wetter autumns that Realising the value of varietal choice an average spraying opportunity of just have become the norm lately. is one of the fundamental parts of KWS’ 56%,” says Kirsty. “As well as this, the recent hot and dry Sowing for Peak Performance (SPP) initiative “A variety like KWS Extase could be a springs mean that variety has to also be –– a movement aimed at pulling out the really important tool in this situation to give drought-resistant –– so it’s a really fine act nuggets of information from a variety and growers inherent robustness over a time to balance. using them to form the basis of a more period where they could otherwise face From a disease point of view, to reduce integrated strategy, explains Kirsty Richards, limited protection. reliance on chemistry –– to protect both KWS’ cereals product manager. “There are “While it’s hard to put a price or a figure actives and the environment –– a variety a number of key macro-drivers that are on this, it’s a real saving in terms of peace of has to be robust and boast good all-round shaping UK production –– it’s a very different mind and giving you the opportunity for your resistance to key diseases, he adds. “In the world than it was 10 years ago. genetics and chemistry to work in harmony North West, septoria is the key priority by “This includes aspects such as loss of –– which is a crucial part of that integrated far. We’re in a very wet part of the country chemistry, a growing pest tolerance and approach.” and so rain infection periods are non-stop. resistance to actives, climate change, As the industry begins to navigate its way For growers in this region, something that increasingly strict environmental controls in a post-CTL world –– alongside the threat has high septoria resistance is going to be a and political and market volatility. of reduced curative activity –– again, this is really important part of that ICM strategy –– “As such, we’ve been focusing on where genetics can come in to provide though for others, it may be less of a focus. breeding varieties which can help tackle growers with a little bit of ‘wiggle room’ in these challenges head on and to enable terms of what septoria ratings can offer, growers to maximise their farm’s potential.” she adds. “Spray day delays can worsen Echoing Peter’s views, Kirsty says when this, so having that varietal resistance, as it comes to variety selection every farm seen within Extase, can effectively buy is unique, and this is a crucial factor to you that resistance.” consider. “Every farm business has differing Group 4 hard wheat KWS Cranium is goals and we appreciate that variety choice another in the KWS line up that could be of is a very personal topic. But, it’s a simple truth that 80% of your crops potential is in-built in the seed that you drill.” And those functional traits offered by different varieties can have a bigger impact on the bottom line than growers think, warns Kirsty. “Physical savings can come via time management, machine hours, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and diesel. And there are plenty of benefits for growers too, KWS Extase is one that could be useful as part of ranging from better plant health to a reduced an on-farm IPM strategy – largely due to its good KWS Cranium has shown consistency in the later carbon footprint.” septoria resistance. drilled window. Looking at the varieties in the KWS
40 crop production magazine may 2021 Fit for the Future
KWS Cranium’s yellow rust score is of significance. interest for growers looking to adopt a more integrated approach. “As well as excellent KWS looked at weather station data for the East Mids and assessed the number of spray/no spray days yield performance in multiple positions and (wind over 10mph) across a 21-day period in Apr-May – that crucial T1 timing. locations (light land, first cereal and second cereal), KWS Cranium boasts good yellow One aspect to note within this is that “All of this contributes to that greater rust and orange wheat blossom midge KWS Cranium has both adult and seedling picture of integrated cropping and resistance, which is pretty unique in the feed resistance –– a feature not many varieties on management, which we believe is going sector. As well as this, it also boasts the the RL can lay claim to –– but why is this to become a fundamental part of farm highest straw stiffness rating on the RL,” important? “Some varieties have good YR businesses in the not-too-distant future. explains Kirsty. resistance, but actually, that only kicks in ”And while the message of using genetics And aside from disease resistance, when the plant becomes an adult –– to protect chemistry has been heard loud KWS Cranium has shown consistency in meaning there’s potentially a long chunk and clear, an integrated approach is also performance across the mainstream and of that plants life when it is not protected. vital to protect the genetics too –– rather later drilling windows. “In the field this “If we then take into consideration that than the industry finding itself in a similar translates to a higher yield percentage many growers sway towards that later situation as it has due to over-reliance on compared with the next best late driller on drilling window, you just can’t afford to wait chemicals. “It’s not about using one tool over the RL –– LG Prince,” explains Kirsty. “From for adult resistance to kick in. A variety that’s another, but in fact, about using everything surveys we’ve done, we’ve seen that 67% of belt and braces from seedling right the way strategically to protect all elements of the farmers still plan to drill their wheats in the through to adult is going to give you that crop production cycle,” concludes Kirsty. I later slot, so a variety like KWS Cranium ultimate flexibility and savings –– both from allows growers to satisfying other IPM a time and a chemistry point of view. priorities –– like weed control –– but just “That said, it’s not necessarily about Fit for the Future helps squeeze out that extra bit of yield.” cutting fungicide inputs, but about getting In this series of articles, CPM has teamed up While again, it’s hard to quantify the most from them and thinking about how for the fourth year with KWS to explore how consistency, trials have shown KWS Cranium we can use genetics to work alongside the wheat market may evolve, and profile to have far less yield deviation from its them, hand-in-hand. From an IPM point of growers set to deliver ongoing profitability. ranking, proving how reliable it is, she adds. view, it’s more favourable to get genetics to The aim is to focus on the unique factors “When we don’t know what the weather is do the heavy-lifting.” affecting variety performance, to optimise going to throw at us, if there is a variety that KWS Cranium is also substantially stiffer this and maximise return on investment. has continually performed well in the face strawed than the best feed varieties on the It highlights the value plant genetics can of huge inconsistency, that can only be a RL, adds Kirsty. “This reduces the need for now play in variety selection as many factors good thing.” PGRs, again adding to cost and labour are heavily influenced and even fixed by On the disease front, KWS Cranium’s savings, as well as giving growers that all variety choice. yellow rust score (8) is of significance. important flexibility. What’s more, less inputs KWS is a leading breeder of cereals, “Yellow rust is most important in the East, mean less travelling and often less damage oilseeds, sugar beet and maize. As a though we know infection can occur all to soils. family-owned business, it is truly independent across the UK, and yield losses of anywhere “For us, it’s all about being strategic with and entirely focussed on promoting success between 40-50% can often occur in your variety choice and trying to pre-empt through the continual improvement of varieties untreated susceptible wheat varieties. potential issues before the seed is even in with higher yields, strong “We know the chemical options are the ground. That way, growers can use disease and pest resistance, reducing and require protecting if we want functional traits to put themselves in the and excellent grain quality. to keep them in the armoury, so again, the best position to tackle issues head on, We’re committed to your genetic resistance is going to be key here whether that be the weather, reduced future just as much as you are. and KWS Cranium is a real step up.” chemical efficacy or even just a lack of time.
crop production magazine may 2021 41 It’s part “of learning to Real do things Results differently.” Pioneers
Tools for a new way of farming
Spring barley has been The crop has formed part of the rotation at all drilled across the farm, the Real for the past five years across the 320ha of Results trial was switched to his spring part of the cropping mix undulating land at Upper Overton Farm, barley (see panel on p44). for the past five years on a near Bridgnorth, Shrops. A cropping mix that It forms part of a close scrutiny he applies previously included wheat, oats and oilseed to the crop to improve prospects, destined Shropshire farm. CPM visits rape –– all autumn-sown –– now brings in for breweries at nearby Burton-on-Trent. to find out how on-farm trials spring barley and beans, extending the “We’re growing Planet because it’s the break between OSR and offering an variety maltsters want –– we don’t want to are helping develop a opportunity to tackle grassweeds. give them any excuse for rejections. Having successful approach to said that, we can struggle to achieve the Grassweeds take over correct spec –– last year around half the how it’s grown. “Historically, all crops were autumn-sown, crop had a grain N that was too high.” but I’ve seen how grassweeds can take over Land going into spring barley is largely By Tom Allen-Stevens on many farms and trial sites and wanted to decided by its grassweed burden. “Fields put in cultural measures that would avoid coming out of a dirty wheat crop are the that happening here. The biggest effect is to ones we’ll choose. Blackgrass isn’t a huge The bright green lines of Planet delay drilling or spring cropping. You rarely problem, but we don’t want it to become one, direct-drilled spring barley stand out in get a chance to establish a crop at the end so we have a policy of zero seed return.” the sunshine against the dying cover of October on this land, so spring crops are A cover crop is sown soon after harvest. crop residue. The crop appears to have now part of the mix.” “We’ll establish this before the end of August L established well into Andrew Williamson’s Andrew’s a keen advocate of on-farm clay loam, with an even germination and trials to see what works within his own barely a patch across the field conditions and farming system. From the betraying the limitations of the current start, he’s also been one of the 50 BASF parched conditions. Real Results farmers carrying out tramline But Andrew’s not altogether happy. He trials with the latest fungicide chemistry takes a penknife and prises a few seedlings and putting the results through a fair degree from their well sealed slot. “It may look a of scientific scrutiny to ensure a result good crop, but we’re struggling to get the that’s ‘real’. seed drilled to a consistent depth. You have As with his autumn-sown crops, practices From the moment it emerges, Andrew Williamson to give spring barley every chance to he applies to his spring barley get the aims to give his spring barley crop every chance perform as it has such a narrow season, on-farm trial treatment. So when a difficult to perform. particularly when it turns dry.” autumn in 2019 resulted in no winter wheat
42 crop production magazine may 2021
Real Results Pioneers
Step-up in performance is a Real Result
Winterburn is typical of the fields at 31 May 07 Aug Upper Overton Farm –– a clay loam with a fair degree of variability. This makes it a job for Andrew to assess how a new product or technique he’s trying actually performs, which is where Agronomics steps in –– it’s a method of analysis tramline-trial results that strips out a lot of the variation attributable to background factors. The xarvio Powerzone map (left) and NDVI images, taken before T2 (centre) and after (right) indicate the field had With no wheat drilled in autumn potential, particularly towards its eastern side. 2019, the spring barley crop was chosen for the 2020 Real Results and the xarvio Powerzone map, that difference as the combine was particularly against the very strong trial, he explains. “Adexar has shows yield potential based on the passing through, but couldn’t be choice of fungicides we’re fortunate become our farm standard T2 spray field’s satellite history, shows the field sure. The results confirm it,” he says. to have at the moment. I’m application on spring barley. With had potential, particularly towards its David believes the trial shows the interested in how it’ll perform at the epoxiconazole in its use-up period, eastern side. While NDVI images strength of Agronomics. “It was a low T1 timing where you haven’t applied I’m keen to see if Revystar XE offers showed up no differences between disease year and difficult to tell the a T0. Also, if the crop has received a step-up in performance.” treatments, an assessment of GLA difference in GLA. It’s where a its T0, but you’ve cut back on the T1, Local BASF agronomy manager on 25 June indicated a trend for scientifically robust analysis pays the difference it’ll make at T2. David Griffiths has arrived at the a higher value for the Revystar dividends.” “The key aspect for me, though, farm to assess the results of treatment, although this wasn’t This year, the trial has come back is that Revystar is proving itself as a Andrew’s trial. “The focus with significant. to wheat, and Andrew has more step-up in fungicide performance. So Revystar has been very much on Harvest did reveal a significant searching questions for Revystar. the Real Results trials have given us wheat, but we’re keen to develop difference, however. While the Adexar “Now it’s proven itself in barley, more confidence in how we take our best practice for its use with spring T2 delivered a yield of 6.39t/ha, I’m keen for a clearer idea of how crop protection forward,” he notes. barley,” he explains. Revystar pushed this up to 6.8t/ha. Revystar will perform best in wheat, “We already know Xemium has Importantly, these figures were key strengths in barley, reducing derived from yield data analysed The BASF treatment with Revystar at T2 delivered a significant step-up in brackling for example. AHDB using Agronomics, excluding performance over the farm-standard programme, which includes Adexar. fungicide-performance trials tramlines, wheelings and a identify it giving better control low-yielding tramline on the west of rhynchosporium than side of the field. This gave a result prothioconazole and shown it’s that is significant at the 90% highly effective as a protectant on confidence level, notes ADAS, and net blotch. Revystar’s noted as “in accordance with the trend for performing ‘extremely well’ in 2019 higher GLA”. ramularia trials, so it’s clearly no It’s the step-up in performance slouch.” that Andrew was looking for, he Andrew recalls his 2020 spring confirms, and places Revystar as the barley crop established well and new farm-standard T2 application “looked a decent crop” despite last for his crop. “I suspected I saw the year’s dry spring. “It coped with the weather as well as any crop. There Upper Overton Farm 2020 Real Results trials – Winterburn wasn’t much disease and I’m not BASF Competitor sure I could really pick out a T1 (25 Apr) Siltra Xpro (0.4 l/ha) + CTL (1.25 l/ha) difference in green leaf area (GLA),” T2 (16 May) Revystar XE (0.75 l/ha) Adexar (0.82 l/ha) he notes. Calculated yield (t/ha) 6.80 6.39 “The potential of the crop was hit Diff req’d for 90% confidence ±0.29 hard just before harvest –– some Thousand grain weight (g) 51.3 52.0 heavy rain included hail, and there Specific weight (kg/hl) 62.6 62.1 were signs of brackling in the crop with heads on the floor. But I suspect Variety – Planet @300-450 seeds/m2 drilled on 25 Mar; Previous crop – winter wheat; the yield shown is for the treatment strips only, excluding wheelings and calculated using ADAS Agronomics. In this trial the yield difference would need to exceed 0.29t/ha for statistical this would have been worse without significance at the 90% confidence level. Xemium.” Siltra Xpro contains bixafen+ prothioconazole; CTL – chlorothalonil; Revystar XE – fluxapyroxad+ mefentrifluconazole; Adexar – fluxapyroxad+ Analysis by ADAS of NDVI images epoxiconazole.
44 crop production magazine may 2021 Real Results Pioneers
L and typically include vetch and spring beans, phacelia also works well. We avoid brassicas to reduce the risk of club root –– OSR is our second most profitable crop. Also we’ll avoid cereals in the cover crop before a cereal. “But the greatest challenge with cover crops is getting the date right to drill them. Too late and there’s no point growing buckwheat, for example, and we don’t want too big a canopy as that delays the soil drying out in spring.” A new spray store, complete with water-harvesting Sheep come in from a local farm to system and biobed (right) underline a commitment graze off the green cover from the end of to develop new ways ensure crops perform. December, but Andrew sounds a note of caution. “Sheep grazing needs close management –– if they’re not moved on early visible. “We apply around 130-140kgN/ha chloride+ metconazole) in his OSR. Across enough, you suffer compaction. Ideally you’d total, looking primarily to achieve the yield, three tramlines, he’s been comparing strip graze and backfence. and hoping this will bring the right grain N results sprayed at green bud stage, of none “We’ll apply glyphosate pre-drilling and for malting,” he notes. applied against a variable rate decided ideally wouldn’t spray a pre-emergence “The barley also receives 20-30 l/ha total through xarvio Field Manager. This uses herbicide –– I find that checks the crop of Liquid Boost carbon fertiliser, applied satellite-derived biomass data to generate growth which can do more harm than good across all spray applications. It gives the variable rate maps with field-zone specific in terms of grassweed competitiveness,” plant a carbon source and I think it helps dosing of crop protection and PGRs. he notes. soften the effect of any chemistry applied.” “If the pre-T1 cereal sprays are focused Around 70-80% of the farm is now direct Keeping barley stress-free is important for on PGRs I do think there’s scope to tailor drilled with a 4m Sky Easy Drill. Andrew’s ensuring ramularia doesn’t develop, he PGRs to crop growth, and the T0 application conscious that there’s blackgrass seed notes. This has become all the more could be an ideal timing,” he says. lurking in the soil he doesn’t want to wake important with the loss of chlorothalonil. “It’s part of learning to do things differently. up, and the drill delivers the establishment “We probably relied a lot on CTL without Just as with grassweeds that prompted us to with minimum disturbance he’s looking for. really being aware of it,” he comments. look at spring cropping, it’s important to “We drill at a variable rate of 180-270kg/ha, “On wheat, it gave us flexibility at the start develop a crop production system that delivering 300-450 seeds/m2, and with the of the season, and going forward we’ll be adapts to the tools and techniques you have variance in our soil, it’s important for an even looking at making the T1 and T2 sprays available. Losing products such as CTL and germination to match conditions to crop more robust. The extra protection from CTL neonicotinoids brings challenges for issues requirements. There’s no evidence the also helped if spray application timings such as ramularia, BYDV and cabbage stem crop is suffering from being drilled at an slipped, although I’d hope we have the flea beetle. We’re moving to a new way of inconsistent depth, but you can see the capacity to stick to the correct timings.” farming, and the best way to adapt is to trial seedlings develop roots at a slightly different Andrew’s now looking at the early season the new tools available on your own farm pace, and that may affect how they take up sprays in a new light, however, having taken under your own specific conditions,” nutrients in the early stages.” part in variable rate trials of Caryx (mepiquat Andrew concludes. I Andrew delivers about 40% of the crop’s nitrogen requirement through the drill, with The Real Results Circle 30% broadcast before drilling and the balance applied as soon as the rows are BASF’s Real Results Circle farmer-led trials are their knowledge and conduct on-farm trials. now in their fifth year. The initiative is focused on By coming together to face challenges as one, working with 50 farmers to conduct field-scale we can find out what really works and shape trials on their own farms using their own kit and the future of UK agriculture. management systems. The trials are all assessed To keep in touch with the progress of using ADAS’ Agronomics tool which delivers these growers and the trials, go to statistical confidence to tramline, or field-wide www.basfrealresults.co.uk or scan the QR code treatment comparisons –– an important part of to visit the all-new, cereal fungicide virtual trial, Real Results. offering a 360° map to compare plots. In this series we follow the journey, thinking and results from farmers involved in the programme. The features also look at some in-depth related topics, While the focus with Revystar has been very such as SDHI performance much on wheat, David Griffiths has been keen and data capture and use. to demonstrate its strengths in barley. We want farmers to share
crop production magazine may 2021 45 A rye resurgence?
A crop that“ requires less nitrogen, but doesn’t compromise yield, is a no-brainer.”
Technical Rotational Resilience
As growers seek out and drought,” says Dr Franz-Joachim resulting in a high risk of lodging canopies in Fromme, breeding director. critical years. alternative cereals options, “Breeding has to deliver varieties that are “On the other hand, modern high yielding Elsoms has been investing adapted to permanently changing growing varieties present bigger and heavier ears conditions and challenges at farmer level,” which also interferes with the standing power in research and genetics to he adds. “There are several factors that a of the crop. The introduction of dwarf-genes showcase just how valuable breeder has to keep in mind to achieve (semi-dwarf-varieties) may be a step change successful breeding of new varieties. Beside to combine lodging tolerance and high hybrid rye can be in the economic interests and the loss of current yield.” rotation. CPM finds out more. resistances, climatic change is a topic of Then there is the economic side of things. increasing importance that has to be “Varieties with better yield and improved By Charlotte Cunningham considered when developing new varieties.” yield-supporting traits enable farmers to get higher output with the same input Biotic stress factors –– or reduce input for the same output. To look at these factors in more detail, Exceptionally good varieties are Rye is a crop that has been around for Franz-Joachim explains that climate change characterised by exhibiting a constant, thousands of years, and while it has is driving a greater requirement for more high yield level throughout several years.” always been ‘good’, the advances in tolerant varieties, with that tolerance A well-managed germplasm is essential wheat and barley breeding strategies and extending to drought, heavy rain and other for all genetic improvement, and this is capabilities have often progressed at a extreme weather phenomena. “If we then especially true in hybrid breeding where the L much quicker pace, which to some extent look at the change in biotic stress factors, has meant rye has been left behind. the interaction between pathogen virulence But now, with hybrid types commercially and plant resistance changes natural plant available –– teamed with a growing market pest populations dynamically over the years. and a shift in priorities when it comes to This results in broken and lost resistances. planning a rotation –– rye looks like it could “Therefore, breeders have to identify and enjoy a huge surge in popularity over introgress new sources of resistance to coming seasons. reduce the propagation of pathogens and Elsoms has been working with Saaten yield-impacting damage to crops.” Union to deliver improvements in hybrid If the use of chemical plant protection is offerings for the UK market. increasingly restricted, resistant varieties “Rye as a crop has the potential to grow will play an even more important role in in importance in the future. It’s much more successful pest management strategies, robust than other cereals with limited he adds. “Additionally, a potential ban of Rye has the potential to grow in importance in attraction to diseases and better resilience growth regulators would impact yield-security future, says Dr Franz-Joachim Fromme. to environmental stress factors such as frost of current cereal-varieties tremendously,
46 crop production magazine may 2021
Rotational Resilience
challenges next to the obvious big breeding goals. Breeding has to anticipate future needs due to changes and prepare in advance.” Looking at some of the new genetics coming through from SU lines, and there is a particular focus on semi-dwarfs –– due to the taller nature of rye –– as well as ergot reduction through pollen performance.
Unpollinated rye flowers “Pollen acts in competition to ergot spores that can cause an infection of unpollinated rye-flowers. A high amount of pollen therefore provides indirect protection against Rather than creating multi-purpose varieties, this disease,” says Franz-Joachim. “Besides For a long time, the rye market has been a bit of Elsoms has been focusing on how individual the existing pipeline of high yielding varieties a closed shop, says Andrew Creasy. varieties can fit into specific situations, says with mixed in pollen-providers, we are Henrietta Wells. L breeding progress depends on quality developing high pollen producers for high and improvement of in-house germplasm ergot-risk locations to offer farmers a broad now in the pipeline, he adds. in the parent-pools, adds Franz-Joachim. portfolio to choose from. The first varieties of “In addition to ergot, semi-dwarfs and “Hybrid breeding is significantly different the new type were applied in Germany last yield, the maintenance and improvement of to conventional line-breeding programmes. year, and will soon be introduced into the existing resistances and frost tolerance In hybrid breeding, adapting breeding market.” forms a major part in our breeding process.” progress from other companies is reduced With growers wary of rye’s tall growth Thinking about markets, and it’s fair to say to simple inherited single traits. habit, they are also working on semi-dwarf that options have traditionally been fairly “Close contact to the market and farmers hybrids to combine high yield with robust limited for growers, says Andrew Creasy, is also important to identify needs and standing power and the first prototypes are product manager at Saaten Union. But now, Key varieties at a glance
Rather than creating multi-purpose varieties, adds. “Pluralis is a third-year candidate and Among other work, Elsoms are also Elsoms has been focusing on how individual from what we’ve seen so far looks like it has conducting biogas and forage trials this year varieties can fit into specific situations, explains excellent brown rust resistance. This variety is and from a commercial point of few, Henrietta Henrietta Wells, energy, forage, and hybrid going to be targeted predominately at the says this is to ensure each variety is assessed cereals crop manager at Elsoms. “We have seen Scottish market as it has some really good thoroughly to find its most suitable place in the a big increase in the popularity of rye over the lodging scores. Also, it’s quite early maturing, so market. “Our goal is not to release a long list of past couple of years. Being a hybrid crop, it fits it could be wholecropped if farmers were looking multi-purpose varieties, but instead, we’re more well in every situation, adds flexibility to the for something with a little more flexibility to focused on finding exactly where it’ll fit and rotation and has some promising end market spread the workload. what situation is going to be suited to each outlets. “Bendix is the sister of Pluralis and with the variety. We’ve got some really good trials at “On top of this, the agronomics are just best nitrogen-to-protein conversion rate –– the moment and are looking at some very getting better and better, proving the real value teamed with good standing ability and brown specific assessment points to ensure we can be of including rye in the rotation.” rust resistance –– it’s a great option for those confident in our recommendations.” Henrietta says that there are four key looking to grow for the grain market.” varieties for Elsoms this season: SU Performer Yield (% treated Grain quality Agronomy Disease and SU Arvid, as well as candidate varieties controls) SU Pluralis and SU Bendix. Fungicide- Number Protein Hagberg Specific Lodging Straw Ripening Brown treated of trials content (%) falling weight (%) weight days rust “SU Performer is our biggest selling variety number (kg/hl) (kg/hl) (+/- SU –– first registered in 2017 –– and delivers Mephisto) consistent performance throughout, making it a SU Performer 106 13 9.7 258 78.4 [5] 127 +1 4 really safe choice for either grain or wholecrop SU Arvid 104 8 9.5 209 77.7 - 134 +1 4 SU Cossani 101 13 9.8 240 77.5 [16] 127 0 4 growers. SU Mephisto 100 13 9.8 223 77.3 [20] 128 0 3 “Fellow Descriptive List mate, SU Arvid is SU Nasri 99 8 10 220 77 126 +1 3 now in its second commercial year, and with DL Candidates this variety we’re really looking to target the SU Baresi 108 6 9 245 78.8 - [125] [1] - wholecrop market. This is largely due to Arvid’s SU Pluralis 105 6 9.3 220 77.9 - [125] [0] - really high methane percentage, high silage SU Elrond 105 6 9.7 238 80.2 - [130] [0] - weight and really good brown rust resistance.” SU Bendix 104 6 10.2 227 78.5 - [130] [1] - And over on the 2021/22 Candidate List, SU Source: AHDB Descriptive List for winter rye 2021/22; [ ] - limited data Pluralis is so far showing promising results, she
48 crop production magazine may 2021 Rotational Resilience
rye boasts a stack of attractive characteristics which could help give it an edge over other more widely grown cereals. “At our Cowlinge site, second wheats grow really well but what we have found is that when you drop off onto lighter soils it doesn’t have the same performance. “However, rye seems to overcome this –– making it a great option for those who Rye for AD and wholecrop has helped boost the struggle to push yields on lighter land. national area. “Agronomically, it just makes sense, and we think this is largely due to how robust rye is thanks to new opportunities and research –– in terms of drought resistance etc –– SU Pluralis is a third-year candidate which looks into the value of rye for grain production, compared with crops like wheat and barley.” as though it has strong brown rust resistance. there’s a much more buoyant outlook. As well as this, rye seems to do a lot of its “For a long time, the rye market has been growing early on, which is great for weed pigs, with a growing interest in the value rye a bit of a closed shop. The one market that suppression too, adds Andrew. “From what grain has as a pig feed source.” has sat in the middle of all production has we’ve seen of it, blackgrass can’t compete On-going trial work includeslooking been Ryvita, and that’s about it. However, as quickly as rye does. Of course, that at seed dressings, adds Andrew. things are changing. doesn’t mean that it’s a silver bullet. But “Fundamentally, this is observing how “When AD and wholecrop rye came along if you’re rethinking your rotations from a a cocktail of nutrients do –– or don’t –– aid it boosted the national area massively, and weed control perspective, then this will the growing of rye, and this autumn, we’ll be now with more and more growers able to certainly help.” looking to add biostimulants into the mix too. see how good it can be –– subsequently And there are benefits from an Again, this all comes back to thinking about increasing demand –– it’s opening up new environmental standpoint, too. “Looking at that end market and what their priorities and avenues for the crop.” nitrogen requirements, rye needs much less initiatives are. Anything we can do to reduce Aside from new marketing opportunities, than wheat, which at a time when there’s the need for huge doses of chemistry only increased pressure on growers to reduce makes the crop more attractive.” I nitrogen applications, this can only be a good thing. For those growing rye for an AD market, this reduction could bring total application under 100kgN/ha. “In my view, a crop that requires less N, but doesn’t compromise yield, is a no-brainer.” From an end-user point of view, this could also drive market potential, he adds. “If we Rye does particularly well on lighter land and has look right to the end of the chain, a crop a much lower nitrogen requirement than wheat. that’s producing decent yields with less N is going to tick a lot of boxes for end users SU Arvid is now in its second commercial year, who have a huge focus on producing more Mapping of the genome and with this variety Elsoms is really looking to ‘environmentally-friendly’ food. target the wholecrop market. “The sector leading this at the moment is Recently, two complete annotated genome sequences of two rye lines have been published in Nature Genetics, and according Rotational resilience to Franz-Joachim, this is a step change for using markers in rye breeding. “We’re Less oilseed rape, spring cropping, a focus on seed specialist and plant breeder. The working intensively to combine existing improving soil health and building carbon all company’s experienced, specialist staff breeding knowledge and experience with rely on a cropping rotation that is resilient. combine a passion for high quality vegetable these new tools to manage our germplasm Each crop must deliver a profit on the year and agricultural seed with the latest in and to select and trace genetics behind while the rotation as a whole should ensure the plant-breeding research and seed technology. important traits. farming business remains sustainable for years This ensures a focus on high performance “This enables us to use our breeding to come. and low-risk varieties, building resilience into resources more efficiently, potentially In this series, CPM partners with Elsoms to rotations for years to come. reduces breeding time and further look at the opportunities offered by cereals improves our germplasm management. other than wheat and delves into the genetics It could also support us to identify valuable behind them. Through privileged access to the new variation outside the existing elite company’s staff and resources, these articles gene pool. Good phenotyping by an explore rotations that secure a reliable return experienced team of breeders is still today and offer bright prospects for the future. essential for marker development.” Elsoms Seeds is the UK’s leading independent
crop production magazine may 2021 49
Stewarding the phasing out of BPS,” advises Paul. “That element should be taken out of the equation and out of the business. For most farms, the return from crop production will then Transition look pretty thin –– BPS currently makes up around 15-17% Successful of output, which is “agreements will be equivalent to profit in a well structured arable business.” those that bring together So how is this replaced? crop production and “The biggest opportunity is to improve efficiency and the environmental government is bringing in a enhancement. number of measures to help ” arable businesses address this,” he continues. Here he makes a distinction between payments for capital investment, available through initiatives such as Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund to be intro- Technical duced later this year and the Countryside Stewardship (CS) options currently Agri-intelligence available, and revenue payments. “The ELM scheme is where the bulk of update revenue payments will sit, split into three areas: SFI, Nature Recovery and The mist is beginning to and costs involved. However, it’s designed Landscape Recovery. The first two will clear on how environmental in such a way that should help you identify be most relevant for arable farms in opportunities for extra revenue and saving productive areas.” enhancement will be costs, as well as improving resilience –– Paul explains that the SFI, currently going rewarded. CPM consults successful agreements will be those through its pilot and due for full roll-out next that bring together crop production and year, is a voluntary payment, open and Agrii on how it’ll affect environmental enhancement,” he says. available to all. “There are eight standards, arable businesses and the and you can stack these, so the arable and Green Horizons horticultural land and soil standards can opportunities likely to arise. Enhancing the environment is one of the five apply to the same area, for example, key aims of Agrii’s Green Horizons initiative although double funding rules will almost By Tom Allen-Stevens to improve the sustainability of UK food and certainly restrict you from claiming ELM farming. Within this there’s a commitment to payments on land already in CS. work with growers to cut emissions and “Under each standard, there’s an Among all the uncertainties your achieve Net Zero by 2040. Its ongoing introductory, intermediate and advanced business faces during the Agricultural environmental awareness training is being level and you can claim up to around 50% Transition, there’s one element that’s extended beyond Agrii agronomists to of what you currently receive under BPS. certain: your direct subsidy will reduce. customers and this ties in with the The difference is that BPS is relatively The Environmental Land Management company’s tailored environmental advice straightforward and effortless. SFI requires L (ELM) scheme is what Defra is bringing in services. These are designed to provide to replace it, but it’s a very different concept farmers with the support required to improve and form of payments from what it replaces, a range of environmental resources on farm. according to Agrii farm business consultant Specialist farm environmental advisors are Paul Pickford. on the team –– Simon Rollinson has worked “We know less about the future of full time with Agrii since 2002. He brings agriculture support now than we ever have with him decades of experience pioneering over the past 30 years,” he notes. environmental on-farm features, improving “Previously, every time support payments biodiversity and developing plans to protect changed, it was an evolution of the current water and mitigate run-off and soil erosion. system. ELM is billed as far more radical Paul and Simon have been reviewing what’s –– there are elements of an evolution, but on offer under ELM and specifically the much of it is new.” new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Central to this is that it’s public money and recently shared their initial findings There’s more work to do and costs involved with paid for public goods. “Don’t view the ELM with CPM. ELM, says Paul Pickford, bit it offers opportunities scheme as a way to recover what you’re “The first step for farmers is to for extra revenue, as well as improving resilience. losing under BPS –– there’s more work to do understand what they’ll lose from the
50 crop production magazine may 2021
Agri-intelligence update
Simon notes the SFI offers payment for payments under SFI, but making efficiencies what a lot of farmers have been carrying out and improving your crop production in the for decades, in much the same way as the process.” old Entry-Level Stewardship. “Much of what Simon notes the emphasis within SFI farmers currently do for Red Tractor on soil health. “At the very least this is an Assurance will be rewarded under ELM. This opportunity to get a baseline of your soil is not a box-ticking exercise, though –– there organic matter that you can look to build. should be a proper management plan.” Soil is the highest sequester of carbon, Simon and Paul recommend a good which is where future market opportunities place to start would be the management are likely to lie.” Simon Rollinson notes that much of what farmers plans for nutrients and soils encouraged Paul believes this is where public/private currently do for Red Tractor Assurance will be through SFI. “This is where you can identify partnerships and offsetting arrangements, rewarded under ELM. your environmental assets and start to tailor mooted to be a future feature of the your plan towards what works for your own Agricultural Transition, will come in. “We’re L some work, and there’ll be some degree farming system,” explains Paul. already seeing carbon payments under the of auditing. The difficulty is that what you’ll “So step two would be to carry out an Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme. The be required to do at present couldn’t be any audit, identify some actions and start to problem with soil is there’s no reliable way more woolly,” he remarks. implement them. It’s not just about gaining to measure soil organic carbon. But those
Sustainable Farming Incentive requirements
Introductory Intermediate Advanced Arable and horticultural land standard Provide year-round resources for farmland birds Improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce loses to Provide year-round resources for farmland birds and insects the environment by carrying out a nutrient budget and insects. Provide nesting and shelter for wildlife by having areas of tall vegetation and scrub Better meet your soil requirements by following a Increase habitat for farm and aquatic wildlife Benefit from crop pest predators by locating their nutrient management plan through rotational ditch management habitats next to cropped areas Minimise emissions of ammonia through rapid Better target your nutrient application by carrying Use efficient precision application equipment for incorporation of organic manures and slurry on out soil mapping fertilisers and organic manures ploughed land Arable and horticultural soils standard Identify the priority areas for soil management on Further improve soil structure and biology by Further improve soil structure and biology by your farm by carrying out a soil assessment providing minimum inputs of organic matter over providing minimum inputs of organic matter over more of your arable and horticultural land more of your arable and horticultural land Protect your soil from runoff, erosion and flooding Maintain soil organic matter and support soil Reduce flooding and improve soil structure, and help increase crop yields by taking measures biology by reducing tillage depths on some of your soil carbon and soil biology by producing a soil to maintain soil structure and avoid or alleviate soil arable and horticultural land management plan compaction Improve the soil structure and biology by inputting Reduce the risk of soil erosion and maintain soil Reduce soil damage by limiting the area of the field organic matter on some of your arable and organic matter by reducing tillage on fields that is travelled on horticultural land identified as high and very high risk of surface run-off or soil erosion Reduce the risk of soil erosion by cultivating and drilling across slopes where appropriate Protect the soil from soil erosion and run-off by maintaining minimum soil cover over winter, where appropriate Hedgerows standard Increase the amount of pollen, nectar and berries in Increase the food and habitat available to wildlife Provide increased wildlife habitat by having more your hedges by leaving areas uncut each year by leaving more areas uncut or raising the cutting trees amongst your hedges and buffer strips along height, and by having frequent hedgerow trees more of your hedgerows Provide more habitat for wildlife by having Protect your hedgerows from agrochemicals, occasional hedgerow trees fertilisers and physical disturbance with buffer strips Water buffering standard Identify where to put your buffer strips by carrying Further increase protection of the water course and Provide furthyer habitats for wildlife and enhance soil out a run-off and soil erosion risk assessment provide better habitat for wildlife and better habitat structure and nutrient uptake within the buffer by connectivity by increasing the size of some of your including an appropriate wildflower mix into some buffer strips of your buffer strips Protect water courses and prevent pollutants entering the water by having grass buffer strips
Source: Defra, March 2021; Requirements build under each level, so those following the advanced level of a standard must meet the requirements of both introductory and intermediate levels, too.
52 crop production magazine may 2021 Agri-intelligence update
Sustainable Farming Incentive payments Agri-intelligence update
The latest in our long-running series carbon emissions, reducing plant with the country’s most extensive protection product inputs, agronomy R&D network gives preparing for the new payments CPM readers exclusive insights into future and protecting water exciting areas of Agrii’s Green resources, amongst other topics. Horizons initiative to improve the It is available to download from sustainability of UK food and www.agrii.co.uk/greenhorizons farming in practical ways with the best scientific intelligence. Each article explores an important facet of one of the initiative’s key priority actions being developed in Source: Agrii, from Defra figures, March 2021. Assumes a BPS payment of £233/ha. detail in separate Insight Reports. The second of these reports putting some form of metric in have proven highly successful will –– Enhancing the Environment –– place will no doubt be the first to likely form primary beneficiaries,” explores biodiversity and habitat benefit.” he says. creation, moving to Net Zero The detail on Nature Recovery, Simon believes these will be an the second tier of ELM, is still opportunity to provide incentives which can help with resources in house to call on to ensure a too thin for Paul to offer much for farmers in an area to meet and monitoring.” farm forms the right environmental definitive guidance. “We know this common objectives. “I hear Again, the first step to realising plan. Anyone can put together a is likely to be targeted towards nothing but good things about any opportunities is to identify the CS Mid Tier agreement –– it’s groups, rather than individual cluster groups which can deliver natural resources on your own getting a good agreement that farmers, and it’ll probably look really effective targeted initiatives farm. “It’s where the agronomist makes the most of a farm’s similar to Higher Tier CS, with improving water quality in a comes in. While Agrii agronomists environmental assets and ties in payments made to match local catchment, for example. They won’t necessarily have all the with its crop production that’s priorities. The cluster groups that often involve water companies answers, they have the expertise important,” notes Simon. I
Stewardship transition must fit farm fundamentals
Midloe Grange Farm in Cambs has been part of very well with farming operations. Over-wintered various environmental schemes since they started stubbles are more restrictive and it takes a while in 1992, recalls partner in the business David to get used to some aspects of hedge and ditch Felce, who also works for Agrii. “We have a 6ha management. field of permanent pasture in ridge and furrow “But the benefits in terms of the native species that’s never been improved nor highly productive that are now colonising our margins are really for the beef herd we had back then. rewarding –– cowslips and orchids are appearing, David Felce finds the admin of his current ELS “Strangely it didn’t fit with the Historic for example.” agreement pretty straightforward but he worries Landscape option within the first Countryside Still within HLS, David’s plan is to miss out how it will work if farmers are paid for delivery Stewardship scheme we joined. But now it’s a Countryside Stewardship and transition straight of public goods. recognised county wildlife site, valued for its rich into an ELM agreement when the current contract diversity of species.” expires in 2022. “At the moment the admin is applied for the SFI pilot, hoping this will bring the Over the years, the farm has developed its pretty straightforward –– we’ve had a couple of stewardship pot to around £10,000/yr, which will environmental options. “We have ditches round inspections that have picked up very minor points. still be kept separate. “I have high hopes for the every field, and border an SSSI woodland, so it But I’m aware there’s a lot less flexibility in CS, soil management aspects of ELM –– we have made sense to introduce 6m buffer strips. Under and it’s become more prescriptive with the move plans to introduce margins within the existing Entry-Level Stewardship we brought in hedge to RPA,” he notes. buffer zones to improve management of and ditch management, and have joined Having been involved with ELM Tests and Trials, headlands. I think there’s also scope to work with Higher-Level Stewardship with over-wintered and with a close professional relationship with Anglia Water on a local water quality scheme, and stubbles, wild bird seed mix and pollen and Natural England, David worries how it will work our 6ha county wildlife site –– the jewel in the nectar strips,” David continues. going forward if farmers are paid for delivery of crown –– is currently a loss leader. I’d hope we With around 19% of the total farm area public goods. “I’ve been fortunate that my farm is can realise its true value,” he says. (100ha) now under stewardship, this brings in a closely monitored –– I’ve gathered good data on “But in the clamour to introduce something revenue of around £6000 per year. “We view the what we’ve achieved. But it’s a level of expert new, we mustn’t lose focus of getting the basics payment as an extra, and usually spend it on involvement that isn’t available to most farmers. right –– our stewardship pot will still be treated improving farm infrastructure. The no-spray buffer So it really concerns me that the cost of proving separately, while drainage, correct pH and soil zones and taking awkward corners out of delivery will fall on the farmer.” health remain fundamentally the most important management are no-brainers for us, and tie in With the BPS worth around £20,000/yr, he’s aspects of our farming system,” David concludes.
crop production magazine may 2021 53 Growers should“ be alert to the risk of rapid herbicide resistance evolution.”
The rise of bromes
Could bromes be the next The outcomes of several pieces of Over 200 agronomists and growers research work led to the latest AHDB responded to the survey call and the super weed? Results from a project on brome, which is due to report its results confirmed that bromes were more four-year AHDB project conclusions this spring. The four years of widespread than had been previously research aims to provide growers with thought. reveal that they certainly information on the potential for herbicide “We had thought that sterile brome was deserve careful management resistance evolution in UK brome weeds present mostly in the West and that rye and identify methods to help slow or prevent brome was rare and present in the to avoid them becoming resistance evolution of these grasses in UK South-East of the country. However, the increasingly problematic to arable farming. survey showed that the bromes are actually widely present across all cereal growing control. CPM finds out more. Experimental work areas.” Led by ADAS, the work has drawn on field As part of the survey, respondents sent By Lucy de la Pasture surveys and experimental work using pot in samples of brome to ADAS to confirm the and container studies in the glasshouse and identification. Sterile brome and great brome outdoors. The initial stage of the project (Bromus diandrus) can be grouped together On many farms it’s blackgrass that drives looks at all five UK brome weed species but and are sometimes referred to as the herbicide strategies and over the past later focuses on the two species identified as Anisantha bromes. The other three species decade the active ingredients and timing being most at risk of developing herbicide have evolved to counter this increasingly resistance –– sterile brome (Bromus sterilis) difficult to control weed. One of the effects and rye brome (Bromus secalinus). of the move towards stacking residuals The brome project picks up on early in the season, instead of relying on previous AHDB-funded work carried out post-emergence herbicides, and increased by ADAS which looked at the dormancy use of minimal cultivations has been that of the different brome species as well brome species appear to have taken as investigating their sensitivity to advantage. ALS-herbicides, explains Dr Sarah Cook. AHDB’s Dr Paul Gosling says that bromes “During the dormancy project it became were reported to be a growing problem by clear that the different brome species are agronomists and growers but there was little very difficult to distinguish from one another. data available on the distribution of the five In the vegetative growth stages, they’re all species of brome or the effect it was having hairy and even when the panicles are on cropping systems. Equally there was no present, identification isn’t easy,” evidence to suggest whether incidences she explains. Sarah Cook says it’s likely that the way grassweed of poor brome control were due to The first stage of the project was to herbicides are being used to manage blackgrass is management practices or were the first conduct a nationwide survey to pinpoint the also selecting for brome resistance. signs of resistance developing. distribution of the different brome species.
54 crop production magazine may 2021 Theory to Field are soft brome (Bromus hordaceous), reported that there was a perceived problem meadow brome (Bromus commutatus) and with control using ALS herbicides, so the rye brome (Bromus secalinus) –– collectively brome seed samples sent in were grown termed Serrafalcus bromes. on and put through herbicide screening to The survey highlighted the difficulties in assess their sensitivity to different groups distinguishing between brome species, says of chemistry. Sarah. “Correct brome identification was low, with 38% of samples misidentified in the Herbicide resistance field. However there wasn’t any confusion With brome populations in both France between the two groups of brome species and Germany reported to have resistance to and here the distinction is important ALS and ACCase herbicides, it’s possible because their different dormancy that UK populations may also have differing characteristics require different cultural sensitivities, explains Sarah. control methods.” Meadow, rye, great and sterile Sterile brome was found to be the most bromes were tested against ALS herbicide common species in the UK –– with the –– Broadway Star (pyroxsulam+ florasulam) North, South-East, West Midlands and and Pacifica Plus (mesosulfuron+ South West the worst affected areas. It also iodosulfuron+ amidosulfuron) –– ACCase-inhibitor herbicides (cycloxydim Paul Gosling says that bromes are reported to be a and propaquizafop) and glyphosate. The growing problem by agronomists and growers but results showed a number of cases where there was little data on their distribution or effect. control from ALS herbicides was poor, indicating reduced sensitivity in some of the populations. Control using the ACCase Weed Resistance Action Group herbicides was generally high for all the (WRAG) glyphosate guidance 2021 populations tested, whereas responses to Typically, annual grasses require a glyphosate showed some variance between minimum of 540g a.i./ha for seedlings up The ‘soft’ brome species – rye brome, meadow populations. to 2-3 leaves, 720g a.i./ha when tillering brome and soft brome – can be particularly hard All bromes tested were still controlled and 1,080g a.i./ha when flowering. to identify. by 360g/ha of glyphosate although some ahdb.org.uk/wrag populations showed increased tolerance L Research plugs some of the knowledge gaps
There are a number of aspects that have come research, sterile and great bromes need darkness out of the brome work which Bayer’s Roger to break dormancy, so post-harvest cultivations Bradbury believes will be very useful to the will help stimulate germination for control using industry. He describes the survey, which is the first stale seedbed techniques. Meadow, rye and soft to be carried out in the UK since the late 1980s, bromes need light to mature the seed so it’s best as an important step to update knowledge of the to wait a month after harvest before moving the five different brome species. soil,” he says. “The focus has been on blackgrass for the past The limited chemistry available for brome two decades, so this is a timely piece of research. control and insensitivity to ALS herbicides in some It gives a wider perspective on grassweed populations mean cultural controls will be a central management, which is important because part in managing bromes and resistance. Just as blackgrass doesn’t occur in isolation. with blackgrass, the aim is to reduce the weed Roger Bradbury says delayed drilling and spring “One of the reasons bromes are perceived as population and limit seed return. cropping are both important components in a becoming more problematic is that the incidental Roger believes ploughing shouldn’t be forgotten cultural control strategy for bromes as well as control which occurred when treating blackgrass –– highlighting that it’s a very effective way of blackgrass. with post-emergence ALS herbicides probably managing difficult brome populations when used went unnoticed. This may be what has led to the as a once in a while ‘reset’. account the whole rotation rather than just shifts in sensitivity and a few cases of resistance “Delayed drilling and spring cropping are one crop. Paying close attention to timing and in populations noted in the project.” both important components in a cultural control application practice is another key piece of the Perhaps one of the most striking finding in the strategy for bromes as well as blackgrass, which jigsaw puzzle, he says. survey was that the identification of brome species was borne out with lower brome levels last season “It sounds easy but there are often conflicting in the field is a real problem –– with 38% of when drilling was either late or took place in priorities. If you do get a patch of brome then it’s samples sent in found to be incorrectly identified the spring.” best to take a zero-tolerance approach but patch by a grower or agronomist. Despite the importance of cultural elements, spraying when in head isn’t an effective strategy “Distinguishing between brome species is Roger believes herbicides will remain a key part of as seeds are fertile just two to three days after important for successful management. As well as control strategies though not as the first resort and ear emergence. Brome needs controlling with the herbicide timing differences identified in the should be used in a measured way, taking into glyphosate much earlier than blackgrass.”
crop production magazine may 2021 55 Theory to Field
conjunction with the University of Newcastle, to test whether enhanced metabolic resistance mechanisms (EMR) were also present. These concluded that it was and in some populations both target site and EMR mechanisms were detected.
Push the populations “Over the three years of the project we ALS-insensitive populations have been detected tried to push the population towards in multiple species of brome and both EMR and resistance by using low doses of herbicides target site mechanisms have been confirmed. on both sterile and rye brome populations. Only one population of sterile brome “We do see variation in response to became less sensitive to glyphosate but herbicides in different brome species. there was little selection for resistance in Great brome and rye brome can be harder rye brome.” to control with herbicides in the field. As That begs the question, why can a self-pollinating weed, there’s likely to Container trials were used to determine the blackgrass populations be pushed towards be natural variation between different efficacy of different modes of action on different resistance so easily and in brome it populations, which may not be resistance brome species and populations. appears to happen much more slowly, with but could indicate an increased insensitivity differences between the species? Sarah to herbicides.”
L at this rate. All populations were well believes the answer lies in the way the Sarah believes that there’s likely to be controlled by 540g/ha of glyphosate –– different species pollinate. more insensitivity in the brome population the recommended field rate for annual “Blackgrass is a cross-pollinating species than is currently realised. “Brome is often grassweeds. so there’s a propensity for genetic diversity incidentally killed by herbicides intended Further work looked at the resistance in the population, whereas bromes are to control blackgrass. Sterile brome is mechanisms involved, and this revealed predominantly self-pollinating, with just a predominantly found at the field edges and ALS-target site resistance mutations were small degree of out-crossing. That means gradually creeps in so, being a marginal present in multiple species of brome. Lateral that resistance is likely to develop much weed, many plants are likely to have been flow device tests were also conducted, in more slowly in bromes than in blackgrass. exposed to lower then recommended Theory to Field doses of herbicide.” modes of action in UK bromes,” she Since all biological and chemical systems highlights, noting that resistance to are linked, it’s also likely that the way propaquizafop and cycloxydim in sterile grassweed herbicides are being used to brome was identified in Germany in 2012. manage blackgrass is also selecting for The brome project has also looked at brome resistance, she adds. herbicide timings to find the best growth “The results indicate that although ALS stage to maintain and improve control and resistance is evolving in brome populations prevent resistance evolution. The findings other modes of action can be used to control have thrown up some important differences these populations in a diverse rotation, but between brome species and herbicide growers should be alert to the risk of rapid modes of action. Correct identification of brome species in the field herbicide resistance evolution to other “We looked at applying cycloxydim, is important because there are differences when it pyroxsulam and glyphosate at different comes to optimum herbicide timings. growth stages in sterile brome and rye Research roundup brome. We found cycloxydim controlled all From Theory to Field is part of AHDB’s populations at GS12-13 and GS21-23. The fact that brome populations are delivery of knowledge exchange on Pyroxsulam gave better control of rye brome evolving resistance to ALS-herbicides is grower-funded research projects. CPM would than sterile brome and was most effective in important to be aware of, adds Paul. “Brome like to thank AHDB for its support and in rye brome at GS12-13 and in sterile brome should be controllable with the chemistry providing privileged access to staff and others at GS21-23. The optimum timing for currently available if it’s well targeted, involved in helping put these articles together. glyphosate was GS 21-23. Control dropped particularly when combined with the AHDB Project No 211200059 ‘Investigating off at the late tillering stage for all herbicides. appropriate cultural controls for the species the distribution and presence, and potential “This timing difference between brome present. If herbicide control is poorer than for herbicide resistance of UK brome species species is important and means it’s crucial expected, then it’s a good idea to liaise with in arable farming’ ran from March 2017 to to know which species it is you’re treating. the supplier and get the brome tested for May 2021 at a cost of £218,000. The project In a mixed population or if treatment is resistance.” is led by ADAS in scientific partnership with delayed, then control of rye brome may be Later this year the results of the project Rothamsted Research and with industry less effective because herbicide efficacy is will provide the foundation for updated partners –– BASF, Bayer, Corteva and UPL. best at an earlier growth stage than for guidance on best practice and strategies sterile brome.” to manage resistance in brome. I Again, being completely issues would be caused as machinery perspective, honest, it’s usually pretty a result. this month you’ll find difficult to get excited about But this in itself got me information on climate tyres, but Tom was so thinking even more, and going changing technology and knowledgeable and so back to that original definition stories of growers who are passionate about the product in of an ‘influencer’ being utilising kit to make their question that he had me ready someone who guides that businesses more efficient, to go out and purchase a new action of others, it made me to showcase those who are set, despite really not having realise that we all have a making positive changes. a need to do so –– a ‘proper’ responsibly in what we say Whether you have 100 or influencer, in my opinion. and post –– regardless of the 100,000 followers, we can all But not all influence is amount of followers you do or use our platforms and voices Who do you positive, of course. I’m sure don’t have. to influence good –– no matter influence? many of you reading this will With so much going on in how small that influence have seen the uproar on social agriculture at the moment, may be. media recently regarding a I feel we almost have a In 2019, Merriam-Webster well-known public figure and his responsibility to take the lead, announced it had added apparent dismissal/mocking of if you will, in sharing factual the word ‘influencer’ to the the importance of keeping a information on farming and dictionary, defined simply as: dog on a lead –– particularly food production and using the “one who exerts influence: a around livestock. platforms we all have to lobby Originally hailing from person who inspires or guides While farmers and when things don’t stack up. Devon, Charlotte the action of others.” landowners alike were quick And who better to inspire Cunningham is now based In 2021, social media is full to call him out, with thousands and influence others that the in Warwicks and when not of them, with many managing and thousands of followers people on the ground? busy filling the pages of to make a career out of across multi-channels, So my take home message CPM, can be found in the so-called ‘influencing’. I could only begin to think of the this month is to keep sharing garden, or exploring the I have to be honest, the damage this influential opinion your stories and talking about countryside with two crazy spaniels in tow. word makes me cringe slightly. had already done to those who what you do and why you Not because of its definition, weren’t aware of campaigns do it. [email protected] but due to how this ‘role’ has from bodies like the NFU, and It’s something I’m increasingly @charcunningham transpired. Today’s social subsequently, how many further aware of in CPM, and from a media is full of reality-show Z-listers classing themselves as ‘influencers’ while pushing ‘Agricultural influencer’ Tom Pemberton has over 350k subscribers on YouTube. everything from air-fresheners to detox teas, so much so that many –– myself included –– often discredit the whole industry. I received a press release a few months ago about the top ‘agricultural influencers’ and given my experience in mainstream media, I was quite shocked to see the two industries paired together. However, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Tom Pemberton –– not about his impressive YouTube channel or his 352k subscribers (pretty cool, right?), but about tyres.
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Technology can“ bring integration required for the smart sustainable food systems of the future.”
Machinery Smart technology Driving evolution
The global requirement for environmental outcomes, and reduce sensors can collect data, but often are more sustainable agriculture carbon emissions. not ‘talking to each other’, nor integrated with other systems, therefore siloed. is driving innovation. CPM Environmental sustainability A cloud-based platform solution allows field delves into a recent report on Digital software platform, KisanHub, recently teams to share data in real-time and update released a report titled ‘Environmental notes as they go, which saves time and the role technology has to and financial sustainability in fresh food resources.” play in sustainable food production’ which focused largely on the role The sharing and instant access of data technology plays in this. “Many businesses can often mean less travel time, which also production, as well as are looking for ways to reduce waste and has benefits, he adds. picking out a few of the improve profits,” says Giles Barker, “The recent lockdowns have demonstrated KisanHub co-founder. “The holy grail for that teams are able to rely on platforms, like most recent launches. intelligent food production is gained through KisanHub, to remotely monitor these fields integration. An integrated supply chain instead. Across all our clients, that can be draws on data created outside of a By Charlotte Cunningham several hundred tonnes of CO2 saved per business, so decisions made inside the year. With average car CO2 emissions of business will save time, money, and 140g/km, reducing field journeys by just resources. With the fourth agricultural revolution well 25% saves nearly 2t CO2e/year per team underway, the true potential of digital and “The changes in regulations add a member. smart technology is starting to shine potential layer of complexity to existing Technology such as daily satellite imagery through –– promising what looks to be complicated supply chains. Technology huge benefits to both farm businesses can bring integration required for the smart and the wider environment. sustainable food systems of the future.” The fundamental drivers behind much of The report looked at how technology can, this technology are to increase efficiency and and is, creating synergies on farm between subsequently, sustainability, something which environmental and financially viable food both UK agriculture and the government are production, and according to Giles, one big becoming acutely focused on. advantage is being able to capture data at Though we’ve known of changes to source. “At farm level the big pain points are environmental-based payments for some siloed and unusable data. This happens by time, this was confirmed recently, with using Excel or WhatsApp to share photos, Defra announcing details of the Sustainable which means information is not live so Farming Incentive. multiple versions are shared around, taking Now in the early pilot stages, this –– up time and storage space. It’s essential that alongside two other schemes –– has we break this detrimental cycle. Technology has a leading role to play in improving committed to paying growers who use “In-field tools, such as mobile apps that agricultural efficiency, says Giles Barker. sustainable farming practices, improve provide point solutions on pests or soil
60 crop production magazine may 2021 Smart technology
Added advances for Syngenta’s Spray Assist app
An entirely new version of Syngenta’s Spray Assist nozzle with a 3* LERAP rating, for example, App has been launched in a bid to advance spray may only achieve that up to a certain pressure. application advice and techniques. “The calculator clearly shows the impact if you Along with a new look for easier spraying move out of that optimum pressure.” forecast guidance, the addition of a novel nozzle The droplet spectrum may also be important to drift risk calculator enables operators to instantly optimise leaf coverage or penetration into the crop A new version of Syngenta’s Spray Assist App evaluate the drift risk rating from any nozzle, canopy, according to the desired target zone for the has been launched in a bid to advance spray according the to the pressure at which it is being application. application advice and techniques. operated, says Syngenta new farming technology “Using Spray Assist will help to select the most application specialist, Harry Fordham. appropriate nozzle for any application,” he advises. tools for future crop management, adds Harry. “The simple slide-bar calculator enables “The new version includes a quick and easy ‘Nozzle “By integrating with Syngenta’s Protector initiative growers to see the effect of pressure on the droplet search’ function to explore the huge database of operators will be able to manage information on spectrum produced for any individual nozzle, and information.” separate blocks of land more easily, as well as link hence the susceptibility to drift and the safe working The App’s upgrade has also seen a shift to a spraying advice with other crop management and parameters for the conditions.” new platform, as part of the Syngenta Protector agronomy decisions. Spray Assist can still be Harry says that operators must be aware that a digital initiative to develop powerful agronomy operated as a stand-alone App.” n
From a business point of view, Andrew Williams is confident that this robotics and automation is where the future lies.
enables real-time decision-making at a global scale and at the local farm level, points out Giles. “Satellite images can help determine spatial biomass differences in crops and fertiliser requirements, leading to reduced product use through variable-rate spreading, thereby attributing to reductions in manufacturing emissions.” Then there are also time and ‘tree-saving’ benefits to consider, says Giles, and this is something the firm have been focusing on particularly with its new Load Passport app –– enabling ‘paperless’ information transfer. “This saves a significant amount of paperwork and subsequently, time and waste. As data is captured at source and moved along the supply chain, it reduces emissions from return haulage, transport and worldwide shipping on produce that is out of spec or sent to the wrong place –– namely,
CO2 methane, nitrous oxide.” And finally, there is the traceability element of such technology, adds Giles.
“Technology can provide reliable data on L
crop production magazine may 2021 61 Smart technology
11,000 km from Asia to the UK market. had been looking into the use of robotics in Whether you measure physical crop attributes the fresh produce sector for two years,” in the field or conduct lab detection tests, explains Andrew Williams, farm director at technology can collect and store your data Home Farm. in a secure, easily accessible online “From a business point of view, we’re platform; available any time, any place. confident that this is where the future lies,” he continues. “A large amount of our Leading role produce is organic, so we’re increasingly “Technology has a leading role to play in limited in how we can control weeds. improving agricultural efficiency,” he adds. “Mechanical weeding is repetitive work, as Home Farm, Suffolk, has taken delivery of a “This will make the industry more sustainable is manual weeding, and sourcing seasonal, Robotti 150D from manufacturer Agrointelli, from both a profitability and environmental overseas labour is becoming increasingly which claims to be the first robotic tractor to perspective. With an integration mindset and difficult. We wanted to future-proof the farm be fully operational on a farm in the UK. the right software partners, the benefits can and Robotti is perfectly suited to our set-up.” be huge. With access to more data you can The Robotti 150D has now been in get visibility of opportunities, make proactive operation on the farm since mid-Apr, decisions to save money, see the whole weeding a number of vegetable crops picture to be more informed and save time using a harrow attachment. by reacting faster to changes in markets.” According to Agrointelli, this is one of And though commercially viable 50 robots which will be working in Europe technology, like autonomous systems, may by the end of the year. seem a far-off goal, a fully robotic tractor is “It can be in operation 24hr/day, so there’s now in operation on one farm in Suffolk. a long window of opportunity for it to make a Improving technology, coupled with the difference in the crucial weeding stages of difficulty of sourcing seasonal labour, has led the crops, fitting well into our cropping plan. to a significant investment for Home Farm It does exactly what we need, moving soil in Field obstacles such as telegraph poles or trees Nacton in Suffolk. the early stage of growth with guaranteed are logged at the programming stage of the The organic fresh produce farm has precision,” says Andrew. Robotti. taken delivery of a Robotti 150D from Danish “It will initially be used for weeding this manufacturer Agrointelli, which claims to be year, but we also plan to use it for topping
L crop quality to optimise procurement and the first robotic tractor to be fully operational and drilling in the future, maybe even distribution, plus reduce the likelihood of on a farm in the UK. transplanting or –– who knows?” rejections. Producing both organic and conventional The Robotti 150D is autonomously “Avoiding rejections also reduces the vegetables across 1940ha, Home Farm was controlled by GPS via an onboard computer, carbon footprint of our food. For example, looking for ways to adopt more advanced not dependant on a human driver and refrigerated container shipping carbon technology into the business, and the instead following a pre-programmed emissions average 12.9g CO2e /t-km. Robotti 150D ticked all the boxes. planned route in the field. If two containers of produce are rejected “I heard about Robotti through our Fram The model at Home Farm has two Kubota each year, 48t of produce is destroyed. Farmers membership, namely, from Gordon 75hp diesel or bio-fuel engines. The left This produce has typically travelled over Cummings (Fram’s machinery manager) who engine propels the machine and powers the
New analysis unlocks soil health
New soil testing from Eurofins Agro is claimed to The microbial biomass from the sample will help farmers and agronomists understand soil in help farmers to understand the sensitivity of the a more detailed way than ever before, with the soil to conventional farming methods such as tests launched in the UK and Ireland to provide ploughing, he adds. “The number and nature of chemical, physical, and biological insight, the bacteria present in a soil sample will also offering farmers a better way to monitor, manage facilitate the accurate calculation of what and improve the health and fertility of their soil. nutrients need to be added to the soil to New soil testing from Eurofins Agro is claimed “Three new products are now available to UK optimise plant health and growth.” to help farmers and agronomists understand and Irish agriculture –– Fertilisation Manager, Soil For testing soil during the growing season, soil in a more detailed way than ever before. Crop Monitor and Soil Life Monitor,” explains Dan Soil Crop Monitor will provide the most accurate Robinson, managing director, Eurofins Agro UK. analysis, reckons Dan. “Unlike some tests, Soil Fertilisation Manager measures soil fertility. Crop Monitor analyses both the soil and the such as pH and the quality of organic matter. “This includes the chemical values of macro plant. This measures the plant-available nutrients “PLFA (phospholipid fatty acids) found in soil and micronutrients,” says Dan. “Soil pH and the and the nutrients absorbed by the crop.” can be measured to provide a fingerprint of the overall structure of the soil is also analysed in Soil Life Monitor determines the total soil content. PLFAs are degraded quickly in the conjunction with biological components such as microbial biomass, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. soil, so the analysis gives an indication of the fungi and bacteria.” It also identifies some physical characteristics amount of living biomass,” he concludes.
62 crop production magazine may 2021 Smart technology
John Deere extends Machine Sync
John Deere’s Machine Sync –– which enables combine. Machine Sync therefore makes machines to exchange data on the move and harvesting safer and reduces stress for the allows combine operators to guide a tractor and operators, says the company. Deere also claims trailer alongside the harvester –– has now been it eliminates waste during unloading and avoids made available for forage harvesters and tractors damage to both machines and crops, even at to take control during other crop unloading higher driving speeds. operations. The technology is not just applicable to Machine Sync was introduced in 2012 and combine harvesters but also to all harvesting John Deere remains the only supplier of an processes where crops are continuously loaded integrated system. According to the firm, the into trailers. As a result, John Deere is now The model at Home Farm has two Kubota 75hp technology is especially useful during night-time offering Machine Sync for use on self-propelled diesel or bio-fuel engines. operations and long working days. forage harvesters and tractors. The global navigation satellite system (GNNS) For operation, Machine Sync requires JDLink with RTK GPS, so the set up on any farm is based synchronisation allows combines to telematics, a StarFire satellite receiver and a simple. It took approximately 10 minutes to automatically control the speed and travel Gen4 Premium display with automation map a 1.6ha field at Home Farm, and a direction of tractors and trailers relative to the activation. further 10 minutes to log the weeding plan into the system. It’s important for this to be John Deere’s Machine Sync has now been made available for forage harvesters and tractors to accurate from the start, as it will determine take control during other crop unloading operations. reliable performance.” Field obstacles such as telegraph poles or trees are logged at the programming stage. Any other obstacles outside of this will make Robotti stop in its tracks for safety, until the obstacle is removed from its path. In the office, Andrew has access to the online Robotti portal, providing real-time updates of the machine’s progress. “I can leave Robotti working in the field quite happily, knowing that it will send me an alert if there is an issue, or if something unexpected is in its way. It has front and rear cameras, which I can view at any time. I am able to check the progress of crop growth at any location within that field, without having to walk to see it.” conventional three-point hitch, meaning it enough for the machine to run continuously “The portal tells me how much fuel is in can be fitted with standard implements and for approximately 24hrs. the tank, how many hours it has done, and perform multiple tasks in the field throughout “The accuracy lies in the GPS mapped how much time it has left before the fuel runs the season. field, with Robotti taking the same exact lines out. It will also tell me when it’s finished one The right engine drives the PTO. Each every time,” explains Frederik Rom, field, so I can ensure it’s taken to the next engine takes 110 litres of fuel, which is Agrointelli sales manager. “It’s equipped field to start its new job.” I
crop production magazine may 2021 63 Lessening the load
It offers a zero-emissions“ load handling solution with no compromise in performance or productivity. ”
Machinery JCB end is controlled by an electro-hydraulic Material handlers As the industry moves more and more valve block, with hydraulic regeneration towards creating ‘environmentally-friendly’ on boom lower and retract.” kit, JCB has announced the launch of its first According to JCB, the electric motors are The right handler can bring a ever electric Loadall model–– the 525-60E. 85% efficient, which compares well with the Designed to deliver the same 45% efficiency of a diesel engine. “Extensive multitude of benefits on farm. performance as the conventional analysis of customer duty cycles, through CPM rounds up some of the diesel-powered machine, JCB says 525-60E offers a zero-emissions load handling most recent launches. solution for use in agriculture and commercial horticulture. By Charlotte Cunningham “The launch of the JCB 525-60E Loadall takes equipment electrification further into agricultural markets, with no compromise in Perhaps one of the most underrated bits performance or productivity,” says Tim of kit on farm is a materials handler, but Burnhope, JCB chief innovation officer. it’s fair to say that few would argue that So how does this all-electric innovation they’re one of the most essential. work? That said, upgrading your current model The 525-60E uses two electric motors, might not be top of the priority list, however, one for the driveline and the second to innovative features in the market are power the hydraulic system. The 17kW boosting efficiency –– bringing with them traction motor drives through a permanent cost and time-saving benefits. four-wheel drive dropbox, to JCB drive/steer CPM has picked out some of the most axles, he explains. interesting new material handlers, including “The 22kW hydraulic system motor a new ‘emission-friendly’ option for those powers a fixed displacement gear pump, JCB has announced the launch of its first ever who are looking to future-proof their delivering a maximum 80 l/min of flow. Flow electric Loadall model – the 525-60E. investments. is proportional to joystick position and the lift
64 crop production magazine may 2021 Material handlers
Merlo has added to its heavy-duty offerings with the introduction of the new TF65.9TCS170-HF telehandler.
JCB’s LiveLink telematics system level is 92.2dB,” explains Tim. and on-site studies, tests and “A white noise reversing alarm evaluation, has allowed our is available as an option, to engineers to optimise the warn site workers of machine machine’s battery to meet movement.” customer requirements,” External dimensions are adds Tim. “The 96V Lithium-ion unchanged from the diesel battery, is capable of providing model and the 525-60E offers full-shift operation.” the same 3.7m outside turn The traction drive motor radius. Maximum lift capacity utilises regenerative braking, is 2500kg, with a 2000kg instead of a traditional braking maximum load at the full 6m system, topping up the battery lift height. in the process. The hydraulic Also new from JCB is a range system also regenerates flow of Loadall telescopic handlers while lowering the boom, featuring more powerful Euro reducing the power requirement, Stage V emissions-compliant and extending operating hours. engines –– and offering the The brake regen function DualTech Variable Transmission automatically turns off when on additional models. the battery is fully charged. The transmission, which The machine has the same combines hydrostatic drive for on-board charger as other JCB low speeds and powershift E-Tech products, capable of mechanical direct drive recharging the battery in at faster speeds is no eight hours using a standard longer reserved for the 240V, 16A electrical supply, top-specification Series III notes Tim. “An optional JCB Loadalls –– making it Universal Charger can be accessible to more farmers and used for a rapid top-up contractors, says managing during breaks, in as little director, John Smith. “It can as 35 minutes.” now also be specified for Agri According to JCB, a Super versions, as well as the secondary benefit of electric smallest full-size Loadall –– the operation is a significant 532-60 –– for the first time. reduction in noise levels, “DualTech VT has been making the Loadall an attractive successful and popular in our machine for operators behind top-spec agricultural Loadall the wheel, as well as for use in and now we’re making it more situations when working close accessible to a wider range to other people, such as in of farm businesses by adding vegetable grading sheds and it to the Agri Super equipment glasshouses. “The 525-60E package and to our 3.2t, delivers an in-cab noise level of 6m 532-60 introduced in just 66.7dB, while the external early 2020.” L
crop production magazine may 2021 65 Material handlers
height of 4.96m. “A maximum payload of 2300kg in pallet fork mode on level ground is accommodated, even in articulated position with the boom fully extended. The maximum tipping load articulated is 3800kg and the maximum loading and stacking height with loading forks is 4.8m –– with a full reach of 2.69m.” Ample hydraulic power for lifting and stacking tasks is available, thanks to the hydraulic capacity of 93 l/min, while an optional additional high-flow pump provides a further 28 l/min for external implements such as sweepers and mulchers, adds Steffan. “The maximum operating pressure is 230 bar. A double-acting control circuit can New Holland recently announced upgrades to its D Series wheel loader range. be fitted as additional equipment at the rear, while at the front, a maximum of two control L Merlo and the machine stability index. circuits can be optionally fitted for external Merlo has also added to its heavy-duty “This feature also allows the adjustment implements. The hydraulics also feature free offerings with the introduction of the new of the reaction and speed of hydraulic flow return and an oil overflow line on the TF65.9TCS170-HF telehandler. functions, setting and defining of possible implement carrier.” According to the firm, the load capacities for each attachment, as A neat feature is the optional Smart TF65.9TCS170-HF has been developed well as recording and storing the load Loading package, targeted at repetitive specifically with demanding applications cycle data.” loading tasks carried out over long in mind –– making it a great option for A new load sensing and flow sharing periods. “This provides features for greater agricultural use, says general manager, hydraulic system HF (High Flow) is fitted user convenience, and significantly Shaun Groom. “Offering a maximum lift as standard. “Utilising a high capacity reduces operator stress. Functions include capacity of 6.5t and a maximum lift height 160 l/min variable displacement this the programmable lift height and lowering of 8.80m this new heavy-duty handler heavy-duty hydraulic pump offers depth limit, automatic bucket return, offers improved performance.” responsive and high output hydraulic dynamic load limit, and display of Looking at the nuts and bolts, Merlo’s for the most demanding of tasks,” telescopic boom and implement carrier latest launch is fitted with a four-cylinder, adds Shaun. operation on the 23cm touchscreen 4.5 litre FPT turbo diesel engine, Additionally, the new model can be terminal located on the right A-pillar,” producing a maximum of 170hp. “The specified with the MCVTronic CVT he explains. Stage V engine is equipped with both transmission. “This Merlo designed and “A feature unique in the marketplace is Diesel Particulate Filter technology and a built feature increases the torque at the automatic retraction of the telescopic Selective Catalytic Reduction system, and wheels at low speeds, for maximum boom in combination with automatic users can be sure of having sufficient pushing power, whilst optimising efficiency bucket return and transition to the lowest power for all on-farm tasks.” at higher speeds such as those used for lowering depth limit point. The boom and The hydrostatic transmission is fitted as transport.” implement carrier are moved to their standard along with the Eco Power Drive The Merlo designed and manufactured stored positions with a single movement TOP electronic transmission control. “This cab is a modular-type construction with a of the joystick. The optional end-of-travel feature allows the operator to select to roomy overall internal width of 1010mm, damping for the lifting and lowering automatic engine response while using the making it one of the largest on the market, kinematics can also be set individually hydraulic functions, giving efficient –– and claims Shaun. “Operator comfort is further on the terminal.” the right amount –– of power for all enhanced with the patented CS cab actions,” explains Shaun. “Furthermore, it’s suspension fitted as standard. The Merlo New Holland possible to activate the Eco and Speed pioneered hydro-pneumatic cab suspension New Holland recently announced Control functions in order to maximise system maximises comfort for the operator upgrades to its D Series wheel loader ease of use and overall performance by reducing vibration, shock loads and range with improvements focused on all while minimising fuel consumption. fatigue, helping maintain operator safety.” enhancing driver experience and delivering A maximum transport speed of 40 km/h benefits in Total Cost of Ownership and is standard.” Claas reliability –– which the firm says is key to The TF65.9 is also equipped with the Last autumn saw Claas announce a new customers’ operations and businesses. brand-new Adaptive Stability Control addition to its Torion range –– the Torion According to Alain de Nanteuil, New System, he adds. “This system comes 738 T Sinus, Claas’ first telescopic wheel Holland light equipment Europe leader, as standard with an in cab 25.6cm LCD loader. the range is already really popular with colour screen that displays the load According to Claas product manager forage-harvesting contractors and biogas dynamic and capacity chart, which is Steffan Kurtz, a key benefit of the Torion plant owners. “Our machines push and updated in real time. The information from 738 T Sinus is the central telescopic climb fast for up to 17 hours a day when the load being lifted, attachment in use boom, which boasts a bucket pivot-point clamping silage, for example.
66 crop production magazine may 2021 Material handlers
“They are equally ideally suited to biomass digester loading, and the improvements we’ve made only increase their versatility and functionality.” The two major improvements are focused on fuel usage and maintenance costs which, together, New Holland claim can deliver over £17,000 in savings during the machine’s lifetime. “The Total Cost of Ownership and the reliability of a machine is something that is really important to our customers and we feel we’ve made some real developments in this area,” says Alain. “So, the first innovation is the new ‘Smart Work’ mode which helps to deliver up to 10% fuel savings. “The other improvement is the extension of service intervals from 500 to 1000 hours, which has the potential to slash Last autumn saw Claas announce a new addition to its Torion range - the Torion 738 T Sinus, its first maintenance costs by up to 20%.” telescopic wheel loader. User experience has been improved through the new touch-screen, which screen without interrupting operations. optimal pressure, reducing fuel usage and features ‘quick access’ buttons, as well The self-levelling mode makes fork tyre wear, he adds. as self-levelling mode for easier fork handling easy, he notes, ensuring they “The visibility has been enhanced by handling, says Alain. “The 20cm colour remain parallel with the ground, and the the one-piece windshield and the rear- display now features a touch screen for payload scale is designed to accurately view camera can be further improved by a more user-friendly operation. monitor the quantity of material loaded. the optional Enhanced Lighting Pack. With “The new configurable quick-access The tyre pressure-monitoring system 43,000 Lumen, it turns night into day for buttons also allow operators to use the ensures tyres are always operating at the safe and efficient night-time operation.” I Having a “tractor that can handle everything is really important for us.”
Consistency Machinery On Farm Opinion pays off
Running a fleet of efficient of contract farmed land. We have eight want different levels of processing. tractors can bring huge contract farming agreements, on top of “We have also diversified this slightly our own land, so we’re not short of work,” further and now supply food service benefits – from both a labour laughs Jeremy. businesses.” and cost-efficiency point of “I started the business back in 2004 So with a hefty workload, efficiency is and before that I was working as a farm a key part of the management strategy. view. CPM visits one farmer manager. We started off in a very small A large part of this is labour efficiency –– in Cornwall who is reaping way at the estate here at Antony, about with a team of 11 full-time staff on the farm 60ha of potatoes and 60ha of daffodils, side of things and a further 30 full-timers the rewards of his but it has grown a lot since then.” within the processing business –– and investment. Diverse cropping By Charlotte Cunningham Today, the farm manages a diverse range of cropping from vegetables and potatoes to cereals and oilseeds and even daffodils As the sun slowly rises over a glorious –– for both flowers and bulbs. “We grow spring morning, the Cornish countryside about 182ha of potatoes, 20ha of onions, is alive with the sound of the low hum of 73ha of daffodils, and we have around machinery, working away through the 182ha of grassland for cattle and sheep. small costal village of Antony, Torpoint. The rest is for combinables. Each farming The fields of oilseed rape are just agreement has its own rotation, so we’re starting to flower, and the UK is in the not really block cropping, and have to midst of a mini-heatwave after a long, cold keep each agreement as a separate winter –– bringing a sense of calm and business. contentment after a turbulent 12 months. “Alongside this, we have a vegetable At the heart of the village is West processing business (sister company, HF Antony Farm, known more commonly as Produce) which supplies a range of Cornish pasty makers –– with Ginsters the home of Agricola Growers, a specialist Jeremy Oatey is increasing the specification being our largest customer. If we don’t farming company founded by Jeremy and with every upgrade/new machinery purchase grow it, we source it, and everything is Sarah Oatey back in 2004. “We cover the farm makes. 1500ha here, which is mainly made up processed on site. Different customers
68 crop production magazine may 2021 On Farm Opinion also kit efficiency, which most recently led “We’re also making use of other things to the purchase of a new Claas Axion 870 like blight predictions, and we have 295hp tractor. weather stations to help us assess that “Our fleet is a mix of John Deere and risk. They’re also really helpful for guiding Claas tractors, and we’ve run them both our decisions on the most effective spray together for several years and it works windows. well for us. This is our third Axion and it’s Increasingly, this is something continued to impress us and they seem customers want to see too, points to get a little bit bigger every time we out Jeremy. “There’s often a lack of get one. We tend to run them for about understanding of exactly what these things five years.” mean, but there’s definitely more of an Jeremy says the Axion does a lot of expectation now to be using science and the heavy work including ploughing, technology to inform decision making.” bed-tilling for potatoes, and the main Though Jeremy has a sizeable team of cultivations. “As a general principle, we’re full-time staff, the nature of the business increasing the specification with every means he often relies on seasonal/casual upgrade/new purchase we make. This labour. However, with the changes brought The 870 takes a ‘common-sense’ approach, says means opting for features like vario on by both Brexit and COVID-19, this Jordon Lugg. gearboxes and more guidance options.” has been a challenge to find, further L
RTK system In terms of precision technology, the Axion has an RTK system on it, which provides accuracy down to 2cm. “We tend to use SF2 on the Deere’s that are doing some of the more precision work, but we found that the Claas equivalent (EGNOS GPS) wasn’t as good as we perhaps wanted it to be, so we upgraded to RTK in the end, and it seems to be pretty accurate from what we can see,” he explains. “We’re on a continual progression as far as the precision side of things goes. We started off back in the early days with N sensing, now we’re on variable rate P and K. On the larger blocks of land, we make use of variable rate drilling and we’ve found it to help improve our overall efficiency, which has both labour and cost-saving benefits. These gains can seem marginal, but it all adds up across large operations particularly. For us, we know this is the route we need to go down.
West Antony Farm manages a diverse range of cropping from vegetables and potatoes to cereals and oilseeds and even daffodil flowers and bulbs. On Farm Opinion
Farm facts
West Antony Farm, Antony, Torpoint, Cornwall. G Arable area: 1500ha G Cropping: Cereals and oilseeds, as well as vegetables, potatoes and daffodils for flowers and bulbs. G Soil type: Mixed – from light sandy soils on the coastal fields, to heavier loams. G Mainline tractors: Claas Axion 870; John Deere 6250R; 6155R; 6145R x 3; Arion 640 G Combine: Claas Lexion 750 TT; John Deere T560i G Cultivation equipment: 5m Lemken The 870 does a lot of the heavy work, ploughing, bed-tilling for potatoes, and the main cultivations. Karat, Pöttinger Terrasem C6 drill; Lemken Solitair 9 combi drill; Lemken L strengthening that need for highly come to the end of daffodil picking and it’s Diament 11 7f semi-mounted plough; efficient kit. been a struggle to get enough staff. Brexit Standen 400/140 bed tiller. “Recruitment and retention isn’t getting and COVID-19 together have been a G Telehandler: JCB 536-70 any easier,” sighs Jeremy. “We’ve just perfect storm for an already challenging situation. “In general, we try to overcome this by someone that can help you out if you get taking on staff at a young age, training stuck on a Sunday afternoon.” them from scratch and bring them up Employee, Jordon Lugg started as a through the business. But having good, graduate trainee/tractor driver but has now efficient kit alongside this really helps moved into a more management-based relieve some of the pressure around role, meaning he’s seen the 870 –– and staffing.” the general organisation of the machinery Since its purchase in 2017, the 870 usage –– from multiple angles. has clocked up around 5200 hours, with “The 870 does all of our main minimal issues. Though when support has cultivations, and these vary from using been needed, local dealers, Hamblys, minimum tillage machines to the plough have delivered, adds Jeremy. “We’ve had –– we use a mix of techniques which are excellent backup and service from our field, weather and farm dependent. dealers, and that’s really important to us “Therefore, having a tractor that can with any purchase. With so much going on handle everything –– from an implement Staff recruitment and retention can be a here and often tight working windows to perspective –– is really important for us. challenge. get things done, it’s important to have “Something I really like about the new
70 crop production magazine may 2021 On Farm Opinion
870 is the Cmatic CVT,” explains Jordon. “It’s really nice and smooth and very easy to operate.” “From the visual side of things, the cab is great and everything inside is user-friendly and fairly straightforward.”
Staff management This ease of use has proven to be really beneficial for Jordon when it comes to the staff management side of the business and his role. “The Axion is really straightforward to use, which is handy with a younger workforce. When we have a new member of staff we pair them with someone more experienced to show them Latest tweaks to the 800 range mean all models now benefit from Stage V compliant engines and a the ropes, so to speak, so having kit that’s number of specification upgrades. easy to use means this person doesn’t have to spend hours showing them how had no issues with any of the implements about an hour and a half away which is everything works –– the 870 takes a pretty we’ve put on, it pulls everything really really handy. ‘common-sense’ approach.” well and has proved to be a very “With COVID, they’ve also been really Jordon says that it’s often the 5m versatile tractor which is crucial for helpful over the phone and when they Lemken Karat that’s found on the back of the business.” have had to come out, they have been the 870, but it goes well with whichever From a maintenance point of view, really good with social distancing which implement the farm are using. “The Karat Jordon says the 870 is an easy machine to has just made everything easier for us. covers a lot of ground and leaves a really keep and the farm has it serviced regularly. “If I was asking for anything, I’d like it to nice seedbed for cereal crops so we “Again, this is where Hamblys have been be a bit smoother on the road, but apart use it a lot, and it has performed well really useful. We can call up any time and from that it’s a great bit of kit and definitely on the back of the 870. That said, we’ve they sort the problems and they’re only worth the investment.” I
The tech spec
With efficiency in mind, Steffan Kurtz, product number of new features to increase both marketing manager at Claas UK, says the 870 is functionality and operator comfort, which a model that delivers power in a compact frame. were announced by Claas last autumn. “It’s quite a frugal beast. Compared to competitor “As with the Arion, all CEBIS Touch equipped models, the 870 comes in at around 1000kg machines now come with ISOBUS UT as lighter than some of its closest comparisons. standard, allowing it to be used as a universal “Efficiency vs the weight of the machine is implement control terminal,” notes Steffan. something that’s being looked at in a lot more However, a separate terminal, such as the Claas detail these days. Here, we can deliver the S10, will still be needed for more advance ISOBUS benefits of a lighter machine, but without functions such as TC Geo for mapping and compromising on that power and performance.” variable applications or TC SC for section control. If you’re thinking an Axion could be for you, “Other new features within the CEBIS Touch the latest tweaks to the 800 range mean all terminal include a USB socket for models now benefit from Stage V compliant importing/exporting data, an upgrade to the In a bid to boost operator comfort, a engines and a number of specification upgrades, implement settings and storage function, a reading Grammer EVO Dual Motion seat is also now which have been added since Jeremy’s purchase for the average wheelslip, the ability to view available, which is heated, ventilated, and in 2017, explains Steffan. external cameras through the CEBIS screen and comes with a tilting headrest, he adds. “A nice “Maximum power outputs from the FPT greater customisation of the screen layout to suit new feature for the cabin is an option of a rear engines used by the five-model range remain individual operator preferences,” he adds. tinted window. As standard, twin brake pedals the same, rising from 205hp for the Axion 800 In addition to the standard hydraulic flow of are now fitted across the Axion 800 range, to 295hp for the Axion 870, but as part of the 110 l/min –– with an option of 150 l/min –– as well as LED flashing lights and a flexible move to Stage V there has been a slight increase there’s now a further option of a 205 l/min bottom step.” in the torque curve, so giving more low-down hydraulic system, points out Steffan. “An engine For those who really want to push the boat torque. speed memo button can also now be linked to out, 2021 has also seen the introduction of The newer Axion models are adorned with the the external PTO button through CEBIS, and the the ‘Limited Edition Pack’ which includes a same detailing on the bonnet as seen on the PTO system itself now features an uprated choice of paintwork colours and Apple CarPlay, Arion 600/500 range that was introduced in seven-plate PTO clutch for greater durability among other features aimed at increasing that 2019. However, internally, there are now a with heavy load implements. user experience.
crop production magazine may 2021 71 many discussions concluding to shape domestic policy. IPM is already indispensable that our then overreliance on Consequently, food production through necessity and governs chemistry would come back to is ignorantly criticised and every decision I make, but IPM haunt us. The problem was shamefully undervalued –– only works if those cans are a precisely that –– there truly was it’s a cynical narrative that part of the solution and by a can for everything, so the impressionable consumers are accepting that the solution isn’t need to apply knowledge and being fed, and if not addressed just in the cans. skill in the field wasn’t essential. it’ll be too late. Advisers will spend more But IPM has always been a Thanks to the dedication, time on their hands and knees mindset, not just a convenient vision and creativity of R&D placing as much importance on marketing tool, and when partners, we have sublime new the smaller picture as the bigger Good advice makes used correctly, it ensures chemistry too, but to protect one. In these complicated times, our transparency and the these new molecules we must taking the decision not to spray effective IPM protection of our whole farmed respect them. Our skill is may prove far more of a environment. therefore best implemented by challenge for some than others, When I joined the advice The AICC membership has knowing when not to spray, what but understanding what won’t industry in 1989, most only ever sold advice. For four not to spray and having the compromise our crops means advice came from distribution decades we’ve been utilising courage to make those future advisers are likely to make agronomists. Currently, the resources from our extensive decisions–– conscience again decisions more subjectively and however, commercially trials and our accrued wealth of becomes a crucial asset. As be more open to alternatives but independent advisers are combined expertise of routinely gene editing, plant breeding must have more courage in their used on over 2.2 million working within IPM protocols. and access to emerging convictions. That trust in our of the 4.7 million arable All advisers who’ve embraced technologies increase, so our abilities and our expertise UK hectares. Though IPM so fully now have a clear advisory role will again change. means that good advisers advice sources alter, good advantage, because to be The importance of applying will never become obsolete. advice remains the key to considered valuable as a crop our knowledge; using PPPs as sustainable food production. consultant today, one has to be the last option not the first; Things have changed since technically sound but equally embracing IPM for the good Sean Sparling is chairman 1989 –– back then, there were knowledgeable about crop of our soil wildlife and wider of the Association of 140 intervention stores housing and environmental protection. environment; trusting IPM Independent Crop 355,000t wheat, 689,000t Most importantly, we must be for pest control by routinely Consultants (AICC) and barley, 18,000t butter and conscious of beneficial identifying predators as readily managing director of SAS, 29,000t beef. It was another creatures and pollinators and of as pests to manage those IPM advising on 10,600ha of market into which producers our collective impact upon their systems holistically. These arable crops in Lincs. could sell, covering consumers existence, recognising how aspects are our present and should the unforeseen happen. valuable and vital they are as our future. Today, stocks are measured in our partners in any future days not months successes. AICC members use the resources from their extensive trials and accrued In 1989, we still had stubble Adaptability is prerequisite for combined expertise to explore ways to work within IPM protocols. burning and no resistant future agronomists. We’re now blackgrass or weeds. My losing tools we’ve used safely grandfather used to say, for years. Until ten years ago, “fire kills the seeds so we don’t we only lost ai’s when more have to”. Within a few years of efficient, safer or less persistent the burning ban, we realised compounds appeared –– our how vital such cultural regulatory system ensured methods were, as reliance that happened. But latterly turned to chemistry. fungicides, herbicides, seed In 1989, pest control was treatments and insecticides simpler, with insects, weeds have been outlawed through and diseases outfoxed by political interference, social constantly emerging new misinformation, prohibitive chemistry. But even in 1989, reregistration costs, when every problem seemingly obsolescence or resistance. had a solution in a can, we Rising political interference and knew that Nature wouldn’t coordinated activism through capitulate for ever. I recall social media sees NGOs jostle
72 crop production magazine may 2021
Mother Nature “has a marvellous way of feeding our crops that we’re only just beginning to appreciate.” An active community Innovation Climate Change Champions
The thriving soils of a the individual slots created by the with suppliers, scientists and NGOs cross-shaped coulters. to increase productivity and improve Worcestershire estate “We’ve worked hard to develop the soil environmental outcomes. The group’s been are carefully managed to biology for many years, and previously looking to improve its NUE, and Jake sprayed a brew to encourage this. But it brandishes a sheet displaying the latest maximise carbon capture makes far more sense to put this in with the results –– around 100% for his fields, while there’s a sharing seed so the beneficial microbes grow and compared with a national average of develop with the crop. We’re finding we below 70%. culture that resonates can make a saving on seed dressings.” “We take regular leaf tissue samples and the benefits. CPM visits to monitor nutrient levels in the crop closely, Icing on the cake only applying as and when the crop needs understand the quest that’s This is just the icing on the cake, however it,” he explains. “But the key to the system driven the improvements. –– the ambition is to encourage a biology is the biological activity in the soil. Increase that allows the farm to reduce its reliance on that and you increase the naturally available By Tom Allen-Stevens a whole raft of synthetic inputs, with nitrogen N –– Mother Nature has a marvellous way firmly in the sights as a priority. A leading of feeding our crops that we’re only just pioneer in regenerative agriculture, Jake has beginning to appreciate.” There’s an addition to Jake Freestone’s conducted many years of on-farm trials into Plants use microbes to get the Cross Slot drill that sits among the main cover and companion crops, establishment micronutrients they need, he reasons. farm buildings of Overbury Enterprises and nutrition practices. It’s a dogged pursuit “If there’s less life in the soil, they have in Worcestershire. On the John Deere to build the life of the 950ha of mainly to work harder to get these, which saps 8370R that pulls the drill sits a TT Cotswold brash, along with heavy alluvial energy. So a healthy soil leads to a far front-mounted tank. clay soils of the stunning estate he manages “We’re putting biology directly in with the that rises to 300m on the Bredon Hill Nature seed,” explains Jake. “Direct-drilled crops Reserve overlooking Tewkesbury. always benefit from a little starter nutrition, And he’s achieved this in spades –– soil but we’re moving away from DAP and TSP organic matter (SOM) levels have been that can get locked up in our calcareous closely monitored and have risen on soils.” average by 1.7% since 2014. Now Jake’s Jake points to a manifold on the front of focused on nitrogen use efficiency. “Since the drill that distributes the mixture, taken we started using the Farm Carbon Toolkit in from the front tank through a peristaltic 2019 we’ve realised the massive contribution pump. This is needed to pass the brew of nitrogen fertiliser makes to emissions –– The “gloopy” biological mixture is pumped phosphites, microbes and other carefully around 54%.” from the front-mounted tank directly to the selected ingredients, no matter how “gloopy” The farm is part of the Kellogg’s Origins cross-shaped seed coulters on the drill. the resulting mixture, down narrow tubes into programme that partners a group of growers
74 crop production magazine may 2021 Climate Change Champions more energetic crop.” gives you an idea of bulk density, but more Jake a clear picture on the mixes that Jake’s determined to measure that too importantly you can see how the roots and produce results across the estate’s soils –– he pulls out a soil microbe test kit structure of the soil have developed at and crop rotation. that links to an app on his smartphone. depth,” he explains. “Typically we’ll grow a six to eight-way “It measures the overall balance of active “Capturing carbon in your soils isn’t about mix, looking for a good balance of carbon and the proportion of fungi to locking it away –– it’s active carbon we’re carbon-rich and leafy crops, and you need bacteria. What I’m looking for is a fungally after. The aim, especially in no-till situations, a legume in there, unless it’s in the following dominated soil and you can only achieve is to have the right growing conditions above cash crop. So a leguminous cover crop may that by leaving it alone.” ground that ensure a vibrant soil life below to contain berseem clover, vetch, crimson Since Jake arrived at Overbury in 2003, cycle the carbon. You can see from the roots clover, while a non-leguminous one will have he’s moved the farm gradually down the and worms you find at depth in Jake’s soils linseed, phacelia, buckwheat and radish,” minimum-tillage path, going fully no-till in that he’s achieving this.” Jake explains. 2015 with the purchase of the 6m Cross Slot “The cereal content will depend on the drill. As well as the cost savings this has Throng of nodules following crop, although I don’t worry too brought, he believes it’s an integral part of Moving to a field of beans on the estate, much about a cereal following a cereal. Rye raising the SOM as well as the life in the Jake takes his fork and digs up a couple of or oats with vetch form a fabulous mix for soils. “We’re aiming for a resilient system that plants. As the soil and worms fall away from sheep, delivering the same metabolisable brings a consistent 9t/ha wheat crop, rather the roots, this exposes a throng of nodules energy (ME) content as a high-protein than one that’ll deliver 10.5t/ha one year and capturing nitrogen into the soil. “I think it may feeding cake.” 7t/ha the next,” he comments. have been the clover in the cover crop that The 1100 ewes of the Overbury flock form So how he is faring? Mike Green, UK kick-started the nodules –– we wouldn’t get an integral part of the living carbon cycle. sustainability manager with BASF, has this many if we weren’t doing something These graze, 400 at a time, across 4-5ha arrived on the farm with a soil corer that right for the soil biology,” he says. “It’s not blocks. “Grazing is important if you can do it takes samples in 15cm sections through the just the number but the colour –– if you cut right. Sheep act as mobile muck spreaders soil profile. “Jake’s always been interested them open there’s a pink heart which shows so you can cut back on nutrients. The bugs in what lies beneath the surface. This tool they’re working hard for you.” from their gut also helps the straw break A multitude of middens pock-mark the down,” says Jake. surface of the field, indicative of the worm “We get few surface compaction issues, activity below. Mike takes a penetrometer but it’s crucial not to overgraze –– leave the and sinks it through the soil profile, surface bare and you lose carbon. Those confirming the good physical structure. cover crops that aren’t grazed are left as “All our straw is chopped, apart from a small long as we can before destroying the green amount on a straw-for-muck deal,” notes cover on light soils. On heavier land it Jake. “But these days we struggle to put makes sense to destroy the cover earlier enough straw on the surface to keep the to allow the soil to dry out, although it’s a worms happy.” compromise. This is also where we still Poultry litter forms another addition, very much rely on glyphosate, which It’s not just the number of nodules but the colour but it’s living plant material that feeds the may potentially be an Achilles heel,” – if you cut them open there’s a pink heart which majority of the carbon cycle. Years of he notes. shows they’re working hard for you. methodical cover crop trials have brought The tour of the estate takes in a field L What makes Jake Freestone a Climate Change Champion?
Innovative ideas maintained with a reducing balance Overbury Enterprises carbon footprint, 2021 The management of the estate’s of synthetic inputs. soils is geared towards ensuring there’s a thriving biology driving Cultivation care the active carbon cycle responsible Direct drilling across the arable for sequestering an impressive area, in conjunction with other soil carbon balance. Jake refines and improvement measures, has led improves his system through o a rise in soil organic matter of on-farm trials and sharing ideas 1.7% on average over seven years. with others. Sensitively grazed, the management provides an excellent foundation Productivity push for the microbial community it Close nutrient monitoring supports. means nitrogen is used at 100% Source: Overbury Estate, 2021, calculated using Farm Carbon Calculator. Figures shown are efficiency. With the soil’s microbial Bio-based boldness indicative. community continually improving, Through good use of cover crops, bolstered through careful additions, tailored to the estate’s environment, round and maximised across the panels to optimise carbon capture productivity is consistently green cover is maintained all year arable area, providing natural solar opportunities.
crop production magazine may 2021 75 Climate Change Champions
A thriving community holds the key to capturing carbon
As UK Farming moves towards Net Zero emissions, while it’s important to recognise the climate impact of growing crops, this can be far outweighed by the benefits of a crop grown to its maximum climate efficiency, notes BASF UK sustainability manager Mike Green. “Farmers are uniquely placed to capture vast This barley has received no soil-applied artificial quantities of carbon dioxide through the crops N and reduced chemicals and is being compared they grow. There’s a climate benefit for all of with a neighbouring, conventionally treated crop. this stored carbon, and while some of it is passed on to the consumer as grain, how the L of Voltage oilseed rape, grown with a crop is grown directly relates to the companion crop of vetch, berseem clover, maximum total carbon captured,” he says. Mike Green notes that achieving maximum buckwheat and phacelia. “Brassica crops “For crops in the arable rotation, that comes growth above ground relies on ensuring there’s halt the development of arbuscular down to maximising green leaf area and an active carbon cycle below. mycorrhizal fungi, and the companion crop keeping those natural solar panels clean so provide a bridge to keep the cycle going,” they photosynthesise at optimum efficiency. he explains. “But you cannot achieve maximum growth marries expert knowledge with co-creation, Then the last stop on the tour, just below above ground unless there is a thriving soil gleaned from the community of progressive Bredon Hill, is a block of spring barley get- community below to support it. This also drives growers with whom he shares experience –– he ting underway following a winter of grazed the active carbon cycle responsible for storing is a great advocate for progressive farming, with cover crops. Jake and Mike take a close the vast majority of carbon in productive a real and true sense of fairness and honesty. look at the young plants that have already arable soils. “We’re keen to support his quest to put out an impressive root system. The two “Jake has developed at Overbury a farming understand the natural pathways to improving fields of RGT Planet, established side by system which, from the ground up, takes every his farming system, which is why BASF side at the beginning of March, each have opportunity to build this thriving community and is pleased to support his nomination as a very different takes care to ensure it remains in balance. He Climate Change Champion 2021.” nutrient programme, Jake explains. “One will receive its full total balance of explaining farming practices across an 110kgN/ha under a conventional regime. environment. We’re also being challenged to estate that has 42km of footpaths and On the other we’re applying no soil-applied use fewer chemical inputs, and I want to bridleways. artificial N and reduced chemicals. It know the solutions to what will replace them A keen user of Twitter and You Tube, received a biological brew with the seed before they’re removed. Translate that into Jake also has a regular Facetime a Farmer which should help the crop draw in P from cost savings and it’ll help compensate for the session with a Lincolnshire primary school. soil reserves and N from the atmosphere. loss of BPS,” says Jake. “I enjoy talking farming with young children I’m hoping this will also make it more “But it’s a challenge all farmers face, and as well as the grown-up conversations as resilient to disease –– it’s thought ammonium I find I gain so much from sharing what we’re you get to see how it’s perceived from a nitrate pulls water into the crop which can doing here in terms of the knowledge and different perspective. It’s also very much make it more susceptible to infection.” experience you get back.” encouraged by the Bossom family who own On-farm trials, and communicating the It’s knowledge that’s shared not just with the estate –– it’s been in the same hands for results, form an integral part of the estate’s farmers –– the farm hosts school visits as well 300 years, and they’re keen to see that what work –– A LEAF demonstration farm, it hosts as taking part in LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday. we do today will ensure it’s still thriving numerous visits by other farmers. A Facebook page is an integral part of 300 years into the future,” notes Jake. I “I’m interested and I want good profitable engaging with the local community and crops grown in harmony with the Climate Change Champions
UK Farming has set itself the challenging target them into the top-level discussion of Net Zero emissions by 2040. Although led by about how farming can position the NFU, it will take the entire industry, working itself as the solution to climate together in a partnership approach to meet this change. ambitious goal. CPM would like to thank our But there are individual growers, thought sponsors: leaders who have already started on this journey. They have the ideas, the progressive outlook and the determination to shape positive change. On-farm trials, and communicating the results to CPM has teamed up with leading agricultural other farmers form an integral part of the estate’s suppliers who have a credible Net Zero work. aspiration to identify these individuals and bring
76 crop production magazine may 2021 Tolerance will“ help to manage the risk of virus yellows but should be used alongside other measures.”
Virus tolerance Roots Sugar beet varieties makes debut
The 2022 BBRO/BSPB when they were reliable performers like “Maruscha KWS is the first variety Recommended List was Sabatina KWS and Haydn,” he says. to come through the KWS breeding KWS are first past the post in the race to programme with a level of tolerance that released last month and bring forward genetics to tackle the virus supports commercially viable yields. It has features a high turnover of yellows threat. The addition of Maruscha recorded minimal losses to BMYV infection KWS, a variety with some tolerance to virus and respectable losses to BYV when varieties – with six yellows, may provide a timely glimmer of compared with those seen in susceptible additions, including the first hope for sugar beet growers after a season varieties,” he says. which showed just how devastating this It’s expected that Maruscha KWS will be variety with a tolerance trait disease can be. at the vanguard of a new generation of to virus yellowing. CPM finds sugar beet varieties that will incorporate Virus yellows trials genetics that will help growers develop an out what to expect from the In the breeder’s own virus yellows trials integrated pest management approach newcomers. in East Anglia, Maruscha KWS has to managing virus yellows but it’s not a L demonstrated partial tolerance to Beet Mild By Lucy de la Pasture Yellowing Virus (BMYV) over three years and a positive response to Beet Yellowing Virus (BYV) has also been noted, according to It’s all change on the Recommended List plant breeder KWS. These two forms of (RL) with several old favourites becoming the virus complex have been found to outclassed because they’re falling behind inflict yield losses of up to 30% and 49% the yields of the newer varieties. Daphna respectively. is now the oldest variety on the RL and Breeding varieties with strong tolerance only made its debut in 2017. With nearly remains a difficult and complicated process twice as many varieties being removed because of the different nature of the strains (11) as added, the choice of RL varieties that make up the virus yellows complex, is slightly slimmed down for the next says Ben Bishop, KWS country manager for campaign. sugar beet in the UK. The relatively high turnover rate for BYV is a closterovirus whereas BMYV and varieties is a trend that’s likely to continue, a third virus in the virus yellows complex, believes Mike May, chairman of the RL Beet Chlorosis Virus (BChV), are both board. “It reflects the rapid improvements poleroviruses. The distinct nature of the in the yield potential of varieties by plant viruses involved in the disease means that Mike May explains that some reliable performers breeders and means inclusion of some tolerance to one form of the virus does not have been outclassed by higher yielding varieties of the older varieties can’t be justified necessarily confer equal protection against so have been removed from the RL for 2022. according to the current RL criteria, even another, he explains.
crop production magazine may 2021 77 Sugar beet varieties
of tolerance to one of the viruses in the virus The introduction of varieties with tolerance yellow complex which means they won’t to yellowing viruses represents an opportunity prevent the problem in all situations. Last to protect yields but exploiting this possibility season the most damaging of the yellowing will also involve the continued use of cultural viruses was BYV. measures, such as good field hygiene, “It’s a good idea for growers to make a he highlights. note of the virus that is most problematic “Maruscha KWS shouldn’t be thought on their own farm during the season. This of as the sole solution to virus yellows. Its information will help them select the variety tolerance, and that of other varieties as with the best tolerance trait for their situation they’re introduced, will help to manage the as new varieties with different tolerances to risk of virus yellows but should be used yellowing viruses are added to the RL over the next few years,” suggests Mike. He also highlights that new traits are initially associated with a yield lag and Maruscha is no exception, yielding an average of 93.3% of controls in three years Maruscha KWS is the first sugar beet variety with of RL trials. tolerance to one of the three viruses that cause KWS will have a series of demonstration virus yellows and is included in the new RL, says plots in commercial crops of sugar beet in Ben Bishop. the 2021 season, so those interested will have the opportunity to see how the trait
L panacea, highlights Mike. performs under real-world conditions this BTS 3020 offers high yield (102.2%) and good He adds that conventionally bred summer, coronavirus restrictions permitting, bolting resistance as an earlier sowing option. varieties are likely to only have good levels adds Ben. Prime fodder beet seed for success
The late-drilling slot could be the answer to 2020, which both established and yielded well unlocking the benefits of primed fodder beet with no signs of virus yellows, there‘s new seed, believes Agrovista agronomist and trials evidence which suggests a later drilling slot manager, Steven Gate. could be the missing link to unlocking more Following the recent unpredictable UK benefits from primed seed,” he says. weather patterns, which have included three During this year’s trials work will be consecutive dry springs, he confirms that the expanding in this area to investigate late drilling trials work looking into the advantages of primed more before sharing data with customers and fodder beet seed has so far proved to be suppliers, he adds. inconclusive. “In fodder beet trials using conventional seed, Priming the seed could unlock the potential of “It has been very frustrating. We know there Cagnotte (from breeder Florimond Desprez) late-drilled fodder beet, says Steven Gates. are undoubted benefits to using primed seed, continues to set the standard and was consistently based on extensive trial work in France and yielding 12% ahead of the next best variety last from replicated trials in the UK from breeder year. A major plus for growers is its conical shape of importance to growers,” she says. Elsoms Seeds.” and smooth surface, which enables a cleaner lift “Elsoms currently have a portfolio of eight But an unusual combination of dry and cold with a low dirt tare,” says Steven. fodder beet varieties, all offering unique selling conditions has led to false starts in germination Henrietta Wells, energy and forage crop points and a place in any farming system. at the Agrovista trials site at Brackenburgh manager at Elsoms, sees priming as a potential Whilst Jamon is currently the biggest selling Estate, near Penrith in Cumbria, he explains. game changer for growers, based on UK and most popular variety, Cagnotte –– a high “If these very dry springs become a more replicated trials that have shown a yield increase yielding, rhizomania resistant variety with high permanent feature of our weather then using primed material. dry matter –– has performed exceptionally well conserving moisture prior to drilling fodder beet “Primed seed germinates quicker, enabling in UK trials, as Steven highlighted. For the 2021 is going to be critical for growers in the future. young fodder beet plants to become more season we will also have primed Cagnotte seed “Primed seed potentially brings a host of resilient to climatic conditions, insects available to the UK market. advantages to UK farmers –– including more and diseases. It also helps achieve even “Brunium will be commercially available to even establishment; faster germination, which establishment and uniform sized beet ensures fodder beet growers for the first time this year, ensures young fodder beet plants become more increased efficiency with agronomic passes, with limited seed availability. Brunium is competitive; and helps the developing fodder including chemical applications that can be rhizomania tolerant, with a conical root shape, beet crop overcome problems such as virus more tailored to the crop. and provides a high energy feed that suits yellows, which posed a significant problem for “With current and future legislative pressure any farming system. This variety offers all the UK growers in 2020. on use of chemicals, any new tool –– such as existing benefits of Jamon and presents a highly “On the basis of the positive results we priming –– that can help make young crops palatable feed for both cattle and sheep,” achieved from a primed seed crop drilled in May more resilient to pests and diseases has to be concludes Henrietta.
78 crop production magazine may 2021 Sugar beet varieties
5.2 for powdery mildew and the available, limited data from both Betaseed trials and the RL trials, suggests it has better than average cercospora resistance.” BTS 3020 is the early bird variety within the Limagrain portfolio having consistently delivered three years of very low counts in the early sowing period before 5 March. “This result has been consistent over the past three years, including data from 2020 which we know was a higher year for bolting.
Latest innovation Wren is the latest innovation from SESVanderhave –– a variety that has been Wren stands out for its high establishment and With the highest sugar content on the RL, BTS developed and tested under UK conditions can be sown early, enabling growers to make use 5570 also illustrates how sugar beet breeders and tailored to the needs of Britain’s sugar of mature plant resistance to virus yellows, says are raising the bar when it comes to breeding for beet growers, says the company’s UK Ian Munnery. disease resistance, says Ron Granger. managing director, Ian Munnery. “UK growers face the twin challenges of it will perform well sown later in the season,” alongside other measures such as an uncertain market and variable weather says Ian. controlling volunteers on spoil heaps as part patterns every season. Having invested in With effective disease tolerance, Wren is of an integrated strategy. Good field hygiene more than 25,000 trial plots each year in a good all-round performer that will make a is the basis to controlling virus and disease the UK over the 10 years it takes with good contribution to a farm’s variety mix, across all crops and this applies equally to conventional breeding to bring a new variety he adds. sugar beet.” to market, we‘re confident that it will perform Whether varieties should be considered Another newcomer from the same stable consistently well regardless of what the on their wider merits and less emphasis put is Katjana KWS. It’s the second highest environment throws at it.” on yield is something that will be considered yielding on the RL, with an adjusted yield of That’s been born out in the RL trials where as the RL selection guidelines are reviewed 102.7% of controls, and is also tolerant to it has performed consistently, including the this year, the results of which will be applied beet cyst nematode (BCN) with low-bolting tough 2020 season where Wren was in the to the selection process in 2023. characteristics. top four varieties for yield (101.7%). Dr Vicky Foster, head of BBRO, says now The Conviso Smart breeding programme “Wren stands out for its strong is the right time to assess whether the RL is continues to evolve, with another ALS-toler- establishment and this, together with a low supplying growers with the right information. ant variety added to the RL for 2022, with a bolting score in early sowing trials, makes “Variety decisions should be made on yield of 92.2% of controls in RL trials using Wren a dependable choice for farmers profitability which means not just yield but conventional herbicides. who wish to make full use of the season the costs of production need to be taken into “Smart Rixta KWS is a good fit to this by sowing early to exploit mature plant account. The RL trials cost £250K each year system, with low bolting when sown in the resistance as part of their strategy to so we have to make sure we’re delivering main drilling window and an adjusted yield combat virus yellows. At the same time, value for levy-payers money.” I close to the average of control when it’s grown using the Conviso Smart system,” says Ben. BBRO/BSPB RL additions for 2022 Limagrain adds another two varieties to join yield front-runner BTS 1915 (107.3%) on the RL –– BTS 5570 has the highest sugar content and BTS 3020 offers high yield (102.2%) and good bolting resistance as an earlier sowing option. Both varieties are rhizomania resistant. “Sitting amongst the pack for highest yields (101.5%), BTS 5570 offers flexibility in drilling, showing low levels of early sown and normal sown bolters,” says Ron Granger, arable technical manager for Limagrain UK. “BTS 5570’s robust disease resistance profile illustrates how sugar beet breeders are raising the bar when it comes to breeding for disease resistance,” he points out. Source: BBRO, 2021 “The variety has an 8.1 rating for rust,
crop production magazine may 2021 79
Alternaria – another evolving threat? Crop health “is a factor in early blight disease onset.”
Roots Potatoes
Early blight has become a Netherlands, Bert Evenhuis of Wageningen they’re dealing with two distinct species University and Research, reported that a that make up the alternaria complex when more significant disease in novel genotype of Alternaria solani has seeking to protect crops. some varieties in recent been shown to be more aggressive than “Early blight is caused by A. solani, wild relatives and less well controlled by the principal pathogen threat and by years. New research in products containing pyraclostrobin, A. alternata, a secondary threat that Europe warns that it’s also a azoxystrobin and famoxadone. enters the plant via earlier damage. Both species can be found wherever disease that is evolving into Rising threat early blight is detected,” says Bert. L something that’s more The rising threat of early blight has increased steadily since the turn of the aggressive and harder to century as a changing climate has control. CPM finds out more. created conditions more favourable for the disease, he explains. Efforts to protect By Rob Jones crops have led to the increased use of fungicides and, in some cases, this has and Lucy de la Pasture resulted in reduced sensitivity to certain modes of action. This has been hastened by a lack of breeding focus on alternaria Across Europe, growers are being resistance in new varieties. encouraged to give greater thought to Isolates with reduced sensitivity to QoI how they protect crops against early fungicides were first detected in Germany blight (Alternaria spp.), also known as by researchers at the Technical University target spot, follwing the detection of of Munich and more recently in the isolates showing reduced sensitivity to Netherlands and other European fungicides belonging to the Quinone countries. New research in Europe has outside Inhibitor (QoI) group of also just identified reduced sensitivity to Bert Evenhuis says that alternaria pathogens are fungicides. some SDHI active substances, particularly Speaking at the Bayer potato boscalid. evolving to be more aggressive and with conference from his office in the The challenge facing growers is that insensitivity to some active ingredients.
80 crop production magazine may 2021
Potatoes
L Data on the prevalence of Alternaria practice is often difficult because spp. or their sensitivity to fungicides in predicting the onset of disease is the UK is sparse, but it’s a disease that’s notoriously hard, he says. present in most seasons. “Developing more accurate decision “The two species are virtually support systems will be essential to indistinguishable in the field, but A. solani promote protection against both early and is the more damaging as it produces late blight. The early systems lack the bigger lesions and can infect crops capacity to consider crop development, without first needing an entry point caused crop stress and the presence of other by an unrelated event. Most varieties have diseases which can hinder protection good tolerance to A. solani, but Markies, practices, so further work is needed.” Ramos, Lady Christl and Aveka have Production practices, especially nutrient been found to suffer problems and other availability, have been found to have an varieties might be affected too.” impact on disease development but more The challenge facing growers is that they’re As with programmes for late blight work is needed to fully understand this dealing with two distinct species that make up (Phytophthora infestans), interventions relationship, he adds. the alternaria complex when seeking to protect should be timed before the disease “We’ve seen that crop health is a factor crops. pressure begins to build. Achieving this in in early blight disease onset, especially Quantis can help heat-stressed potatoes
Syngenta has joined the biostimulants race by “Acting directly as an anti-oxidant, it can help launching Quantis, a biostimulant product which to counter reactive oxygen species (ROS –– free helps crops cope with the impacts of heat radicals) which can cause significant damage, stress. particularly within the foliage if leaves get too Quantis has undergone extensive field trials hot. It’s believed to activate and enhance the in the UK and analysis of the data has revealed potato plant’s natural capability to adapt to heat significantly increased yield for crops that had stress to prevent damage.” been under prolonged or extreme heat stress. The strength of Quantis lies in its relatively The results indicate the product may have an high proportion of short chain carbon molecules, important role in potato agronomy programmes which are particularly effective at helping the from tuber initiation until the end of the crop plant to prevent the creation of ROS during bulking phase, believes Dave King, head of periods of stress, he explains. It also helps with technical at Syngenta. the scavenging of accumulated ROS to minimise Dave Kings says Quantis is believed to activate He adds that its value is even more apparent their adverse effects. and enhance the potato plant’s natural capability with the increasing incidence and severity of “By filling the organic carbon gap when a to adapt to heat stress to prevent damage. heat events that’s become a feature of British plant comes under stress, Quantis can act to summers over the past few seasons. minimise stress effects. It also contains a level in-season assessments that effects were Quantis delivers a readily available blend of of amino acids that can help to protect plant apparent in the second phase of tuber bulking, organic carbon, amino acids, potassium and structures from nitrogen and protein degradation when the crop came under extreme stress.” calcium that supplement the plant’s own when under stress.” Reviewing historic weather has shown the molecular cell function, explains Dave. In addition, Quantis provides osmoprotectant variability in heat events –– from season to regulators to help plants manage cell osmosis, season and by location –– but at some stage which could help contribute to the heat stress most crops will be subject to some effects. As mitigation, he adds. climatic conditions have changed over recent Trials have shown best results from three years, extreme and prolonged heat periods are applications at a rate of 2.0 l/ha, at the onset of becoming more frequent, he points out. tuber bulking; a second two weeks later and Continued Syngenta field research in 2021 third at canopy closure. Last season, at 32 trials will look at refining application timings. More sites which experienced conditions of greater controlled trials will also seek to tease out than 250C for more than four hours on 14 days differences between varieties and other (or more) from the first application through to variables, such as irrigation and crop duration. 31 Aug, yields were, on average, 2.2 t/ha Syngenta’s New Farming Technologies team greater than the control. The 14 sites that is pioneering predictive heat forecasting models, experienced a heat event in excess of 300C over with the aim to identify potential for precision that period recorded an average 1.9 t/ha yield targeting of applications prior to stress increase. periods in the potato growing season. New Syngenta-funded research at Nottingham Several years of trials in the UK suggest that In previous years, the greatest effects on yield University will also investigate how Quantis is Quantis can give crops significant help in and tuber size were recorded in 2018, which working to alleviate heat stress and drought overcoming the effects of prolonged heat stress. coincided with an extremely hot and stressful growing season, he recalls. “It was notable from effects in more depth, he adds.
82 crop production magazine may 2021 Potatoes
Real Results extends into potatoes
BASF has traditionally been a relatively small developing solutions to the agronomic problems player in the potato sector, but a shift of focus facing growers, using both cultural methods and has elevated the crop to more prominence in chemistry. the manufacturer’s portfolio. This is reflected “The success of Real Results in cereals has by a burgeoning pipeline of new actives on helped us to understand the challenges for course to growers over the next few years, growers. As an R&D company it’s easy to be out says Matt Goodson, specialities marketing of touch with what’s happening on the ground, BASF is extending its Real Results circle into manager at BASF. so by working with potato growers and industry potatoes to help fine-tune their new product “In the near future we have three new experts, it will help BASF be connected during pipeline. fungicides for late blight, alternaria and the product development process. In this way, tuber diseases; two herbicides –– one for we can be sure the new products fit in and grassweeds, the other for broadleaf weeds; growers can get the most out of them.” provide expert help on producing crops, and two insecticides, which include a biological BASF are inviting potato growers to join them innovation trial sites and its Real Results for wireworm and an aphicide.” on their journey and help shape the company’s programme will give participants the opportunity The company has just launched ‘Perfecting product strategy for the future. As well as to trial innovations on their farms under real Potatoes Together’ –– a platform which will networking with like-minded growers, the world conditions. provide a collaborative and holistic approach in Perfecting Potatoes Together initiative will www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/real-results/potatoes
where nitrogen availability is restricted. “While late blight is regarded as the featuring Narita (difenoconazole), Amistar This can be through low application rate or bigger threat to crops, early blight is a (azoxystrobin), or Signum (boscalid+ low soil reserves. This is another reason to disease of increasing significance in the pyraclostrobin),” says Grant. favour split applications to promote canopy UK,” explains Grant Reid, Bayer commercial When applied in a preventative sequence growth and delay senescence, but beware technical manager for central Scotland. at 14-day intervals, Caligula delivered 84% that too much, too late can impair tuber control of early blight in the susceptible quality.” Increased prevalence phase of the crop. Comparable treatments Control options for early blight have been The reasons for its increased prevalence with Signum achieved 47% of control, falling by the wayside so the approval of a aren’t fully understood but it’s thought whereas Amistar delivered 68% control and new product with strong activity on alternaria to be due to a combination of factors, Narita 80%. The average extra yield from will likely be welcomed by growers given including the introduction of more Caligula over all other treatments, delivered the uncertain future for mancozeb, which susceptible varieties, the spread of by this higher-level control, was 3%. has been the mainstay for controlling the A. solani isolates less sensitive to QoI “Trials also considered its incidental disease. fungicides, and more favourable weather control of sclerotinia compared with Shirlan Caligula, a new fungicide from Bayer in the early spring supporting sporulation. (fluazinam). A preventative sequence of containing 125 g/l fluopyram and 125 g/l The damage alternaria inflicts on crops Caligula treatments delivered a 30% prothioconazole in a suspo-emulsion (SE) varies according to the season. In the reduction of stem infection by sclerotinia, formulation, was launched by Bayer at their published research, measured losses in whereas a similar sequence with Shirlan conference earlier this spring. Caligula has unprotected crops may be from 5 to 78% resulted in an 11% reduction. A Caligula demonstrated a level of protection against –– depending on the extent of canopy sequence resulted in significantly lower early blight in trials that looks set to secure it defoliation. incidence of sclerotia within stems (94% one of the highest ratings of any product on “In registration trials spanning six control, recorded in one trial), compared the Euroblight early blight league table, seasons between 2013 and 2018, Caligula with a 40% reduction for fluazinam,” believes its manufacturer. was compared directly with programmes he adds. I
crop production magazine may 2021 83 Blight wars: late blight strikes back The days are“ over when we just spray one active for blight, even if the active is very effective.”
Roots Research Briefing
Latest analysis of blight “If you look at the evolution of strains over These new strains, especially 36_A2 and strains shows a further the past three years, and in particular 2020, 37_A2, which now comprise over 40% of the you can see new strains emerging. European population along with 41_A2, are evolution of the pathogen “That’s mostly 36_A2 and 37_A2, but winning the battle because they appear to with aggressive strains you also have 41_A2, 42_A2 and 43_A2 be more virulent in sub-optimal conditions, occurring. he says. taking over. CPM finds out This has been investigated by recent whether the changes have Dominant strains Belchim research, which has compared how “So it is still changing. We thought last year the older 13_A2 and 6_A1 strains perform at left open a new role for an and the year before a few new strains were three temperatures (10, 18 and 24°C) using old favourite. taking over and they would remain dominant three measures against the two newer for a few years. However, we already see strains 36_A2 and 37_A2. By Mike Abram new strains coming in. It is even more The first measure is latent period –– the dynamic than we expected.” number of days between infecting the leaf In the UK one slightly unexpected with a strain and for the first visible lesion to In the latest episode of blight wars there is development has been the almost complete appear. While there is no difference in the definitely a case for saying ‘the Empire’, in disappearance of 13_A2 (also known as this case, the pathogen is striking back. “Blue-13”) from the sampled population in But will that mean the return of a Jedi in 2020, with only the odd incidence being the form of older chemistry playing a found in Wales. new role? “It was known to be a very aggressive That’s one possible conclusion from the strain, but in 2020 it was taken over by latest analysis of potato blight strains from 36_A2 and also 6_A1 (“Pink-6”), which is the 2020 season, suggests Stef Dierickx, quite typical for the UK.” Belgium-based zonal potato expert for A similar pattern is also emerging Belchim Crop Protection. elsewhere in Europe, where incidence Over 1200 samples across 28 European of 13_A2 has dropped to just 6.7%. Three new strains now comprise over 40% of the countries were collected by 22 partner “It’s an interesting evolution. For many European population and are winning the battle organisations, including Belchim, for 2020 years we saw it as the reference strain because they appear to be more virulent in sub- analysis by Euroblight (see panel on p86). but now it is being outcompeted by the optimal conditions. “It is extremely useful research,” Stef says. new strains.”
84 crop production magazine may 2021 Research Briefing
Incidence of different blight strains, 2020
Monitoring reveals 6_A1 (left, in dark pink) is still the dominant blight strain across the UK, but the research has shown 36_A2 (centre, light pink) and 37_A2 (right, green) are more virulent, rising in prevalence and are well adapted to the UK climate. Source: Euroblight latent period between the older and new “This helps explain what we are seeing UK potato lead for Belchim. strains at thelowest temperature of 10°C, at in the field when we see lesions suddenly “Working in a maritime climate in the UK, 18°C and 24°C both 36_A2 and 37_A2 show becoming very big even at lower 10°C is roughly a morning temperature in lesions around half a day quicker than the temperatures.” May, so blight is bubbling away waiting to older strains, Stef says. The final assessment is a count of spores explode when the right weather patterns “The second parameter is how much that have been washed off a known area of occur. These strains are very well adapted does the lesion grow per day –– here we see leaf. “Here again we see a big difference at to our climate.” at 10°C a difference between the older and 10°C with between 50,000 and 70,000 It also means blight can survive and newer strains, where the new ones are spores/cm2 with the new strains compared sporulate on volunteer potatoes, dumps, or growing at 3cm2/day compared with with 11,000-13,000 with the older one. host weeds for longer over winter increasing 1.2-1.3cm2 with the older ones. “That’s a huge difference.” inoculum, says Stef. “Last year we found a “That’s almost three times faster so we The consequence of that enhanced lesion on 3 December on volunteer get bigger lesions at lower temperatures. activity at lower temperatures is likely to potatoes.” At higher temperatures the growth rate be an increase in the length of the blight The Euroblight monitoring is also is similar. season, suggests James Cheesman, highlighting some interesting regional L Research Briefing
Blight strain frequency in Great Britain
L differences between strains –– with the lesions from a trial and found different strains “Forget the name Shirlan –– we have a fluazinam-resistant 37_A2 being mostly when we analysed them. new active which is good on late blight found in Wales, West Midlands, Lancashire “So you’re not fighting one blight strain but needs some support. It brings some and Yorkshire, while 36_A2 is present in East in your field, but several. You cannot let protection against alternaria, sclerotinia Anglia, Scotland and west Wales, with the yourself be driven by one dominant strain in and botrytis and is a good anti-resistance occasional finding elsewhere. Pink-6 (6_A1) your country –– crop protection programmes partner,” he says. “When I say that to is more widespread across typical potato should be designed to cover and protect growers and ask if they’re interested, they growing areas. against all strains and also help prevent then say ‘yes’. That’s the profile of fluazinam, “The pathogen is genetically diverse,” selection of new strains.” and with mancozeb availability uncertain, it Stef says. “We know it can change and have has a role.” different properties. Value of mancozeb What’s less well-known about fluazinam “There are clear parallels with COVID-19. In the past mancozeb played a key role is that it helps fight blight in multiple ways, The pathogen wants to survive, and it does in helping protect against selection of he says. “The main mode of action is so by evolving new strains, new mutations new strains, he says. “The great value of blocking the energy source needed in the and changing its genome. Everyone is mancozeb was that it was a multisite, mitochondria for the pathogen to respire. talking about Brazilian, South African, UK so it covered a lot of selection pressure. “But new Japanese research has also strains of COVID-19 and how they differ In future we will need to replace it by shown that it produces sublethal effects –– it’s exactly the same with these blight combining a number of single site products against late blight. It inhibits some enzymes strains.” in the same spray. which disturb signals within the cell. Another While some strains do appear to be more “I think the days are over when we just mechanism is disturbance of ionic channels dominant in certain regions, Stef says field spray one active for blight, even if the active leading to poorer flow of ions through the populations are almost certainly a mix of is very effective because there is a risk of membrane. several different ones. “We took around 100 resistance developing, and we have a very “These effects are not significant enough to dynamic pathogen.” kill the pathogen but when you start mixing What is Euroblight? That’s where there could be a new role for fluazinam with other products these sublethal fluazinam as a mixture partner, he suggests. effects can help to control blight better. Euroblight is a broad consortium of research That might be surprising for some growers, “It is like having an underlying condition institutes, universities and commercial he acknowledges, with the occurrence of the and then catching flu –– on a weakened companies which provides a rapid, fluazinam-resistant strain 37_A2 precipitating system it can be more lethal.” cost-effective and coordinated approach a rapid move away from the active ingredient. The principle was tested in to understanding how late blight strains in potatoes are evolving across Europe. Fitness of new blight strains Samples of late blight are taken by squashing infected leaves onto FTA (Flinders Parameter Temperature EU_13_A2 EU_6_A1 EU_36_A2 EU_37_A2 Technology Associates) cards and sent to the (°C) (n=30) (n=2) (n=3) (n=4) James Hutton Institute and INRA for DNA Latent period (days) 10°C 6 7 6 6 fingerprinting. Analysed samples are then 18°C 4 4 3.3 3.1 characterised into existing clones or defined 24°C 4 4 3.2 3.5 as new ones. Lesion growth rate 10°C 1.17 1.34 3.1 2.8 The data is used by growers, advisers, (cm2/day) 18°C 6.5 5.6 6.4 6.4 breeders and blight fungicide manufacturers to 24°C 8.5 5.8 8.7 4.7 provide practical management advice and help Sporulation 10°C 13400 11300 68638 49000 shape longer-term strategies. It helps provide capacity 18°C 9800 13800 24113 19400 early warning of the incidence and spread of (#spores/cm2) 24°C 1700 2000 1050 1050 new strains, such as EU_37_A2. Source: Belchim, 2020.
86 crop production magazine may 2021 l a v r e t n i
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a Research Briefing d - 6 zoospore-movement laboratory trials Added value of cymoxanil and fluazinam to Revus and Ranman against the fluazinam-resistant 37_A2 n 16 strain at Belchim’s own laboratories o 14 in Belgium. y
t 12 Laboratory and field trials have both i shown that where Cymbal (cymoxanil) and r 10 e
Kunshi (cymoxanil+ fluazinam) were added v 8 to Ranman Top and Revus, blight control e 6 s was improved compared with the partners 4 alone. 2 “You have to think of fluazinam as a % 0 support partner, which helps improve the 30/06/2020 7/07/202014/07/2020 21/07/2020 28/07/2020 4/08/2020 performance of other good products. That’s 30/06/2020 what we need to fight these new strains. Source: Belchim, 2020; Green line = average blight severity of Ranman Top and Revus applied alone; Red = with addition of “The days of using Shirlan alone at the cymoxanil; Cyan = with addition of cymoxanil + fluazinam; Treatments sprayed every 6 days from 2/6/20; 13_A2 and 6_A1 end of season for tuber protection are over, inoculated, while natural infection of 36_A2. but it is now a supportive molecule helping to protect other modes of action that are flowering, during the stable canopy phase with a mixing partner, eight weeks in a row,” still working well, such as Ranman Top,” because that’s when you have the start of he stresses. he says. alternaria, potentially some botrytis or “Our goal is for it to be used here and The best place to build it into sclerotinia infections, and you can use it there in the programme alternating for extra programmes, he suggests, is at the end of with other compounds to protect against protection. If it is used once or twice in the late blight. programme this additional mode of action is The role of cymoxanil “We’re not advising eight sprays of Shirlan being utilised.” I
The quicker cycling of the more aggressive Research Briefing strains of blight, such as 36_A2 and 37_A2 will shorten the effective window of cymoxanil To help growers get the best out of technology need for all aspects of potato crop management. kick back, Stef says. used in the field, manufacturers continue to Herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and desiccation Cymoxanil works by blocking the beginning invest in R&D at every level, from the lab to solutions are available –– supported by of infection, he explains. extensive field trials. CPM Research Briefings laboratory studies, field trials and field experience. “In the past it was recognised that provide not only the findings of recent research, In this Research Briefing Stef Dierickx (Zonal cymoxanil had a kick back effect of around but also an insight into the technology, to ensure Potato Expert) and James Cheesman (UK Potato 48 hours but, if the life cycle gets shorter as a full understanding of how to optimise its use. Leader) link cutting-edge potato late-blight we’ve seen, you can’t expect to have the CPM would like to thank Belchim for research to the consequences for the UK potato same length of kick back. sponsoring this Research Briefing and for industry and the management changes needed. “That will mean you will need to be more providing privileged access to staff and material cautious and apply cymoxanil earlier as blight used to help bring it together. pressure is raised because it will need to be in Belchim Crop Protection offers growers and the canopy to do its work.” agronomists the products and expertise they
crop production magazine may 2021 87 Even the strongest“ fungicides can have weak spots due to poor coverage.”
Getting the most from Roots Pushing performance chemistry
The odds of hitting your spores earlier in the season and in greater surface? This is where some clever target go dramatically up numbers, which intensifies the pressure drift-reduction technology can help potato crops may come under. growers get the best out of blight sprays, when you aim at it and the he says. same could be said to be true Penetrate the canopy “Crusade is a special drift retardant One of the biggest problems when that’s been designed to maximise the when blight spraying. CPM applying blight fungicides is to penetrate performance of blight fungicides by finds out how to set the the canopy so that the lower leaves are removing these physical limitations. It helps protected as well as the upper ones. maximise fungicide dose and deposition sights more firmly on Failing to do so can result in scattered and helps provide full canopy protection preventing the disease. blight infections which can then spread by modifying droplet size and distribution.” to form hotspots. By reducing the number of fines (smaller By Lucy de la Pasture “The potato canopy is made up of than 100 microns) in the droplet spectrum, interlocking leaves, which are good Crusade reduces the susceptibility to drift. collectors of vertical moving spray in the This effect also increases the spray pattern The umbrella-like canopy of the potato upper canopy but the leaves and stems uniformity at the nozzle which helps ensure plant provides a challenge when it lower down can be very hard to reach.” the correct dose is applied to the leaves, comes to applying blight sprays to crops. Blight sprays can be further compromised says Stuart. With good coverage going hand-in-hand by the conditions when they’re applied “Crusade also optimises droplet size in with good blight protection, getting –– something that’s become even more the upper end of the spectrum so that the adequate chemistry onto the lower important as blight sprays have to be blight spray is better able to penetrate the leaves is no easy feat. applied at a seven-day interval, which The changing blight population and increases the pressure on spray windows. increasingly aggressive genotypes make Syngenta application trials have shown achieving the panacea where blight that even on a perfect spray day, with an fungicide is distributed throughout the average wind speed of 1.2m/s (2.7mph), canopy, even more important, says Stuart the actual wind speed can vary from Sutherland, Interagro’s technical manager. 0.1-4.3m/s (0.22-9.6mph). “Gusts of wind “The newest, highly aggressive blight have the potential to leave patches of the strains, 37_A2 and 36_A2, join 13_A2 and crop under-dosed with blight fungicide, 6_A1 in being able to rapidly exploit any which can expose them to a risk of weaknesses in spray coverage within the infection,” explains Stuart. canopy. Even the strongest fungicides can That leaves growers with a conundrum The evolution of more aggressive strains of blight have weak spots due to poor coverage,” –– do you use a drift-reducing nozzle and requires closer spray intervals, making it more he says. produce a larger droplet to keep the spray difficult to apply blight products under ideal As well as being more aggressive, these on target and penetrate the canopy but conditions. blight strains appear to be able to produce risk reducing spray distribution on the leaf
88 crop production magazine may 2021 Pushing performance
has a beneficial effect with all spray intervals on track, while nozzle types –– from flat fans to also giving peace of mind that low drift nozzles. we’re doing the best we can to “It coalesces any ultra-fine minimise the risk of drift onto droplets, which makes them neighbouring crops.” less prone to drift, and breaks up very coarse droplets into Drift reduction smaller ones, reducing bounce Mike highlights that the or run-off from the leaves in the evidence supporting Crusade’s canopy,” he explains. drift reduction capabilities is It’s the drift reduction aspect compelling and that the cost The structure of the potato canopy of Crusade that’s of particular of adding it is minimal for the means the upper leaves are good interest to Agrii agronomist, benefits it brings. “The influence collectors of vertical moving spray Mike Simmons. Many of the Crusade has on droplet size at but the leaves and stems lower Minimising drift onto nearby potato crops under his care both ends of the spectrum down can be very hard to reach, vegetable crops to avoid the risk in East Kent are adjacent to helps get the best out of the explains Stuart Sutherland. of any unwanted residues is of vegetable crops, so eliminating blight chemistry we have left. paramount importance to the possibility of drift and the Most blight sprays aren’t readily be resistance management. Mike Simmons. potential residue problems that systemic and only a small could cause is of paramount number of actives truly That involves making use of canopy and be retained there, importance. translocate within the plant, so foliar and tuber blight resistance which helps improve coverage “The more aggressive blight getting good spray deposition where the market supports of the lower leaves and stems strain 36_A2 is present in my is particularly important during varieties with those traits as and thereby limit the risk of area so we stick to a seven-day rapid canopy growth and stable well as best use of the blight scattered blight infections interval for blight spraying and canopy,” he adds. chemistry available. occurring in the crop.” that means that sometimes Nick Winmill, Agrii’s technical “Blight is a dynamic Because Crusade modifies conditions can be less than and development manager for pathogen, so we can’t afford droplets at both ends of the ideal. Adding Crusade makes it potatoes, points out that a core to take our eye off the ball. spectrum (large and small), it possible to more reliably keep part of blight strategies has to We already have blight strains L Maximise performance to tackle new blight strains
For the third consecutive year independent Mark points out that the season-long single blight field trials have shown the performance product treatment protocol used in the Syngenta of Revus (mandipropamid) has been maximised trials at Eurofins, involving 11 applications in with the addition of Crusade drift retardant 2020, was designed to better assess the true technology. “The addition of Crusade in the intrinsic activity of fungicides, rather than using tank-mix with Revus has shown to reduce them in a programme where individual strengths the risk of drift and therefore improve spray or weaknesses could be masked. It would also deposition throughout the crop canopy,” better flag up any potential issues of changing highlights Syngenta potato marketing manager, product performance to shifting blight Mark Britton. populations from season to season, he says. He explains the Eurofins trials in 2020 were “Results from 2020 confirmed there were no physically inoculated with the more aggressive concerns with the efficacy of Revus against all blight strain 36_A2 for the first time, along with the blight strains in the test, including 36_A2 Revus plus Crusade was the stand-out 6_A1, 13_A2 and 37_A2 – representing a which has increased as a percentage of the treatment for keeping blight at the lowest level broad spectrum of the most common UK general late blight population from 2019. in Eurofins trial plots, says Mark Britton. blight isolates. Furthermore, when used in combination with Crusade it again consistently achieved plots,” he comments. better results.” With the nozzles used for the Eurofins trials In untreated plots, blight infection started to being quite drifty, Mark believes the addition of take hold towards the end of July and developed Crusade is helping to get more fungicide into very quickly to complete destruction of the green the canopy and working more effectively. leaf by the third week of August. All the blight Using an assessment of AUDPC (Area Under fungicides performed well up until early the Disease Progression Curve) gives the best September, when differences clearly started picture of season-long product performance, to become apparent. he says, and here Revus plus Crusade clearly The Eurofins trials in 2020 were physically “Under the trial’s artificially intense blight shows the lowest infection of all the products inoculated with the more aggressive blight strain pressure, Revus plus Crusade gave the on trial. That very much confirmed the results 36_A2 for the first time, along with 6_A1, stand-out result of the fungicides tested, seen in the intrinsic activity trial run in 2019, 13_A2 and 37_A2. keeping blight at the lowest level in the trial he adds.
crop production magazine may 2021 89 Pushing performance
Pushing performance
At the heart of good crop production lies sponsoring this article, and for providing careful use of chemistry to protect the plant and privileged access to staff and material used to maintain performance, right through the season. help put the article together. But optimising the efficacy of plant protection Crusade is a flexible anti-drift agent to products can be challenging, while increasingly maximise protection and prevent blight infection. restrictive regulations limit just how far you For use with all potato blight fungicides can go. throughout the programme, Crusade is designed This series of articles explores the science to reduce spray drift and maximise coverage to behind the use of adjuvant and biostimulant all parts of the canopy, so you get the most tools to help power both chemistry and crop from your spray and keep blight away. performance, as well as increase understanding of why they’re needed and what they do. We’re setting out to empower growers and drive crops to reach their full potential. CPM would like to thank Interagro for kindly
Nick Winmill says the industry has to be on its metal not to allow another genotype to change Nick says the loss of mancozeb would alternatives to mancozeb in programmes. sensitivity to any more chemistry. be a blow and the industry is currently “Part of resistance management is waiting for a view from CRD on its future. getting good spray deposition and that’s
L with insensitivity to fluazinam and we lost “In the meantime, mancozeb can still be where Crusade plays an important role,“ metalaxyl chemistry when 13_A2 came on used and it makes sense to do so to help adds Nick. He sees a place for it throughout the scene. That means we have to be on manage late blight resistance and to control the programme because of the uplift in our metal not to allow another genotype to alternaria. With an eye on the future, now fungicide performance that the drift-retardant change sensitivity to any more chemistry.” is the right time to also have a look at properties of Crusade bring. I 3D Ninety keeps application on target
The Eurofins trials in 2020 also demonstrated “When the Crusade drift retardant is added, we results of Revus applied through the new drift get more larger droplets which are better able to reduction nozzle technology from Syngenta, 3D reach down to the middle and bottom leaves of Ninety. This was still further enhanced with the the canopy. The coverage and retention on the inclusion of Crusade, albeit by a lesser amount upper leaves is still very good, but there’s than with more drifty conventional potato nozzles. additional benefit down to the lower leaves. Syngenta new farming technologies lead, “Analysis of the droplet spectrum has shown Harry Fordham, says the 3D Ninety nozzle’s 55° that the Crusade takes out the really small and angle has shown to get more even blight most drift-susceptible fine droplets, so it’s making protection/spray distribution throughout the the nozzle less drifty and ensuring we get more crop canopy. product on the crop.” “The inherent drift reduction from the design of When applying Revus alone with the 3D Ninety, the 3D Ninety minimises any impact of sideways the nozzle provided far more consistent coverage Harry Fordham explains the drift reduction from spray movement, to achieve consistent distribution of product, deeper into the crop canopy and evenly the design of the 3D Ninety nozzle minimises across the boom. The nozzle produces a spray across top and middle leaves, says Harry. any impact of sideways spray movement to pattern less affected by boom height –– to give “When the Crusade was added into the mix, achieve consistent distribution across the boom. better distribution through the potato crop the coverage on the leaf surface is further canopy,” he explains. enhanced, but also with more product getting rate to take advantage of any spray opportunities “When used for Revus application in down to the lower leaves.” and reduces drift –– which is good for the conjunction with Crusade, it proved to give the Translating this into results in the field in the environment and getting the best value from best and most reliable results in nozzle trials at blight fungicide trials, it shows all the nozzles every application, comments Harry. Eurofins last season.” performed better with the Crusade in mix with “With the Syngenta Potato Nozzle being Harry highlights the team had used Revus. The greatest improvements were seen from withdrawn from manufacture, the 3D Ninety will glow-in-the-dark UV tracer dye to reveal precisely the more drifty nozzles, such as the flat fan and be the nozzle of choice for potato applications where application droplets were reaching in the standard potato nozzle, but even with the new when it’s launched later this year,” he believes. Eurofins trials. drift reduction technology there were still valuable The recommended water volume of 200 l/ha “Results showed that with a standard potato additional benefits from Crusade’s inclusion. for both pre-emergence applications and blight nozzle, producing mostly fine droplets with low The 3D Ninety when fitted to alternate the sprays remains best practice in most situations, kinetic energy, the majority of the product is held spray pattern forwards and rearwards along the including treatments with Crusade on the blight on the growing point and top leaves of the canopy. spray boom, improves efficacy, increases work spray mix.
90 crop production magazine may 2021 from the dullness of compress. April wasn’t a month diseases will breathe a sigh of British winters. for complex tank-mixes and relief and get back to work in It’s the sort of plans for herbicides will likely the leaves, which are probably spring that makes have been put on hold if a having their own struggle agronomy decisions sulfonylurea or phenoxy was balancing nutrients while the really hard –– the intended. PGR’s may have plant copes with a surge in weather and coolish stayed in the shed. Many growth –– which is probably soil temperatures are crops look a bit ugly, with a better time to apply trace doing the growth regulation, yellow tipping where they’ve elements. the dry ground has meant been caught by a frost or cold The weather has always nitrogen prills are going northerly wind, not helped by been a challenge for farmers, nowhere and where N’s been a lack of nitrogen in the dry but it does feel like the days applied as a liquid, the cold conditions. when April was known for its nights haven’t been helpful. There’s always a lot of talk showers are now behind us –– The ‘do I, don’t I’ T1 arguments about supplementing with so farming must adapt too. One Swallows but few abound and then if you do, micronutrients when crops thing seems certain, a reliance what to apply when there’s an are under stress and it can on chemistry isn’t going to be April showers absence of disease is a good undoubtedly green crops up, the answer to coping with question. probably because of the climate change. The secret is Farmers probably post more The results of the rapid smidgeon of nitrogen most going to be in learning to use photos of rain gauges on disease diagnostics being contain. I always remember chemistry more strategically Twitter than any other carried out by Bayer do give a being asked whether I’d want a and to grow healthy crops in profession but nearly everyone fascinating insight into disease vitamin pill if I was thirsty, which more biologically active soils, on our little island is obsessed development on the new leaf may be simplistic but has a ring so that they’re better able to with the weather –– it’s layers. The weekly testing at of truth about it –– a stressed use available nutrients and they changeable, unpredictable the trials sites is already crop probably doesn’t want will be more resilient to both and variable. flagging some regional to divert precious energy into environmental stresses and But for those of us with an differences in latent septoria converting foliar N into a usable disease. intrinsic connection to the during the third week of April, form. land, weather events have an before any significant rainfall A bit of mild dampness will importance that goes way occurred. By the end of the soon see crops bounce back beyond whether the heating season it’ll be easier to see how from the holding effects of needs to go up a click, whether this information can be used to April’s weather, hurrying Based in Ludlow, Shrops, you’ll need a coat in the beer best effect, but it seems to through their growth stages with Lucy de la Pasture has garden or wellies to walk the me that knowing when latent the help of a rush of nitrogen worked as an agronomist, dog. For farmers, the weather septoria starts to be picked which has finally made its way while among the Twitterati, affects everything –– planting, up in leaves would help inform to their roots. Growth regulation she’s @Lucy_delaP. emergence, growth, agronomy, both product choice, rate and will be a tricky decision for [email protected] seed set and inevitably yields even fungicide timing. some. At the same time, fungal and the bank balance. The reality this spring is that April is the month that fungicide decisions should usually heralds the return of depend entirely on the variety, the swallows, the sound of the disease on the lower leaves, cuckoo and the start of rapid the structure of the crop growth. But with hardly a canopy and the site itself. Then drop of rain during the month, there’s monitoring capability, a large diurnal range in attitude to risk and sprayer temperature and more frosts capacity to factor in. A light than any of the preceding touch in one field may be the months (not to mention a wrong one in another. But what sprinkle of snow), crops have seems certain is that the new stood still. It’s little wonder that chemistry big guns can be the weather is a talking point. saved for T2, and the weather April hasn’t been making life during May will determine easy for anyone –– as much as whether they’ll be needed. the clear blue skies and sunny It’s one of those springs days are a welcome change where agronomy decisions
crop production magazine may 2021 91