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In this issue... Cereals Event returns page 62 Climate positive page 80 Full details and innovations to build back better Excited for opportunities on the carbon journey

Crop Doctor page 8 Rethink on blight page 89

Opinion 4 Talking Tilth - A word from the editor. Volume 23 Number 7 6 Smith’s Soapbox - Views and opinions from an Essex peasant….. June 2021 103 Last Word - A view from the field from CPM’s technical editor. Tech Respect returns next issue. Technical 8 Crop Doctor - Septoria low at T2 As flag leaves emerge, Crop Doctor travels from west to east to assess disease. 14 Diagnostics - Instant intelligence Most farms are generating big data but how to interpret it isn’t always clear. 20 Inside traits - Step-on in wheat choice Four new Group 3 varieties may have added a new dimension. 24 Better buying, better selling - Little steps to a potential big profit Doing the little things could make oilseed rape a big earner. 30 Forward-thinking farmers - A crop you can rely on One Suffolk arable business has an OSR system with dependable genetics. 36 Insiders View - A new matrix… A new Clearfield candidate looks like it could change the game for growers. Editor Tom Allen-Stevens 40 Fit for the Future - Traits of success Technical editor KWS’ latest BYDV-tolerant variety looks set to play an important role. Lucy de la Pasture 44 Rotational Resilience - A conventional approach Machinery editor New barleys look to be snapping at the heels of their hybrid counterparts. Charlotte Cunningham Writers 48 Insiders View - Yields to rival the rest A new offering from Senova represents a step-on in barley. Tom Allen-Stevens Charlotte Cunningham Mike Abram Lucy de la Pasture 52 Grow the future - Waste an opportunity? A ground-breaking project may transform how you feed your crops. Rob Jones 56 Real Results Pioneers - Refining a methodical approach Design and production Growers in Essex face some of the toughest blackgrass in the country. Brooks Design Advertisement co-ordinator 60 Seed treatment - Bridge the hunger gap Making sure young seedlings aren’t limited by access to nutrients. Peter Walker Publisher Angus McKirdy Special Business development manager Charlotte Alexander 62 CPM special insight - Events showcase To claim two crop protection BASIS points, send an email to 15 pages of highlights, preview and insights into the Cereals Event and [email protected], quoting reference CP/100659/2021/g. Groundswell.

To claim two NRoSO CPD points, please send your name, NRoSO member number, date of birth and postcode to Innovation [email protected] *the claim ‘best read specialist arable journal’ is based 77 Carbon farming - Measure, monitor, manage on independent reader research conducted by New services helps growers glean more accurate baseline measurements. McCormack Media 2020 80 Climate Change Champions - Enthusiasm for the carbon journey Editorial & advertising sales Newhouse Farm has already accomplished significant progress. CPM Ltd, 1 Canonbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 7AG Tel: (01743) 369707 E-mail: angus cpm-magazine.co.uk 83 Digital Direction - Find a field view that’s true @ Climate FieldView is one of the world’s largest digital platforms in farming. Reader registration hotline 01743 861122 Advertising copy Roots Brooks Design, 24 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD Tel: (01743) 244403 E-mail: fred brooksdesign.co.uk 86 Sugar beet - Breeding solutions @ The sugar beet industry is looking to plant breeders to find genetic solutions. CPM Volume 23 No 7. Editorial, advertising and sales offices are at CPM Ltd, 1 Canonbury, Shrewsbury, SY1 9NX England. 89 Late blight - Time for new tactics? Tel: (01743) 369707. CPM is published eleven times a year by Limited availability of products means programmes are set to change. CPM Ltd and is available free of charge to qualifying farmers and farm managers in the United Kingdom. 96 Theory to Field - One step-up In no way does CPM Ltd endorse, notarise or concur with any of the Varietal resistance to foliar late blight is a resource that few growers utilise. advice, recommendations or prescriptions reported in the magazine. If you are unsure about which recommendations to follow, please consult a professional agronomist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. 100 Tech Talk - Spotlight on desiccation CPM Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited Many factors influence the success of potato desiccation. material, including photographs. crop production magazine june 2021 3 CPM (Print) ISSN 2753-9040 CPM (Online) ISSN 2753-9059 question the norm will find may have for elements of our scares such as BSE, these are it’s time well spent. industry and rural communities standards of which we’re And we’re not going to we cherish. proud, inherently British, evoke tell you what farmers There is one aspect of this, trust, and have been replicated ‘need’ to do to grow though, that binds together around the world. good crops –– the every right-minded consumer They’re our gift to the world, word ‘need’ is just and farmer, whether here, as relevant today to protect about banned in this Australia, or anywhere in the consumers and farmers from publication because we world: any trade deal that the threats of climate change don’t presume to know results in lower standards and global disease threats as Who are you your needs better than you. cannot be accepted. This is the they were when they were dear reader? But we do strive to present political football currently being forged. The simple opportunity you with some new ideas and kicked around, and it’s a mighty for the UK Government here is interesting practices that may important one –– as Michael to export them –– make a stand There are many places CPM prompt you to think differently. Gove has stated on record, it’s where it really matters and is believed to be read –– in We think a little out-of-the-box wrong to “simply offshore” lower tariffs only for food the tractor, the farm office, thinking comes in particularly responsibility for maintaining certified to the standards UK grain store, and even the handy during times of environmental and animal consumers expect. downstairs loo. uncertainty, and if ever there welfare standards. So whether you’ve read Today marks a new chapter in was an illustration of just how The fact is, though, every issue of CPM over the its 22-year history, however, as uncertain times are for arable world trade doesn’t respect past 22 years or whether this is the first copies of CPM appear farmers, it’s now, as the UK is production standards. You can’t your first, whether you have a on newsstands in a selection of poised to strike a trade deal tell through minimum residue farming business stretching WH Smith high street stores and with Australia. The free-trade limits if a forest has been over 1000s of hectares or newsagents across the UK and deal the Government is chopped down, ancient pasture whether you’re just curious Ireland. So if you’ve picked up reportedly considering would ploughed up or banned about farming, it’s our values this magazine out of a pique of take tariffs on agricultural pesticide used to produce that bind us and bring together curiosity, maybe wondering what goods down to zero. your plant-based protein. our common interests. That’s on earth the two farmers on the Most at risk from this are Phyto-sanitary measures won’t what we’ve sought to enliven front cover are looking at so understood to be beef farmers tell you if the animal that and enrich in the pages that intently, please read on as all will who would be unable to produced your steak was follow, so I hope you enjoy be revealed (although you might compete with the low costs of grass-fed by a farmer who them. need to pay the nice person at some Australian cattle systems. cares or churned out of a feed the till to avoid getting an But the deal is also regarded lot where suffering is rife. These unwelcoming and stern stare). as a blueprint for subsequent things matter in the 2020s and Just who reads CPM, and deals that would see tariffs expose why FTAs, done on the more importantly what keeps lowered on other goods in other same basis they were in you reading it, is something of agricultural sectors of other medieval times, are no longer an obsession for the small, but nations with which the UK is fit for purpose. dedicated team that puts this keen to trade. To trade on these terms magazine together. We don’t There will be plenty of CPM would also be a betrayal of the think CPM is read by every readers who support free trade entire UK food industry which arable farmer, but it is valued by and lowering tariffs. For them, has spent the past 30 years Tom Allen-Stevens has a those who are curious. Farmers the disruptive effect is exactly developing independently 170ha arable farm in Oxon looking to follow the path of what’s needed to stimulate verified food production and, for some, a place on the tried and tested probably change and accelerate standards that underpin what your left thigh as you read don’t have time to absorb the progress for the UK industry. the UK consumer has come to this page. 104 pages of this bumper issue. Conversely, many will have expect. Set up to address [email protected] But those inspired by insight, concerns for the unintended the very real concerns of @tomallenstevens hungry for innovation and who consequences raw competition consumers following food

In 1940, as the Nazi blockade of campaign met no individual to change again. our island nation tightened its grip, farmer resistance. The other current policy of note Britain was ruing the previous 75 One such resistant individual is the state encouragement of years of agricultural neglect farmer was Ray Walden of older farmers to quit farming and whereby much of Britain’s Borough farm in Itchen Stoke. their farms as it is seen in some arable land had reverted The 65-year-old reclusive way part of the national good. back to unproductive bachelor had repeatedly refused Again it would be over dramatic to pasture. The plough orders from Hampshire war ag to compare the forced eviction by was suddenly the most plough up a large portion of his gun point of Ray Walden with Come on out, the fashionable instrument on any farm. The Hampshire War Ag was current proposals to financially lowland farm as farmers were manned by individuals who had induce farmers to get out of game is up encouraged by the state to turn little time for respecting private farming. Nonetheless there is turves asunder and plant crops. property or the individual rights of a common thread. One of the more lurid incidents With food supplies from abroad farmers to farm as they pleased. Ever since the 1940s you in British agricultural history increasingly torpedoed to the After three attempts to order can find various schemes and occurred in August 1940 in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, the Walden to plough up his fields instruments designed to get quaint hamlet of Itchen Stoke in nation desperately needed the were ignored, an order to farmers to retire. You wonder if North Hampshire. Curiously it extra calories that tilled land confiscate the farm and evict farming might be unique in being involved two issues that very rather than grazed land could Walden were issued. It was left to the only industry populated by much concern us today, namely produce. And this was no time the police to execute the removal aged hangers-on where this is the state encouragement of for slackers. County war of Walden but they met armed deemed to be a problem needing farmers to give up their farms agricultural committees were given resistance as the aged farmer government action. and the ploughing up of draconian powers to make sure barricaded himself in the What I can’t understand with established grassland. this Whitehall-hatched plough-up farmhouse with his twelve bore. these current proposals is where The gun waving proved no idle is the research to show that if you threat as the normally quiet give farmers their remaining BPS Walden repeatedly peppered the up front then it will encourage police with lead shot. When one them to quit the industry? In my constable received quite severe experience if you give farmers injuries the police decided money it just encourages them enough was enough and started to carry on, which is the exact fighting fire with fire. Eventually the opposite effect to what was barricaded farmer was hit in the intended. head and tragically died of his No doubt time will tell if George wounds in Winchester hospital Eustice’s plan to revitalise our the following day. industry by shaking out the The first issue to chime with deadwood succeeds. You just today is the issue of ploughing hope that if this current plan established grassland. It’s a sign doesn’t work then no one from of the times that today you are Defra is tempted to call in the more likely to incur the wrath of boys in blue just as the men from the authorities if you plough the ministry did 80 years ago in grassland rather than the situation Itchen Stoke. in the 1940s when the offence was to fail to plough. Obviously today the issue of ploughing or Guy Smith grows 500ha of not ploughing pasture is unlikely combinable crops on the north to result in an armed siege but east Essex coast, namely none the less it’s interesting that St. Osyth Marsh –– officially the driest spot in the British Isles. the state has reversed policy Despite spurious claims from whereby not ploughing pasture others that their farms are |s seen as highly commendable actually drier, he points out as environmental considerations that his farm is in the Guinness now out trump food production Book of Records, whereas as a policy goal. You wonder others aren’t. End of. what change of circumstances @essexpeasant would be necessary for this

6 crop production magazine june 2021

Septoria low at T2

The potential “‘googly’ this season may be grain fill due to later than normal ear emergence. ”

Technical Crop Doctor

As flag leaves begin to March and a further 21mm in April, we’ve giving him cause for concern that septoria emerge across the country, already had 120mm at Callow this month,” could come back and bite growers who explains Gareth. have skimped on early protection. Even so, Crop Doctor travels from A month ago the experts were predicting the results of the Rapid Disease Diagnostic west to east to assess the universally backward wheat crops would (RDD) testing at Callow are still reporting race through their growth stages and the surprisingly low levels of septoria, even in disease progression or the flag leaf would come out as it normally does, the untreated plots, and after wet conditions lack of it. CPM joins the on around the 20 May. It was anticipated that which you may think would have favoured this would make the gap between T1 and T2 the disease. experts to explore the fungicide applications closer together than Yellow rust is much more easily found, implications of the cool, usual but what’s actually happened is the says Jonathan. It’s just beginning to show up complete opposite, he explains. in a number of varieties at the Herefordshire wet May on fungicide “The T1 was applied here over four weeks site, with the untreated KWS Kinetic looking programmes. ago and, in some varieties, full flag leaf the worst by far. Brown rust has also been emergence is still a week away –– meaning notable by its absence, even on the most By Lucy de la Pasture that the gap between the two main fungicide susceptible varieties. timings is extended and will be up to five “Brown rust is just beginning to appear L weeks apart,” says Gareth. on Crusoe, which is much later than normal David has been seeing the same thing and reflects the season we’ve had so far. Farming folklore suggests a cold, wet May in commercial crops, with the flag leaf April and May have been cool and brown brings a barnful of hay (or grain) and it emerging over a very protracted period. rust development is favoured by warm certainly was cooler than average and, in “Leaf one was starting to emerge a fortnight conditions.” L contrast to April, it was much wetter than ago and in some fields is still only 60% the norm. On 25 and 26 May, the Bayer emerged. That means some of the leaf has ‘Crop Doctor’ team made a slightly been exposed for three weeks before the T2

L abbreviated tour across regions to find out spray is applied.” how wheat varieties were looking and The differences between the varieties in how the continued unseasonal weather their spring growth is stark at Callow, with was affecting disease development. forward-looking KWS Extase proudly displaying its flag leaf and KWS Barrel at Cold at Callow the other end of the spectrum, having just A cold north-westerly was blowing across reached GS37 with final leaf two 10-30% the slopes at Bayer’s Callow trial site in emerged. Herefordshire. With ADAS’s Jonathan Blake, The dry April prompted many discussions local AICC agronomist David Lines and about T1 fungicide applications, given the Bayer’s commercial technical manager very low levels of disease visible in the crop (CTM) Gareth Bubb wrapped up in clothing and absence of latent septoria in qPCR tests Jonathan Blake says that in many ways the odd more suited to a winter’s day, it’s fair to say on the newest leaf layers. spring has worked in the crop’s favour, with levels the plots look well, in spite of the weather. Jonathan spots some septoria lesions on of septoria surprisingly low in spite of all the rain. “Having had just 22mm of rain in the tips of leaf three in untreated KWS Barrel,

8 crop production magazine june 2021

Crop Doctor

Jonathan notes that the stem-based browning that was Bayer Rapid Disease testing beginning to show in the KWS Extase plots a month ago has continued to develop, with some penetrating eyespot lesions and signs of nodal fusarium infection. “May has been good weather for stem-based diseases, particularly eyespot which is more prevalent than we’ve seen for a long time.” Untreated KWS Kinetic stands out at In his view the stem nodal Callow because of the severity of and internodal fusarium levels yellow rust infection. currently visible in Extase, but also evident in some of the other The temperature during May barely reached 150C at Hinton Waldrist in Oxfordshire. L David is of the view that as varieties in the demo, means soon as the flag leaf is fully growers should watch out at T3 As always, much now and if it’s bright and sunny, then emerged, the T2 fungicide –– the optimum fungicide depends on the weather during the potential of crops is above should go on. His programmes timing to protect the ear from the crucial months of grain fill. average this year,” says David. will be tailored to varieties and developing the disease. “The “We don’t want another 2012 as Jonathan agrees that in many situations but will be based humidity from damp soils and low levels of sunlight will produce ways the odd spring has worked around Ascra xPro (bixafen+ presence of the pathogen on the grains with low specific weight in in the crop’s favour, with low fluopyram+ prothioconazole) stems gives a higher chance of the better crops on this ground. If levels of disease, a slowly or Univoq (fenpicoxamid+ fusarium infections on the ear,” June sees temperatures of 200C developing canopy and enough prothioconazole). he says. “The differences between David adds that where crops qPCR reveals distinct lack of septoria varieties this spring means that have had prothioconazole at T1 getting the timing right for each and T2, it should have reduced Although it’s only been thrust into leaf layers,” she explains. one is important. If you go too fusarium levels. the limelight this season, Bayer is Bayer’s Ben Giles has been early then not all of the flag leaf “But T3 is the critical timing,” now into its eighth year of qPCR monitoring two sites this season will be protected and it may highlights Jonathan. “If there’s testing for septoria and yellow rust. –– one at the Hinton Waldrist mean a stronger product will any fusarium inoculum present This season alone, 80,000 leaves demo site in Oxfordshire and the be required at T3 to top up the and conditions are conducive will be tested across five different other at Russell McKenzie’s farm in protection.” then the evidence suggests countries, providing a big picture Cambridgeshire. Gareth believes there may be you’ll get fusarium on the ear. for disease development, explains “At the moment (last week of a temptation for some to merge I wouldn’t ignore it in a season Bayer’s Rosalind Martin. May) disease levels are very low in the T2 and T3, which he doesn’t where varieties appear to have “Rapid disease diagnostics the untreated plots, with septoria believe is a good idea on two current infection.” provides another layer of only detected on leaf five. At counts. “Most crops have already information to help support Hinton, there’s been 110mm of had a five-week gap between Optimism at decision making and is a tool we’ll rain in the past calendar month, fungicides so it would be a Long Sutton continue to offer to growers over but the temperature has only mistake to combine the T2 and David Hoyles, who hosts the the next few seasons.” reached 150C once and that T3 and compromise the optimum Bayer demonstration site at Long Bayer takes samples from has prevented septoria from timing for them both. It still makes Sutton in South Lincolnshire, says sites across the country to give a ‘kicking-off’,” he explains. sense to apply the T3 separately, winter wheat crops look to have a national snapshot of disease “A lot of growers cut back at even if the timing occurs just lot of potential after 83mm of rain development, with monthly the T1 timing and Ascra rates were 10 days after the flag leaf spray during May, which averaged 90C. sampling in January and February shaved to 0.8 l/ha, which would goes on.” “Crops have come on a lot in increasing to weekly for the rest of have been a worry if it were In his view, there’s a case for the past month and have caught the growing season. The latest May warmer. As it is, we can be using an SDHI at T3 if only one up a bit. Most are now 7-10 days snapshot provides information on confident that even though the has been used earlier in the behind normal in terms of their latent disease present on the top fungicide interval between T1 and season. This could be driven by development, compared with the four leaf-layers. T2 is being stretched, we’re still in an increase in disease risk due 10-14 days they were behind “Surprisingly there’s no latent a protectant situation. to weather or by a compromised at the end of April. Jonathan septoria present across the country “Even where septoria is present earlier spray. He points out the described the demo plots in leaves two to four but this in the bottom of crops, the SDHI component boosts septoria as ‘open’ on his last visit, but reflects the cold weather. Most chances of it getting to the leaves and brown rust activity and we’ve looked after them this regions haven’t reached 150C, in the upper canopy in one cycle of if using Aviator (bixafen+ month –– paying particular which is critical to push septoria the disease are very low. That prothioconazole), there’s no attention to micronutrition –– so through its latent phase so it can means we can feel relaxed about compromise in fusarium we’ve held on to a lot of tillers become problematic in the upper the gap this spring.” control either. and plants have filled out.”

10 crop production magazine june 2021 Crop Doctor

during the entire month. A T1 fungicide was applied to the plots on 30 April, which look generally clean, with a T2 planned for 27 May, says James. “Growth stages are very variable between different varieties so there’s likely to be a long tail to T2 applications this season, which is unusual because generally there’s a concertina effect and varieties are ready to spray at a similar time.” Untreated KWS Barrel looks the dirtiest variety at Callow, with septoria beginning to creep up Spraying order the canopy. David says it’s the same in his commercial crops and he reckons there will be at least soil moisture to ensure nitrogen uptake. a week difference in T2 application dates if “But the potential ‘googly’ this season may they’re timed for when the flag leaf is fully be grain fill due to later than normal ear emerged. He’s also noticed that drilling date KWS Extase looks clean at both sites apart from emergence,” he says. isn’t necessarily a guide to spraying order, stem based browning due to a mixed infection of “September/October sowings this year with LG Astronomer and LG Prince currently eyespot and nodal/internodal fusarium. have had their grainfilling pushed back at 70% flag leaf emergence which is behind 7-10 days by the cold spring. They’re now some varieties which were drilled later. Callow site. David asks him how he can best more akin to a November or December David is planning to base his T2 fungicide target fusarium in crops this season given sown crop, which on average would have a programmes around either Ascra or Revystar the variation in growth stages, particularly lower yield due to grainfill period happening (fluxapyroxad+ mefentrifluconazole). He’s between ear emergence on the main stem later than the optimal period for light finding the results of the rapid disease and crops with many tillers. capture.” testing fascinating and it’s helping him pare “The ideal timing for fusarium is early to On the whole, the cold dry northerly winds back product rates. mid-flowering. The variations in growth stage which have predominated during May have “If I hadn’t had the information that there we’re seeing are likely to continue, so timing kept disease at bay. Bayer’s James Wilkins was no latent septoria on the top leaf layers T3 is likely to be trickier than normal,” says says that significant yellow rust has started then I would have maintained a higher dose Jonathan. to creep into untreated KWS Zyatt during the of fungicide at T2 this spring. But in light of He highlights that T3 sprays are around past week (last week of May), with high the disease testing I’ll be cutting back rates 50% effective, on average, but suggests levels also visible in KWS Kinetic and Skyfall. according to risk, based on crop density and this could be improved by splitting the Jonathan says he was expecting yellow variety susceptibility, knowing that we’re in a application and applying two reduced rust to be much worse at Long Sutton and protectant scenario. That has to be good for doses, four to five days apart. It’s not a speculates that the relatively cold May is the sustainability,” he says. theory that Jonathan has found growers reason why it hasn’t taken off. David agrees, There’s an interesting conversation around keen to try out but that may change as adding that there were 15 frosts during April T3 at Long Sutton, particularly as Jonathan David’s eyes lit up at the prospect –– late and even some late frosts in May, when has also spotted nodal fusarium bubbling season disease can be a particular problem temperatures have barely reached 150C away in some varieties, as it was at the on his farm, he notes. I

Bayer Rapid Disease testing

Yellow rust became active in the last week of May Bayer trial sites – tested during the third week of May. and is very evident in untreated KWS Zyatt at Source: Bayer, 2021 Long Sutton.

crop production magazine june 2021 11

It’s only when“ data is used to gain insight that it starts to provide value. ”

Technical Diagnostics Instant intelligence

Most farms are generating know that the only true test will be once its winter wheat stalwart, KWS Santiago. big data but how to interpret roots are anchored in their own farming It performed extremely well in a third system. wheat spot last season in a field originally it isn’t always clear. CPM Sorting out the winners from the losers earmarked for another crop, says Jack. explores how three different at harvest used to be a best guess based “The appalling autumn of 2019 changed on the space a variety took up in the grain drilling plans substantially and it was one technologies could help join store, but the advent of yield meters on of the few fields we could travel on to drill. the dots and aid on-farm combines provided a ready reckoner for It averaged 10.5t/ha, which might not a crop’s performance. The rapid progress sound exceptional to some, but the better decision-making. being made in field management software parts of the field achieved 12-14t/ha. has moved the ability of growers to quickly “We’ve always known headland By Lucy de la Pasture access a crop’s performance on by a compaction reduced the field average, but quantum leap, as trialists of Bayer’s by how much wasn’t clear until Climate Climate FieldView have discovered. FieldView data started coming off the Technology has become an integral part combine. You just don’t get detailed data of modern farming, with data capture and Real-time harvest data like that from a weighbridge. interpretation entering a new era due to The digital technology provides “It was also immediately obvious which the advent of some nifty digital tools. real-time harvest data and those trialling areas of the field we have to focus on to Artificial intelligence is poised to step in it are finding it’s helping them to make improve. We cancelled a seed order and to make sense of data where interactions informed and instant decisions on variety with home saved Santiago decided to are so complex its meaning is impossible choices and drilling suitability. grow it for the eleventh year running. L to fathom, and rapid qPCR has entered One of the trial farmers is Jack Pile, who the picture as a tool that can pick up the with his father is responsible for the EPC absence or presence of invisible disease Groupe farm at Great Oakley in Essex. to aid fungicide decisions. Jack knew the oilseed rape variety Most familiar are the data capture tools Campus performed well but didn’t realise which have taken variety selection to it was typically delivering an extra 0.4t/ha another level. June is traditionally the over other varieties grown on the farm. As month of variety demonstrations, when a result, it’s now his OSR variety of choice. treated and untreated plots display the “The yield analysis tools immediately best and worst characteristics cereal highlighted its superior performance and varieties have to offer. It’s a month when four days later we were cleaning seed planting decisions for the autumn begin ready for drilling the next crop,” he notes. Digital platforms can deliver real-time information to take shape –– eye-catching varieties The information gleaned at harvest also which can help decision-making on the farm. entice with their promise, but all growers mean they quickly decided to stick with

14 crop production magazine june 2021 e Diagnostics

delivered an extra 0.6t/ha over Shabras interfaces but digital technology is when drilled later. This season our drilling improving at staggering speed. plans were again hindered by the weather, Andrew and Sam manage over 1400ha, so we started with Shabras and held around Wisbech in Norfolk and have been Skyscraper back for November-drilled using MyJohnDeere to collect machine fields.” data and Gatekeeper for farm records. Now they are also trialling Climate Unseasonal weather FieldView to evaluate ‘big data’ potential. Both feel ‘up to the minute’ decision mak- By big data they mean the ability to collect ing could become more important for prescriptive variable rate data but also them. Again, this season has been met analyse the benefits through overlaying it with unseasonal weather, with some areas with yield data captured real-time from the receiving more rain in the first few days of combine. May than the whole of April. And if climate It’s early days, but both Andrew and The information gleaned from using FiedView has models are right, more of the same erratic Sam feel it’s relatively easy to get data enabled Andrew Ward to refine his drilling plans weather patterns can be expected. Both on the platform and is user-friendly for in the confidence that Skyscraper performed are of the opinion that FieldView may not farmers, who spend as much time outside better than Shabras when late-planted. change their decisions but it’s likely to the farm office as in it.

L The decision was made before the confirm them more quickly. FieldView was first used to collect yield combine even left the field.” Time and decision making were also the data from combines and Andrew and Sam Another grower using the app to make subject of a recent AHDB webinar with were pleased that they could see field instant decisions on varieties is Andrew Norfolk monitor farmers Andrew and Sam progress and yield results in real-time. Ward of Glebe Farm, Leadenham in Melton. Like many they have plenty of It hasn’t changed any crop decisions this Lincolnshire. Andrew stuck with Shabras and data, but it’s putting it to good use that’s season but might do next, says Andrew, LG Skyscraper for the 2020/2021 season but important. but what it has done is to demonstrate the changed sowing schedules when yield In the past, the ability to manage potential the technology offers. data came in from the combine. and evaluate data has been limited by When evaluating variable rate fertiliser

“Both perform well here, but Skyscraper incompatibility issues or complex system application from a field of wheat, the L

Demystifying AI in agriculture

“Data is everywhere in agriculture but on its which our brains alone struggle to cope with.” own, it means nothing. It’s only when data is One of the areas Hannah believes AI used to gain insight that it starts to provide could provide a win for agriculture is in the value,” says agri-tech entrepreneur Hannah collaborative use of data. Senior, who is a board member of the UK’s “Data is generated within agriculture and the agri-tech centre for Crop Health and Protection food chain, but how do we connect those pools (CHAP). of information together? How do we work One of the tools that could help growers together? When we start to think like this, it’s interpret data and solve problems is artificial possible to identify gaps and opportunities and intelligence (AI) but it’s a word that has been so find the real issues that need to be resolved in hyped up it can create barriers. The concept of order to make these technologies work for us.” AI requires demystifying, she believes. These issues go beyond the obvious ones of “AI still sounds very futuristic and has improving productivity and efficiency, believes attracted a lot of hype. For many, this makes it Hannah. The insights gained from the use of AI Hannah Senior says the insights gained from feel out of reach and unapproachable. We can in agriculture could have huge potential to make AI could have huge potential to make wider remove this mystery and strip it back to a wider environmental gains in areas such as environmental gains in areas such as improving simpler approach –– AI is essentially a tool that improving biodiversity or soil health, she says. biodiversity or soil health. can help to solve problems.” “The challenge here is that this area will Being clear about the problem you’re trying probably have less financial impact for individual industry find a way for AI to work for everyone to solve is also part of appreciating how AI could businesses. The risk is that, despite the in the food chain. More broadly than AI, she prove useful, she says. “That might mean potentially huge non-financial impact, it might says it’s time for agriculture as a whole to describing and making sense of large, be seen as lower priority.” widen its horizons and look at what other overwhelming data sets, or understanding a However, with the direction of support for industries do. web of connections that are too complicated for farmers being realigned to payment for publics “This fosters cross-sector learning. We us to easily hold in our minds. goods in the guise of the fledgling ELM scheme, can use the CHAP Advisory Group to invite “There’s enormous potential to use AI to help analysing natural capital and solving ‘outsiders’ to share their success stories and get to grips with some complex topics. For environmental conundrums is fast becoming challenges, allowing agriculture to find ways to instance, it can help us better understand a a much higher priority for growers. build on these prior experiences rather than network of relationships in biological systems, Hannah believes that CHAP can help the build everything from scratch.”

16 crop production magazine june 2021

Diagnostics

differing strategies and shown operation costs of products on farm and are £30/ha to £116.00/ha, when currently in the middle of an machinery depreciation is establishment trial covering factored in. various cultivation methods, Capturing real-time field data including shallow or no-tillage might sound complicated but strategies and a more isn’t, claims Bayer’s Max

L conventional plough-based Dafforn. Data is captured by system. For good measure, the FieldView Drive, a device cover crops are being added that plugs into the diagnostic in as part of the initiative. port of the combine, tractor The full results won’t be or sprayer. Viewing is simply known until harvest, and one a case of pairing with a advantage of FieldView’s no-frills iPad via a Bluetooth real-time connectivity is they connection, he explains. can see yield data via the “You don’t need to have app as it happens. The data a data connection to use KWS Santiago performed well as a third wheat at Great Oakley in 2020, FieldView and MyJohnDeere FieldView but if you do, it uses securing its spot in the farm’s rotation. capture will provide them with just 1GB of data to stream a comprehensive picture of the 1000ha of real-time data.”

L results were revealing. “The the yield dropped to 10.8t/ha different approaches. Biomass Drive set-up is also better parts of the field used but N-use increased to images will give an indication of straightforward in most 47-54kgN/ha to deliver a yield 84-88kgN/ha,” notes Andrew. trial differences through the situations. “In most cases it’s of 12.4t/ha. For poorer areas, Andrew and Sam like trialling season and it has already simply a case of ‘plug and

Uncovering the latent threat

Septoria is one of those diseases that can sneak use fewer fungicides –– protecting the up on you. Leaves can appear green and clean environment and saving money in the process. and then, all of a sudden, blotches appear Future developments could see the test identify revealing the hidden hand of septoria at work. other key wheat diseases, from mildew to yellow Discovering when the septoria pathogen is and brown rusts, and diseases in other crops, lying latent in the leaf could make decisions about including barley, oilseed rape and potatoes.” applying fungicides to different varieties much The technology isn’t limited to disease easier and that’s exactly what a new diagnostic detection, says Chris. It’s also possible to develop test from Microgenetics can do, explains Chris the test to stratify different strains of the Steele, the independent biotech company’s crop pathogens present –– something that would diagnostics product manager. give growers a powerful insight into resistance SwiftDetect was launched in March and will be management on their farms. Soil-borne pathogens exhibited at the Cereals Event at the end of the can also be targeted. Stephen Harrison says the results of qPCR tests month. Although it’s been developed specifically AICC member Stephen Harrison of Southwest raise a question about how septoria resistance for crop diagnostics, the origins of the technology Agronomy has been using the new test this spring is working in more resistant varieties. lie in a rapid test that was developed to detect and reckons it’s proving helpful. “It’s allowing us microbial contamination in the pharmaceutical to tailor fungicides based on what’s actually of eradicant or protectant activity needed in the industry, explains Chris. happening in the crop. This season septoria levels crop.” That led the company to explore other were very low as final leaf three emerged so we He believes that while the diagnostic test takes industries where the technology could be of were able to use entirely protectant materials some of the guesswork out of the equation, the benefit, he adds. The test uses quantitative and save second generation SDHIs and Univoq results also raise a question about how septoria polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to identify (fenpicoxamid+ prothoiconazole) until later.” resistance is working in more resistant varieties. septoria. Stephen got a feel for what qPCR testing could “We don’t really know how varietal resistance “The rapid test uses a patented method to offer in 2020 trials, when each emerging leaf layer works. Does it lengthen the latent period of increase the sensitivity of qPCR, meaning that it was sampled in multiple varieties. “Although it the disease or can a resistant variety simply can detect low levels of Septoria tritici in wheat wasn’t a high disease year, the testing did present handle more cells of the pathogen than a leaves –– even to the single cell level,” he explains. a picture of how septoria builds up during the susceptible one?” It’s the first such technology to become season. The results meant that we could Overall Stephen believes SwiftDetect is a commercially available, though Bayer are currently confidently base fungicide applications at the useful tool that links to his overall strategy of developing their own Rapid Disease Diagnostics final leaf one (T2) timing on Ascra Xpro (bixafen+ evidence-based advice. In the future he intends which is being tested extensively in the field fluopyram+ prothioconazole) programmes. The to use the test by targeting barometer farms and this season. information helped gear the system by indicating varieties to improve his understanding of how “Our aim at Microgenetics is to help growers the degree septoria is developing in his area.

18 crop production magazine june 2021 Diagnostics play’. Once the drive is installed in the diagnostic port, you pair up the machine via the cab app. This typically takes a few minutes and for anyone who runs into a problem, support from the FieldView team is available.” And you do get a lot of data. Connect with the combine and precise packets of field data feed through but also moisture content, machine elevation and its progress through the field can be viewed, explains Max. “The beauty of FieldView is seeing these changes in yield values as the combine moves throughout the field. It’s detailed information ‘there and then’. AHDB Monitor farmers Andrew and Sam Melton are trialling FieldView, which they can see has potential Your evaluation of the reasons for variable to help evaluate practices on the farm. yield results from across a field can start before the combine is being readied for helped us make decisions quickly.” a diverse landscape in the UK. There were the next field.” Max admits there have been some bound to be some teething troubles but The reports created by FieldView can compatibility issues but says this was FieldView machine compatibility is be shared with others who aren’t using the inevitable with the range of farming accelerating at pace,” he concludes. I digital platform. For a farmer wanting their strategies and machinery on UK farms. G For more on Climate FieldView, see agronomist to see detailed yield variation “When it comes to machinery options, it’s Digital Direction on p83. across a field, or as applied data, it can be transferred by phone or device via mobile connectivity. qPCR testing informs ICM approach “Many decisions are made jointly with agronomist or a farm team. Sharing Crusoe (AHDB Recommended List septoria score levels at six weeks after the emergence of leaf detailed data quickly can only improve of 6.2) was compared with KWS Firefly (7.0) three, which the agronomists involved in the trial the decision-making process,” adds Max. at two sites in Microgenetics field trials last believed coincided with a fungicide spray which One agronomist who did just that is season. Leaves were sampled from the temporarily knocked back the disease. Velcourt’s Kieran Walsh. He used the emergence of leaf three in both untreated “Conversely, the Firefly crop in real-time functionality to look at yield data and fungicide-treated areas, with subsequent Cambridgeshire continued to have no detectable despite being in France at the time. This samples collected at one-week intervals. level of septoria until timepoint 7 when disease was at the request of Rory Clark, who “When leaf three emerged (indicated as levels increased in the untreated samples. farms near Cirencester and had concerns timepoint 1 on the graph), the qPCR data shows Septoria wasn’t detected in the treated samples about soil conditions in the field, so Kieran there was no detectable level of septoria in either at any point during the trial,” he adds. viewed the combine telematics as the field. By the second week (timepoint 2), the The results perfectly illustrate that fungicide wheat was harvested. Crusoe crop in Wiltshire had a medium to high programmes should be flexible and that involves “Rory wanted to look at yield level of septoria present, which gradually a change in mindset, believes Chris. “Using the performance across the field, identifying increased throughout the season in both the test as part of an ICM approach can inform the poorer and better parts of the field. treated and untreated areas of the field. fungicide decisions and enable appropriate Being mid-August there was a need to get “For this field, there is a clear trend for a dosing of fungicides because you know how the following OSR crop drilled, so seeing higher level of septoria in the untreated than in much disease is actually present.” all the data coming off the combine the treated area. There was a dip in septoria

Septoria development on different varieties

Live data can be shared with others not using the FieldView platform, explains Max Dafforn, which offers the potential to link agronomists to field Source: Microgenetics, 2020 data as it happens.

crop production magazine june 2021 17

Step-on in wheat choice

The traits now“ coming through are numerous and the potential is Technical exciting.” Inside traits

Crusoe. “Some of these varieties are in their to show phenotypically in the field would Four new Group 3 varieties second year of testing, and will go through take years.” may have added a new to National List trials this autumn to be tested More recent advances in marker-assisted by UK Flour Millers (UKFM) next year,” targeted selection have helped breeders like dimension to the wheats he explains. Phil home in on more complex traits, such as available to put into the field. “We have four candidates with real specific weight and those that relate directly potential currently in NL2 trials. Whether we to yield. The exact nature of the genes and CPM visits Limagrain UK’s have another Crusoe is hard to say. We’re areas of the genome he’s targeting Phil site in Suffolk to explore the so close and it’s frustrating when all the keeps as a closely guarded secret. But key traits you’re looking for don’t match there’s an increasingly diverse range of properties being introduced up. Having said that, consistency of options for him to choose from as the into today’s varieties. performance can only ever be judged in understanding about the incredibly complex hindsight –– Crusoe itself struggled initially wheat genome unravels. By Tom Allen-Stevens to be accepted by millers as a true Group 1 “Limagrain has a global wheat-breeding variety, while these days it sets the programme with a good source of bread-making standard.” germplasm as well as genetic knowledge we have access to. We’re also closely As the tensile tester pulls the roll of dough Growth rooms involved with the UK’s public-funded further and further out of shape, eventually Ian explains that around 25% of Limagrain Designing Future Wheats programme a tear appears and then the stretched UK’s breeding programme is dedicated to looking for the next generation of key traits. band breaks and flops in on itself. bringing through lines with bread-making This pre-breeding research has looked in Limagrain UK lab technician Eva Lagowski potential, while the overall investment is a detail at new and exotic material, that’s records the result and logs the chart that far greater proportion of the company’s never before been used in UK wheat lines. profiles how this wheat has performed. activities. Based at Woolpit, Suffolk, the Interesting finds have been stripped of “It’s a good test of the protein content, varieties start their existence in growth rooms undesirable traits and brought into and more importantly the functional protein,” –– large chambers within the facility in which UK-adapted lines with genetic markers she explains. “We’ve seen some really the light and environment are carefully and germplasm provided free to

promising varieties pass through this lab. controlled to cycle up to three generations commercial breeders for us to explore L The question is whether they’ll perform of wheat within the same calendar year. equally well in the field.” Limagrain senior wheat breeder Phillip Moving upstairs to the baking lab, you’re Tailby opens the door on one of these rooms greeted by a familiar, comforting smell as the to reveal thousands of tiny pots each with array of home-baking machines are emptied their markers denoting recently planted F1 and their freshly baked contents are cut lines. These have been carefully selected open for comparison. “We judge them on from approximately 30,000 crosses made their colour, texture, crumb structure and last year. springiness –– these are qualities you can’t “Much of our initial selection is carried test with a machine,” notes Eva. out before we have to take these out into the Wheat quality manager Ian Foot takes a field,” says Phil. “We take tissue samples close look with Eva at how this latest batch and analyse the DNA for specific genetic The tensile tester measures the properties of the has performed next to the controls in the markers we know denote traits, such as functional protein of a potential bread-making bake-off –– KWS Zyatt, KWS Extase and resistance to yellow rust –– to wait for these wheat variety.

20 crop production magazine june 2021

Inside traits

are numerous and the potential is exciting –– we’ll see a step Limagrain’s UK wheat portfolio at a glance – change in wheats, although it’s Candidate varieties still some way off coming to LG Farrier LG Typhoon market.” Grain yield (% fungicide-treated control - 11/ha) Treated 105 103 New breeding techniques Untreated 83 85 One success that is commercially Grain quality available however is a clutch Endosperm texture Hard Hard Limagrain has four candidates with of Group 3 wheats –– new Protein content (%) 10.9 10.9 real potential currently in NL2 trials, introductions to the AHDB Hagberg Falling Number 279 176 but Ian Foot can’t be sure at this Recommended List (see table on Specific weight (kg/hl) 78.9 76.2 stage whether one of them is p21). These are products of the another Crusoe. new breeding techniques Agronomic features Limagrain is using, says Phil, and Lodging % (untreated) 8 2 L within our own lines.” represent a significant step-on Lodging % (treated) 4 1 Phil points to orange wheat from the wheats currently grown. Height (cm) (untreated) 86 87 blossom midge resistance as “They’re high-yielding, but it’s Maturity (days +/- Skyfall|) +1 +1 an illustration of what such not yield that’s come at the Disease resistance (1-9) programmes can achieve. expense of a good agronomic Mildew 7 7 “The traits now coming through package. The main advance Yellow rust 9 9 here is in septoria resistance, but Brown rust 8 7 they also have good scores for Septoria tritici 5 8 yellow and brown rust as well as OWBM resistance - R standing ability.” All four varieties draw the Source: AHDB RL Winter wheat Candidate varieties harvest 2021; Both varieties have been septoria resistance from Cougar selected as potential feed varieties. in their parentage, although Phil assures this isn’t reliant resistanceas well. entirely on genetics to keep on single-gene resistance. “We closely monitor the crops free of septoria. However, (From L to R) KWS Zyatt, KWS “That would make the resistance performance of our varieties, these varieties do represent a Extase and Crusoe are compared for susceptible to breakdown along with other authorities such resilient base for today’s wheat visual characteristics in a test bake as the septoria pathogen as NIAB. But we can’t predict grower.” with a number of potential candidate population evolves and adapts. how the populations will evolve, In terms of quality, all meet varieties. So each has good background so growers should never rely UKFM Group 3 criteria for biscuit Greater potential from soft wheat line-up

The four new Group 3 wheats open up the LG Prince leads the Group 3 line-up and shows choice for growers this autumn and provide real particularly strong performance in the East, he opportunities to capture a quality premium, says notes. “It also has real second wheat potential and Limagrain cereals and pulses product manager performs well on heavy soils. A later-maturing Tom Barker. variety, it’s short strawed with a high score for “Growers now have the same opportunity in septoria and yellow rust. Group 3 they’ve had from soft Group 4 varieties. “When it comes to agronomics, though, Tom Barker says growers can treat the new Grow them as a feed wheat for the high yields LG Astronomer leads the pack, with one of the Group 3 varieties as feed wheats and push for and good agronomics, but there’s the potential highest untreated yields on the AHDB yield, but there’s the potential there for a there for premium, and as Group 3 types, that Recommended List. That comes from its very premium. opens up the cake and biscuit markets,” he says. strong septoria resistance as well as a score of 9 for yellow rust. Earlier maturing, it also has stiff still leads the list. “It’s the soft Group 4 that’s straw and excellent grain quality. doing exceptionally well in terms of market share, “LG Illuminate is the one that ticks all the boxes proving very popular in the east of England and in for market potential, though. It meets uks soft Scotland. LG Spotlight does slightly better in terms wheat requirements for export as well as looking a of quality, with a good specific weight.” strong candidate for cakes and biscuits. That’s Tom also flags up two promising hard Group 4 coupled with the same high yields and similar candidate varieties. “LG Farrier looks to be the disease-resistance profile to its stable mates. out-and-out variety for yield from this year’s Suitable for early drilling, it’s also a good choice candidates –– a cross of Costello with Evolution it LG Prince leads the Group 3 line-up and shows for northern growers with distilling potential,” also has a good specific weight. LG Typhoon has particularly strong performance in the East. notes Tom. exceptional disease-resistance scores, stiff straw For growers looking for yield, LG Skyscraper and OWBM resistance.”

22 crop production magazine june 2021 Inside traits

those wheats for quite some Inside traits time,” notes Ian. “We’re working Sustainable agriculture is moving to seed company worldwide. With an on how we can predict functional a new era in which plant genetics annual turnover of nearly protein, but it’s quite difficult to play a greater role in the integrated 1.9 billion, 16% of this is spent replicate what we had with € crop management toolbox growers on R&D. By developing varieties Claire, for example. Each trait is utilise to get the best from their with higher yields, improved polygenic and it’s a huge job to crops. In this series, CPM has resource efficiency and reduced get the variables right to produce teamed up with Limagrain to give environmental impact, Limagrain the combination that delivers the growers insight into these new is a major contributor to meeting rheology you’re after. tools. Through privileged access to agriculture’s sustainability goals. “But we shouldn’t be of a Phil Tailby says the new Group 3 staff and related research these And this guides the company’s mindset that Group 3s are just for wheats are high-yielding and articles look inside the traits, raison d’être: to biscuits or cakes. LG Illuminate combine this with a good explore the genetics and unlock cooperate for meets the uks specification for agronomic package. the secrets of a successful crop. the advancement export, for example. LG Limagrain started 50 years ago of agriculture Astronomer makes slightly That’s built on our collaborative as a farmer-owned co-operative in everywhere, for stronger dough, but it’s a programmes and we’re starting France, and is now fourth largest everyone. fantastic variety in its own right –– to see high-yielding wheats having good grower appeal often come forward now with good and cake-making and it may this hey-day some 15-20 years ago helps the prospects for a Group septoria resistance, pushing combination of agronomic when varieties such as Claire 3 variety.” higher specific weights –– a appeal as well as market and Consort dominated the Phil confirms that he’s looking consistently reliable package suitability that raises prospects wheat area. These found homes to improve early selection for for the grower. That’s a huge for this sector of the soft wheat in a wide spectrum of the quality criteria. “The growing advance over where we were market. The share taken by domestic market as well as in environment is challenging, but 10-15 years ago, and I’m Group 3 wheats has been grists for overseas millers. we’ve developed opportunities hopeful we’ll see the same step relatively low recently, especially “We’ve not seen quite the using the tools at our disposal change in how we select for when compared with their same gluten quality we had with that are making selection easier. quality in years to come.” I

Limagrain’s UK wheat portfolio at a glance – Recommended varieties

Crusoe LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG Detroit Prince Illuminate Quasar Astronomer Skyscraper Spotlight Sundance UKFM end-use group Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Soft Group 4 Grain yield (% fungicide-treated control, shown in brackets) Treated - UK (10.8 t/ha) 96 99 103 102 102 101 105 103 100 Treated - East (10.7 t/ha) 96 99 104 102 102 102 105 102 99 Treated - North (11.0 t/ha) 93 93 [100] [102] [101] [98] 103 101 99 Untreated - (10.8 t/ha) 69 75 83 85 82 86 81 78 83 Second wheat - (9.5 t/ha) 95 99 104 102 100 100 104 101 100 Heavy soil - (10.9 t/ha) 97 101 103 103 102 103 105 103 100 Grain quality and end-use suitability Protein content (%) 13.0 12.5 11.3 12.0 11.6 11.9 11.6 11.5 11.5 Hagberg Falling Number 274 283 250 251 212 238 214 288 178 Specific weight (kg/hl) 77.9 77.6 74.8 76.6 75.4 77.8 76.8 78.0 73.8 UK bread-making Y Y ------UK biscuit, cake-making - - Y Y Y Y - - - UK distilling - - [Y] [Y] [Y] [Y] [Y] [Y] [Y] ukp bread wheat for export Y Y ------uks soft wheat for export - - - [Y] [Y] - - - - Agronomic features Resistance to lodging with PGR (1-9) 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8 7 Height without PGR (cm) 81 86 83 82 89 88 92 93 87 Ripening (days +/- Skyfall|) 0 +1 +2 +1 +2 +1 0 +1 +2 Disease resistance (1-9) Mildew 6 6 4 5 6 4 7 6 7 Yellow rust 9 8 8 7 6 9 8 6 9 Brown rust 3 5 8 8 8 9 6 6 5 Septoria tritici 6.3 5.4 7.1 7 6.6 7.4 5.1 5.2 7.9 Orange wheat blossom midge - R R R R R R R R Year first listed on RL 12 19 21 21 21 21 19 19 17

Source: AHDB Recommended List Winter wheat 2021/22; [ ] - limited data.

crop production magazine june 2021 23 I’m optimistic “that we’ve seen the low mark in total area grown.”

Little steps to a Technical Better buying, better selling potential big profit

Record values for oilseed has been a bit more positive for the some flexibility into picking when you want crop in the field, as well as in the trading to drill rather than being forced into a rape this spring must market. While there are still some poor drilling period with a later harvested provoke a bittersweet crops, many more established successfully winter wheat crop.” than in recent seasons and have come The next step is trying to create response for many growers. through looking reasonable. conditions which are optimal for the But doing the little things “With those forward values I’m optimistic oilseed rape to grow, and sub-optimal that we should have seen the low mark in for flea beetles to thrive. “We know could make the crop a total area grown, subject to how the crop flea beetles like dry conditions, open big earner on farm again. performs at harvest,” says Phil. unconsolidated cloddy seedbeds, which Any increase, however, will likely is the exact opposite of the optimum for CPM seeks advice. be relatively small, he suggests, and oilseed rape. reliant on a favourable weather window “So the least soil you can disturb during By Mike Abram around establishment in those areas where establishment the better –– that will L flea beetle challenges are highest.

As oilseed rape prices broke record Flea beetle challenge after record in May, it would be Successfully overcoming the flea beetle understandable if more growers had challenge is akin to that used to tackle another look at the crop for the coming blackgrass, suggests Duncan Durno, season –– either to increase area or Openfield’s arable technical manager. bring it back into the rotation. “We’ve had success controlling Those forward prices of over £400/t blackgrass by implementing programmes mean there isn’t much to rival oilseed rape combining lots of cultural control methods as a break crop for gross margin on together, and I think we need a similar paper, assuming they stick, notes Philip approach with flea beetle.” Crowther, head of inputs at Openfield. That starts with previous cropping Unfortunately, land isn’t farmed on and thinking about how best to take paper, and in the field the cabbage advantage of any weather window to stem flea beetle challenges, and those drill and establish the crop in favourable Any increase in oilseed rape area this autumn is of establishment in general remain, conditions. “The best way is having as dependent on a favourable weather window he stresses. wide a window as possible. Winter barley around establishment, says Phil Crowther. Generally though, the current season is a good lead into oilseed rape to put

24 crop production magazine june 2021 t Better buying, better selling

Seven of the best – Openfield’s key choices for 2021/22

There’s more choice than ever for the coming package, increases the chance of success. season, and many worthy options don’t feature It has a wide drilling window, giving flexibility, on the AHDB Recommended List. CPM sought and with strong stem stiffness and lodging Duncan Durno’s views on the prime varieties to resistance it’s a great option for exposed sites. consider, and asked their respective breeders to Duplo highlight the key features. Duncan: Duplo also has excellent early vigour, LG Ambassador but its slightly earlier development characteristics Duncan: Ambassador is the joint highest yielding make it less suitable for the very early drilling UK variety on the RL at 108% of controls for gross dates. TuYV resistance is a key trait to look for. output. It has good stem stiffness, the Rlm7 It’s another hybrid, and it’s nicely up in the phoma resistance gene, pod shatter resistance candidate pack for gross output, with both and has turnip yellows virus resistance. turnip yellows virus and pod shatter resistance. It fits all those criteria of risk management, A candidate for next year’s RL, drill from around flexibility and top end yield, which we try to fit mid-August. into all the varieties we select. Sarah Hawthorne (DSV): Duplo’s our most Liam Wilkinson (Limagrain): Ambassador has powerful, fastest establishing hybrid across proven performance on farm and in trials over a Europe. It does particularly well in difficult growing number of seasons. It’s probably the variety to conditions –– it has a deep rooting system, which beat in terms of performance in the UK. helps in drought conditions. It also has our new trait –– N efficiency, which It has a wide drilling window from end of If you’re drilling early, you’re looking for a combines a number of physical characteristics second week of August to end of September. It variety that will be stiff stemmed. also has the N-flex characteristic with enhanced such as root development, plant architecture and nitrogen use efficiency giving another level of drought tolerance to ensure the variety is able to security to growers. make as much use as possible of every kg of DK Excited N applied. Duncan: DK Excited is one of only two Amarone TuYV-resistant varieties commercially available Duncan: For growers looking for a conventional from the Dekalb brand. It doesn’t sit within the variety, Amarone is another candidate for RL system, but through Bayer’s breeder trials it’s next season’s RL. It’s the highest yielding at the top end of yield. It fits pretty much all our conventional candidate variety. It also has TuYV key criteria, and gives choice to growers. resistance and is at the upper end of vigour Again, it has the Rlm7 phoma gene, pod for conventional varieties, so again if you’re Some varieties have the Rlm7 phoma-resistance shatter and TUYV resistance, with better stem drilling in that very early August slot, the TuYV gene while others rely on polygenic resistance. stiffness than we used to see from some of the resistance is vital and this is stiff enough in the DK varieties. stem to drill at that time. Matrix CL Matthew Clarke (Bayer): The reason we have Liam Wilkinson (Limagrain): Amarone gives Duncan: Matrix is a new candidate Clearfield such confidence in DK Excited’s yielding ability is good performance across the UK. It’s one of the variety. It’s brought Clearfield yields up into the that within our breeding and development trials quickest developing conventional varieties in the pack with other non-Clearfield hybrids. It also has network it has been our highest performing variety autumn, which makes it very well suited for early improved vigour, which other Clearfield hybrids across our European network. drilling from last week of July to middle of have struggled with compared with other hybrids, It has a really wide drilling window and September. so it’s upped the Clearfield game. would be fine to drill early in terms of its growth Aardvark It also has Rlm7 phoma resistance, pod shatter characteristics. Duncan: An alternative conventional variety, resistance and is the first Clearfield variety with Tennyson Aardvark, is more vigorous. It has good disease TuYV resistance. Duncan: Tennyson from Elsoms is a very high resistance, especially light leaf spot, but not TuYV Sarah Hawthorne (DSV): A candidate for the yielding candidate hybrid variety. Good vigour, resistance, so you would be increasing your risk whole of the UK, Matrix is the highest yielding good spring growth, very strong disease if you put it into an earlier drilling slot. Clearfield variety ever to be bred. It’s the first resistance including a nine for phoma, which is Aardvark is better suited as a second variety Clearfield variety with all four key traits –– Rlm7, not reliant on Rlm7. Instead it has polygenic if you’re planning to drill later or around two pod shatter, TuYV resistance and Clearfield. resistance, which makes it less likely to be separate rain events perhaps. The addition of TuYV resistance to a Clearfield overcome by resistance. Liam Wilkinson (Limagrain): Aardvark has the variety is a big step forward. UK TuYV infection Jack Holgate (Elsoms): With its excellent best disease-resistance package of the Limagrain levels have hit 90% in recent years with disease package combined with TuYV resistance, conventionals. It has a six for phoma which is colleagues in Europe reporting yield losses as Tennyson is an ideal lower risk variety for the based on quantitative gene resistances, and a high as 20% when the virus really takes hold. east and west regions. Yield is important, but is seven for light leaf spot. This spring you could really spot the varieties that insignificant if you can’t get the crop established. It’s early flowering, has good stem stiffness didn’t have resistance.” Tennyson, with its impressive vigour and disease and is very vigorous with consistent performance. For more on Matrix, see Insiders View on p36.

26 crop production magazine june 2021

Better buying, better selling

crop, which usually is the second half of August. “A companion crop of white mustard which is quicker out of the ground than oilseed rape might be better protecting seedling oilseed rape if you’re drilling slightly later. “But that would need to be drilled with a Clearfield variety to remove the mustard before it created too much crop competition, and to reduce the risk from erucic acid contamination,” says Duncan. Successfully overcoming flea beetle Both seedbed nutrition and will require the same system of the use of biostimulant seed combining lots of cultural controls treatments also have a role in as used against blackgrass, says helping the crop establish Duncan Durno. quickly to reduce the risk from adult flea beetle attack,

L conserve moisture and he adds. generally be more consolidated. But there’s no point putting The online Seed Selector tool allows you to compare varieties from “The more trash or longer all those measures in place Openfield’s portfolio based on individual specific needs. stubble you can leave also without choosing a variety makes it less favourable with the vigour, speed of variety that will be stiff stemmed while spring vigour and ability conditions for flea beetle,” establishment and growth as they can get reasonably to grow back if larvae attack is says Duncan. habit to take advantage, forward, and have turnip also a requirement that is That tends to favour direct stresses Duncan. yellows virus (TuYV) resistance sought after. drilling as the best establishment That’s why the team at as aphids will migrate sooner To help growers with technique, although subsoilers Openfield spend time into earlier drilled crops.” decisions, Openfield has with lower disturbance legs are understanding the key Hybrids tend to have the developed an online Seed still an option, he says. characteristics growers will most vigour, he notes, and their Selector tool, which allows you Companion cropping is require for success and put stem strength has been to select varieties from another potential part of a together a portfolio of varieties improved, which allows them Openfield’s portfolio based on programme of measures. that will fulfil those. With many to be drilled earlier than individual specific needs. “It has two potential roles –– varieties to choose from both previously. Good disease “It can be accessed via our attracting adult beetles away on and off the AHDB resistance is also an important members’ Insight intranet site,” from the crop at establishment Recommended List, the characteristic for earlier drilling, says Phil. I and preventing the beetles portfolio is selected to narrow recognising the established down options for members, Better buying, better selling crop to lay eggs resulting while maintaining choice and flexibility. in a larval problem later in To remain at the forefront of farmers. Openfield’s team works the season.” arable farming and to maximise with a total of 6000 farmers to Both white mustard and Key characteristics the value from every hectare of supply some of the biggest and “We start to look at varieties buckwheat have been shown crop grown requires a keen best-known names in the British early in the breeder trials, even to reduce larval numbers, understanding of the grain food and drink manufacturing before National Listing in some he says, but at the point of market, the seed to supply it, industry. cases, and bring them into our establishment buckwheat and the fertiliser to feed the But there’s more than just own trials to look for the key doesn’t provide much cover as crop. Through this series of grain to Openfield, supplying characteristics and traits, it emerges at the same time articles, CPM is working with seed and fertiliser, providing including yield, as well as or slightly slower than the Openfield to provide a market grain storage and offering expert using as many other sources oilseed rape. “But when it is insight and help farmers to advice on grain marketing and of information as possible,” established, it does provide focus on these major business risk management. This delivers explains Duncan. some disguise to prevent decisions to ensure innovative supply chain solutions In the current climate, beetles moving into a bigger better buying of inputs, and to its farmers and clients. varieties that can be drilled crop. better selling of the produce. early, but still have plenty of “If you’re drilling early, Openfield is Britain’s only vigour to be established later buckwheat could make a good national farming grain-marketing in drilling windows are key companion crop, as you’re and arable inputs co-operative, requirements. “If you’re drilling trying to drill before the adult owned by over 4000 arable flea beetles migrate into the early, you’re also looking for a

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The main “aspect is that I have the confidence to continue with oilseed rape.”

Technical A crop you Forward-thinking farmers can rely on

As oilseed rape hangs in the in August. We find we get best results if we really tell the difference. Combined with balance on many farms, one go through with our one-pass system with Dan’s establishment system, that meant he low disturbance points timed to make the could stick to the farm’s resolve not to apply Suffolk arable business has a most of that moisture. Then –– crucially –– any insecticides,” she notes. system, backed up with double-roll afterwards. The CSFB doesn’t Ella points out that a fast, successful like that.” establishment allows the crop to withstand dependable genetics, that A Simba Flatliner five-leg subsoiler has CSFB damage and is far more effective than puts prospects firmly in its been modified with an Opico Hatzenbichler spraying pyrethroids. “Coupled with that, seeder unit dropping the seed behind the resistance is rising. If you spray and favour. CPM visits to glean low-disturbance legs into 60cm rows. subsequent monitoring shows a poor result, some experience. “Previously we used a Väderstad TopDown, don’t spray again.” but it moved too much soil which dried it out. Having drilled in the second week of By Tom Allen-Stevens We started on this system ten years ago and Aug, Dan applied 160kg/ha of DAP to the haven’t looked back.” seedbed, delivering 30kgN/ha. “We had quite a few barley volunteers that we took Dan Kiddy takes hold of a stem of his Key ingredient out early on with propaquizafop, but didn’t DK Exstar oilseed rape and pulls it, There’s another key ingredient to the system apply a pre-emergence herbicide. Belkar intending to reveal how the taproot has Dan’s key to emphasise: variety choice. (halauxifen-methyl+ picloram) went on shaped up beneath the thick stem. But “We’ve grown Dekalb hybrids ever since or broadleaf weeds, then Proline despite the recent rainfall –– and current DK Cabernet and nowadays won’t look at a (prothioconazole) was applied with the heavy downpour –– having softened up variety that doesn’t have DK in front of it. It’s propyzamide in early Nov to check disease.” the clay loam soil, it’s reluctant to release the ease of management you get, plus their Ella took some leaves of Excited and the plant. get-up-and-go –– that’s a given. Current Extremus in mid March as part of Bayer’s Eventually it comes free, with a crack varieties also score well on stem canker, light SpotCheck initiative to help growers identify denoting most of the root has been left leaf spot and lodging.” LLS and phoma in the growing crop. “Both behind, and Dan straightens up to inspect Dan’s always on the look-out for what new were very low for LLS at 3% and 7%

the stem in his hand. “Get a stem like that properties are coming through the DK lines, respectively while the Excited had just 3% L and cabbage stem flea beetle larvae don’t though. So this year his crop is split between bother the crop,” he says. DK Exalte and DK Exstar with a 5ha field As manager of Wm Kerr Farms, near of DK Expectation. A keen advocate of Woodbridge, Suffolk, Dan looks after the on-farm trials, he’s also planted 1ha each of agronomy of all the cropping, which includes newcomers DK Excited and DK Extremus winter wheat, hybrid winter barley, potatoes, into a field of Exstar. sugar beet, maize and asparagus. Although He’s joined by local Bayer commercial many OSR crops locally have been hit with technical manager Ella Crawford who’s been CSFB, he’s maintained the performance of helping to monitor the field-scale trial the 40ha through applying two rules he sees through the season. Top of mind is how the as fundamental: “You lock in moisture and three varieties performed at establishment. Achieve a thick stem and cabbage stem flea grow it well. “All of them have the in-built autumn vigour beetle larvae don’t bother the crop. “There’s always a patch of damp weather that helps them get away and you couldn’t

30 crop production magazine june 2021

Forward-thinking farmers

again if the risk had been higher,” he notes. A mid-flowering treatment of azoxystrobin plus boscalid has been applied for sclerotinia and to maintain a green canopy. “We suffered last year from small seeds, so keen to give the crop every chance to fill the pods,” he adds. Nitrogen was applied with sulphur in mid-Feb and then as urea three weeks later to bring the total applied to 250kgN/ha. All DK varieties have the in-built autumn vigour “I like to get the first N on by Valentine’s Day that helps them get away, notes Ella Crawford. with the rest applied before it gets dry –– we just about achieved that this year.” noticed any larval damage. I think a lot of Dan Kiddy has modified a Simba Flatliner five-leg So how have the varieties fared through that is down to the good, thick stems, which subsoiler with a seeder unit and low-disturbance the season? “Extremus was notably earlier again comes from a combination of good points and double rolls to lock in moisture. to flower. Bearing in mind the consecutive genetics and our establishment system.” frosts we had in April, that may not be a Ella notes that Excited and Expectation L phoma. That’s down to good genetics as good thing for pod set, though. Exstar and both have resistance to TuYV, which should well as the Nov treatment.” Excited came later, otherwise there’s very offer them an advantage, although no Dan applied a late March treatment of little difference between them,” reports Dan. symptoms have been spotted in the crop. tebuconazole. “I would have applied Proline “All varieties have stood well and I’ve not “Extremus has early regrowth in the spring L Yield’s not the core focus as traits progress

Look across the AHDB Recommended List and a credit of £100/bag. “It’s that first 6-8 weeks you’d be forgiven for thinking Dekalb varieties don’t that’s crucial and requires the attention to detail feature much in the UK. But commercial seed sales to build the tap root. Once that’s established, the paint a very different picture, with DK lines picking crop’s in a much better position to fend for itself,” up a healthy 27% of the hybrid market. Lizzie notes. So why is this? “We’ve always bred for robust Bayer’s European breeding centre at Boissay in varieties, homing in on traits that we know really the Paris basin is where the development work matter to UK growers,” explains Bayer UK genetics comes together for the lines that eventually campaign manager Lizzie Carr-Archer. “We’ve make their way to the UK farmer. A 15 million € focused on successful establishment, stem investment programme has expanded the facility, stiffness, a good disease profile and traits such as allowing Dekalb French breeding programme Such is the nature of OSR, says Lizzie resistance to pod-shatter and TuYV. Yield comes leader, Julien Binet and colleagues to increase the Carr-Archer, if you get the key traits right, secondary, although such is the nature of OSR, number of crosses they make and cut the time it you’re rewarded with yield. if you get the key traits right, you’re rewarded takes to bring in and transfer traits. with yield.” “We’ve introduced greater diversity at the A particular focus in recent years has been heart of our OSR breeding engine with a major “At the same time, this selection work allows characterising autumn and spring development, expansion of our di-haploid laboratory which us to identify the key genetic elements most she notes. “That’s gone along with improving stem creates genetically pure lines from single pollen associated with the resilience we identify in stiffness, so we’re confident that all of our key grains,” he explains. particular environments to feed back into our varieties (see table on p34) are suitable for early “At the same time, we use genome-wide genome-wide selection programme,” he adds. drilling and have the vigour, both in autumn and selection –– high-capacity genetic mapping allows Matthew believes it’s this environmental spring, to pull away from CSFB pressure.” us to identify whole blocks of genes associated resilience that results in the progressive By breeding for these key characteristics, with the superior performance of our most improvement they’re building into Dekalb rather than for RL inclusion, Lizzie believes the successful hybrids in different environments and varieties, and that’s what brings the yield. DK lines perform well and most importantly track these within our parent lines. That means “As a hugely complex trait, yield is not reliably on farm. we can estimate with considerable accuracy the something we can reliably breed for directly,” For those who prefer an RL variety, overall breeding value of hybrid parents for the observes Julien. “And if we put too much general DK Expectation sits as a top performer for growers outcomes we want.” emphasis on breeding for yield, we can easily in the East and West regions and has TuYV Testing the outcome is carried out across a dilute important traits, which may prove resistance, while DK Exsteel is recommended for trials network that remains completely untreated catastrophic under the extremes of climate the North. “Our other four key varieties are to put varieties under a fair degree of stress and we’re seeing these days. supported by the Dekalb Establishment Scheme, tease out the ones that perform, notes Dekalb UK “We can also provide varieties purpose-built to which gives growers the confidence to invest in and Nordics breeding leader, Matthew Clarke. perform under specific regimes, like early or later new genetics.” “This carries right through to their NL2 stage drilling, light or deep soils, or restrictive nitrogen Under the scheme, if growers have sown one of development. And we deliberately do so in regimes. Providing varieties growers know they of the specified four varieties before 20 Sept but it situations known to present particular disease, can rely on is a difference they get from the fails to establish by the end of Oct, they can claim pest and other environmental challenges. Dekalb programme.”

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Forward-thinking farmers

DK Varieties at a glance

DK Expectation DK Exsteel DK Imprint CL DK Exstar DK Excited DK Extremus Gross Output (%) 107 100 95 105 Seed yield (%) 107 100 97 104 Oil content (%) 45.4 45.5 43.8 45.3 45 Earliness characteristics Regrowth Mid Mid-late Mid-late Mid Mid Early Flowering 8 6 5 6 7 7 Maturity 6 5 5 6 6 6 Lodging characteristics Resistance 8 8 8 9 8 8 Plant height (cm) 156 166 163 162 Stem stiffness 7 8 6 8 7 8 Disease resistance Phoma 8 8 8 8 8 8 Light leaf spot 7 7 6 8 6 6 Other resistant traits and features Pod shatter Y Y Y Y Y Y TuYV Y Y Clearfield Y Estbl’ment Scheme Y Y Y Y AHDB RL inclusion* East/West North UK Source: Bayer, 2021; *data is based on AHDB Recommended List for winter oilseed rape 2021/22 or Dekalb private data (shaded columns) – only data for RL varieties are directly comparable. For more see cropscience.bayer.co.uk

DK Extremus has early spring regrowth and was suffered in a hailstorm a few years ago the first into flower. shortly before harvest. “I was trialling DK Exalte next to a non-DK variety that didn’t have pod-shatter resistance. The

L which may offer an advantage. But the outcome was quite stark with the non-DK Exstar already has good genetics with its area white where the seeds had been triple 8 for phoma, LLS and stem stiffness. knocked from the pods. As for yield, the All varieties of course have the security of Exalte achieved 3.5t/ha while the other pod-shatter resistance.” variety produced less than 0.5t/ha. If pod It’s a trait Dan values after his crop shatter’s available, you’d be foolish not to take its place until the combine goes in. “The Exstar with its triple 8 has already moved the genetics on. I’ve kept a close eye on the trial field and both Extremus and Excited have looked very promising all season. I’m keen to know Pod-shatter resistance preserved the whether those frosts have had potential of a crop of DK Exalte from any effect, so will look at pod a hailstorm that reduced the yield of set and scrutinise the yield the comparison variety to less than results. 0.5t/ha. “The main aspect is that I have the confidence to take it,” he says. continue with OSR. I’m It’s the Exalte that’s due to be convinced that comes down to switched out of the rotation after getting the basics right along this year’s harvest, but Dan won’t with having genetics you can decide which new variety will rely on,” concludes Dan. I

Forward-thinking farmers

With robotics, gene mapping different farming strategies, and molecular markers, digital coupled with exciting plant technology and bio-chemistry it is a breeding and product development dynamic time for anyone involved programmes. It will help us in agriculture. develop innovative solutions and Challenges lie ahead for UK services to assist farmers achieve agriculture, such as improving profitable and sustainable productivity while minimising agronomic practices. its environmental footprint. But Despite the challenges facing farmers have always had to deal UK agriculture there is much to with change, and adopt new ideas look forward to. This series of and technology. articles focuses on how Bayer is at the core of these innovation and agricultural advances, working with partnership between farmers throughout the UK and farmerand industry further afield to trial and develop will help us face the new diagnostic tools and evaluate future together. Growers will no“ longer have to choose between taking advantage of Clearfield technology and high yield potential. ”

Technical Insiders View A new matrix…

Though yield has often been development of the parental lines and then However, DSV believes that could all a downfall of Clearfield introducing it to a hybrid system and change with Matrix CL, due to its position as bringing it to official trials. the first ‘quad-layered’ variety from the firm. varieties, a breakthrough “So for Matrix CL, its journey to market Unpeeling the term slightly, “quad-layered” in breeding means a new started in around 2010 –– it’s a long-term describes Matrix’s combination of pod development process.” shatter resistance, Rlm7, TuYV resistance candidate from DSV looks Clearfield technology is based on a and Clearfield technology –– but what does like it could change the game combination of imazamox herbicide and this mean for growers? OSR varieties resistant to it and has proved “We have a variety of breeding targets for growers. CPM reviews highly beneficial to growers in recent years and one of those is to be more stable in DSV Matrix CL. –– offering effective control of pernicious yield –– seasons are becoming more and brassica weeds. However, the benefits have more unpredictable –– so it’s really important By Charlotte Cunningham often come at a cost yield-wise. to have a variety that does well in a range of difference circumstances and conditions,” Problem weeds explains Alexander. “But how do we achieve Clearfield technology has been around “The system has provided reliable control that? A number of factors contribute to this, for several years now, and while it of problem weeds such as charlock, runch like having healthy, disease-resistant plants, undoubtedly serves a very important and hedge mustard but has also opened up but the aim is to combine them to stabilise L purpose, many have felt certain traits significant management opportunities for tend to lag behind their competitors. many growers in recent years, including But since their launch, breeding strategies reducing erucic acid levels at harvest,” and capabilities have developed somewhat, explains DSV’s Michael Farr. and now DSV claims it has a new oilseed “The system’s efficacy is such that even rape variety in its portfolio which changes fields that have been out of production for the game… many years due to large burdens of weeds, Meet Matrix CL –– the firm’s latest high can be made suitable for OSR once more. yielding Clearfield OSR which is lined up “Furthermore, many growers had to break through the former limitations of identified the high cost of pre-emergence Clearfield varieties. weed control from metazachlor-based Dr Alexander Doering has been with products as being one of the most DSV since 2012, working on oilseed expensive elements of their establishment development. “Matrix CL has been in the management.” pipeline for quite some time. When we’re Although varieties like DSV Plurax CL breeding for hybrid winter OSR we have have tried to address the yield penalties a timeline of 12 years –– if we’re going for associated with Clearfield varieties in recent Matrix CL is lined up to break through the former Clearfield –– which starts by making the years, it’s still remained an issue for many limitations of Clearfield varieties. very first crosses, before moving onto the growers,” says Michael.

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Insiders View

The value of TuYV

With TuYV resistance being part of the and Matrix, Duplo and Dart all came back quad-layered strategy –– and David touching with 0% infection, whereas some of the on how much extra yield it could be driving non-resistant varieties came back with 100% –– Sarah says it’s essential to realise the value infection –– showing just how much the this trait could bring to growers. technology has developed.” “Where crops have suffered the added Sarah says the issue often comes when impact of CSFB larvae, TuYV burdens can really anticipated visual symptoms are absent. reduce the availability of nutrients for the plant “There’s often a misconception that you get which can make them really unwell –– much these big purple-edged leaves, but in the trials, like a common flu. we actually saw that some of the most infected “We did some tests within our AD4PT trials plants had no symptoms.”

Traditionally, the benefits of Clearfield have come at the cost of yield, says Michael Farr. as well as Rlm7 itself. One parent carries also boasts pod shatter resistance –– which the Rlm7 gene, while the other provides gives growers more flexibility at harvest, too, L the yield of the crop under a diverse quantitative resistance to ensure the variety notes Alexander. “You have less risk of range of conditions. presents good resistance that growers can losing crop prior to harvest, which overall “The first Clearfield hybrids presented be confident in.” makes for a much more stable yield picture. quite a standard trait package –– including Though verticillium isn’t part of the “As such, we believe Matrix CL marks a pod shatter and phoma resistance –– but we “quad-layer” strategy, this was added due huge step forward in breeding innovation.” wanted to develop this further.” to the challenge it can pose for some UK Aside from this the variety also boasts As such, Matrix CL combines good growers, notes Alexander. “This makes for some decent production figures, adds phoma resistance –– from the Rlm7 gene an overall good package. If you find yourself Michael. “Matrix CL is one of a few varieties –– with Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) and under high disease pressure, Matrix CL selected as a candidate for the whole of the verticillium tolerance. “Though issues with provides good, inherent, background UK making it suitable for growing in both the Rlm7 aren’t yet a problem for UK growers, protection.” North, and East and West regions. we always try to protect its longevity by But it’s not only disease resistance that “But it has performed particularly well in ensuring we have quantitative resistance contributes to yield stability, and Matrix CL the East/West region where it has achieved a View from the field

Down on the south coast, Andrew Gentle is been quite disappointing. Our agronomist, Peter trialing a 16ha plot of Matrix CL on his farm Cowlrick, recommended we look at Matrix, as near Chichester. on paper it looked to have much better yield “OSR continues to be a good break crop for potential, and so far we’re really pleased us, and while we have seen flea beetle numbers with it.” stepping up, they are not significant enough yet Another pull for Andrew was Matrix’s TuYV to stop us growing it.” resistance. “Being on the south coast, aphids Where Andrew does face issues, however, is can be a real challenge, so a variety that has with weeds. “Charlock is a massive problem for resistance is always an extra bonus.” us, so we’ve been keen for some time to grow a And while CSFB isn’t a major issue as of competitive Clearfield variety. yet, Andrew says he’s still actively looking to Down on the south coast, Andrew Gentle is “We’ve dabbled in them in the past, and minimise the risk of impact by drilling later. trialling a 16ha plot of Matrix CL this year. while they’ve been okay, the yield has often “Therefore, we wanted a vigorous variety which could cope with being drilled a little later, and –– says he’s also been really impressed with again, Matrix ticked that box.” the vigour demonstrated in Matrix. The crop was drilled on 8 Sept –– a little “The score is slightly on the lower side for earlier than planned due to declining soil light leaf spot (5) so I would say that you should moisture levels –– but otherwise into fairly good monitor that in the field and treat accordingly, conditions. “Since drilling, the weather has but aside from that, it seems to be an obviously been a challenge across all crops, but exceptionally good variety,” he says. I have to say, the Matrix is looking really well. On the yield side of things, Peter says Matrix “We suffered with a little bit of pigeon could be a game changer. “Clearfield offers a damage, but the vigour in the spring really really good package when pernicious weeds like helped the crop to recover, and at the moment charlock and runch are an issue, but we know Matrix CL is currently looking like the most it’s looking like our most forward variety –– that protection has often cost growers in yield. forward variety on Andrew’s farm. though the proof will be in the pudding.” However, Matrix looks like it could be a Andrew’s agronomist –– Peter Cowlrick, AICC step-change for Clearfield varieties.”

38 crop production magazine june 2021 Insiders View gross output of over 108% and an oil content variety, Phoenix –– Matrix really stood out of 46.0% overall. when everything else took a hit.” “It’s the highest yielding Clearfield variety Matrix CL also achieves top standing currently available to UK growers.” scores including a 9 for lodging and an 8 for As well as this, Matrix CL one of two stem stiffness with a medium flowering score varieties available UK variety in the of 5 and an early maturity score of 6, making Clearfield segment to offer TuYV protection it a pretty universal variety across the and the only one to stack four complex traits country for a wide range of growers, adds adds Sarah Hawthorne, DSV’s UK sales and Sarah. “For us Matrix CL is a real step on marketing manager. “With improved vigour from anything we’ve offered before.” over even DSV Plurax CL –– and mirroring Agrii’s David Leaper has been looking at the vigour profiles of the top performing Matrix’s performance within the company’s hybrids in both autumn and early spring –– own trials. Matrix CL has performed particularly well in “We’ve had Matrix in our trials for a year, our high-pressure flea beetle trials. but we’ve been testing Clearfield varieties for “One thing we’ve also really noticed is as long as I can remember,” he says. “I think how good its tolerance to frost is,” she adds. it’s fair to say that most of the varieties “Whereas a lot of varieties push back with that were tested in the UK haven’t been frost –– especially something like our older specifically bred for here –– they’ve been pulled in from European programmes –– Matrix CL’s journey to market started in 2010, meaning there has been some variability in says Alexander Doering. their performance. a downfall of most Clearfield varieties. “We Official system believe there is a genetic link somewhere, “As such, most of those varieties haven’t because we can’t seem to shake off low gone through the official system, so the ‘tried tolerance –– though I would say this is the and tested’ options for growers have been only slight weakness of Matrix.” pretty limited. However, Matrix has come Trait wise, the Rlm7 stem canker along and is one of the few varieties to go resistance and TuYV is also attractive, he through the system and it think that’s an says. “We’ve been able to show in our trials important point because farmers have last year in Lincs that it has good verticillium been exposed to a wide variety of materials tolerance too, which is only a good thing.” –– which haven’t always been good. In terms of location suitability, while it has “The data we’ve seen previously has often a UK recommendation, David says he’d been for just Clearfield trials, so not directly advise Yorkshire is the northern limit for comparable with what else is on the market.” growing Matrix. According to David, Matrix’s performance Matrix CL is the first variety to stack four complex “As a reflection of the concerted effort so far in National List trials is reflective of traits together, says Sarah Hawthorne. made by DSV over the past 20 years to what they’ve seen in their own –– particularly advance Clearfield technology, I think Matrix in terms of its yield potential. “Some of this could become the go-to Clearfield variety –– will come down to the new genetics. We’ve DSV Matrix CL at a glance finally, that investment is reaping the probably had about 10 years of Clearfield rewards.” I Gross output (%) varieties having a yield lag, but breeders seem to be starting to overcome this. UK 103 “We also believe the TuYV resistance will East/West 108 be contributing to Matrix’s increased yield –– Disease adding about 8-10% –– it’s fair to say this is Light leaf spot 5 a leap in terms of yield and actually puts it Stem canker 9 on a level peg with other high-performance Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) R hybrids. “Growers will no longer have to choose Agronomy between taking advantage of Clearfield Pod shatter resistance R technology and high yield potential.” Resistance to lodging 9 Matrix is short and stiff, which will be Stem stiffness 8 advantageous to growers, believes David, Earliness of flowering 5 however he warns to be mindful that there Earliness of maturity 6 haven’t been significant lodging issues in official and Agrii’s own trials over recent Height (cm) 148 years. Oil content (%) 46 If there is one weak spot, David says it David Leaper reckons Matrix’s TuYV tolerance Source: AHDB oilseed rape Candidate List (harvest is Matrix’s light leaf spot resistance (5), could be adding 8-10% to its yield. 2021 trials) though he stresses that this appears to be

crop production magazine june 2021 39

Genetics “are going to help when chemistry no longer can. ”

Technical Fit for the Future Traits of success

With growers turning to which includes trying to reduce sources decision making on a wider scale. of infection, such as green bridges and “So far we’ve largely been focusing cultural methods to control volunteers,” explains Kirsty Richards, on wheat, but we believe the introduction the impact of aphids on cereals product manager. “Aphids can and of this trait –– and the variety –– in a should be monitored using facilities like post-seed treatment world marks a step barley crops, KWS’ latest AHDB’s BYDV Management Tool, but the change for barley growers, allowing them BYDV-tolerant variety looks important thing to remember with BYDV is to make more informed, holistic decisions that once symptoms appear, it’s too late for when it comes to variety choice and early set to play an important role. control measures. drilling.” Amistar was KWS’ first-to-market

CPM finds out more. L Loss of seed treatments BYDV-tolerant variety, but it was sold By Charlotte Cunningham “2019 was the first season where barley was drilled without seed treatments to control BYDV, but for many the severe wet weather prevented barley drillings all Since the demise of neonicotinoid seed together, masking the overall impact of treatments, controlling plant viruses the loss of seed treatments. spread via aphids has been somewhat “But in 2020, drilling was a different of a challenge for growers. story for many. While fields were drilled, the And when it comes to barley yellow weather stretched timings for aphicide dwarf virus (BYDV), the key culprits are the applications in the autumn. Hence why this grain aphid and the bird cherry oat aphid, year many growers are reporting BYDV in which –– if left uncontrolled –– can cause their barley crops.” devastating yield losses in arable crops. With this in mind, and through its Sowing The issue is control options are for Peak Performance initiative, KWS are now limited. And with the majority of now focused on bringing to market a growers now turning to pyrethroids, this BYDV-tolerant trait via its new variety undoubtedly puts more pressure on –– KWS Feeris, she explains. “The SSP precious remaining chemistry. initiative is all about the bigger picture –– it So what’s the solution? encourages dissecting a variety and using The launch of the BYDV trait in barley marks a “Strategies are primarily based around key traits and performance indicators as step-change for growers, says Kirsty Richards. the cultural control of aphid vectors, little nuggets of information to guide

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Fit for the Future

Tolerance vs resistance

In light of the trait launch, it’s important to stress the difference between tolerance and genetic resistance – though both are risk-reduction tools for growers in high-risk areas, explains Gabriella. So what are the key differences?

Tolerance Resistance Infected plants show little to no symptoms No yield loss in crops with low-mild A resistant crop can’t be infected, so infections, though slight yield loss may be there is no yield loss seen in crops with high levels of infection The virus is still present in the crop Resistance can be against the aphid (vector) (can act as a reservoir) or the virus. Tolerance gene known as “ryd2”

When the chemistry ban came in, bringing “While there is no genetic resistance on the market, the tolerance conferred to KWS Feeris by the BYDV trait into a commercial barley the ryd2 gene means growers can be confident in season-long protection, even in high pressure variety was already well in the pipeline, scenarios.” says Gabriella Everett. “It has really good tolerance to BYDV and L outside of the Recommended List, has so far showed no signs of breaking backed by a series of pilot trials to see down –– meaning growers can be how the technology could work across confident in its capabilities. the UK and what potential it had to offer Coined neatly as ‘the ultimate risk growers. “However, KWS Feeris –– which is management tool for barley growers’ currently in the candidate stage –– will be KWS Feeris is the firm’s latest conventional our first-to-market six-row BYDV tolerant six-row candidate variety which boasts this variety to go through the RL process, tolerance to BYDV. meaning growers can be confident in And aside from its BYDV tolerance, its official ‘tried and tested’ status,” spawning from Amistar x KWS Kosmos, adds Kirsty. KWS Feeris is a good variety in its own According to winter barley breeder, right, explains Will Compson, UK country Gabriella Everett, this is something KWS manager. “What really excites us about has been working on for quite some time. KWS Feeris is that it’s going to be the first “When the chemistry ban came in, bringing BYDV tolerant variety added to the RL the BYDV trait into a commercial variety that’s complete –– and what I mean by that was already well in the pipeline.” is that it ticks a lot of boxes. KWS Feeris offers growers a ‘complete’ package, The gene itself –– ryd2 –– has actually “It has inherited its tolerance from says Will Compson. been around for over 50 years, she adds. Amistar, but its parentage also means it

View from the field

Norfolk farm manager, Tim Dixon, has 8ha of “It just highlighted how much of a struggle it KWS Feeris in the ground this year on a seed can be in the autumn if you do want to get crops contract, and says so far things are looking well. in the ground early and then can’t get on with “It went into bone dry conditions in Sept, but pyrethroids. In bad spots, infection can be we haven’t had any problems with the variety at devastating, with up to 30-40% yield losses all and think we’re on track for a good harvest. seen.” “We grew Amistar a few years ago and Feeris As such, Philip says the introduction of a is an obvious advance on that which is really commercially viable BYDV tolerant variety is beneficial –– particularly from the BYDV point going to be really important for growers going of view.” forward. “When we look at something like Feeris, David’s agronomist, Philip Simons –– partner regardless of the other traits it boasts, the BYDV at PrimeAg –– said the fall out of autumn 2020 tolerance just gives growers that little bit of brought home just how missed products like Deter flexibility that they’ve been lacking since we lost are and how important alternative solutions are neonicotinoid seed treatments. going forward. “The problem was that growers “From an IPM point of view, this means we can all crops, I think there will be a bigger emphasis were able to get crops in early but then the be less reliant on pyrethroids too –– which will on genetics over the coming years. Genetics are weather came in and really delayed spraying. ultimately help to protect their longevity –– and in going to help when chemistry no longer can.”

42 crop production magazine june 2021 Fit for the Future has excellent yield potential. to KWS Orwell and at harvest will UK data so far shows yields of deliver good quality grain with a 104%, but it really stands out in specific weight of 68.7kg/hl.” the West where it achieves its Another plus point is that best yields of 109%. Not only the variety is currently under does this mean KWS Feeris evaluation by the MBC to competes with some of the determine malting potential other conventional varieties in for use in brewing, with all the the market, but also the hybrids. signs currently looking positive, “And whereas before with he adds. some of these BYDV varieties we’ve seen a compromise with Inherent tolerance outright yield, you don’t get this Will believes that having this with KWS Feeris.” inherent tolerance will no doubt The BYDV tolerance is give growers more flexibility. coupled with BaYMV resistance, “If we think about something and in terms of other diseases, like Deter, it gave protection for it boasts a good all-round around six weeks –– but this has disease package including 7 for got protection built in, so growers rhynchosporium and 8 for net will benefit from that shield blotch, adds Will. across the whole of the season. “What’s more, KWS Feeris “In short KWS Feeris is a is reasonably tall-strawed (at good variety in its own right 94cm) but a good 5-10cm –– but coupled with the added shorter than commercial hybrid benefit of BYDV tolerance, it six-rows. It’s stiff strawed too delivers an excellent risk which will be of benefit to many management tool for barley growers, especially those in growers in high pressure aphids to achieve 20% and tolerant varieties is clear as the prevalent blackgrass situations. hotspots and those looking 50% infection to represent the pictures show. KWS Feeris has similar maturity to push drilling as early as pressure felt in some parts of “Although the consequences possible. the country this season, and the of delaying the first pyrethroid may not have been as severe KWS Feeris – the “If we look at some of the key data from this will be reported feed areas, like the south coast, later this year, she says. as at Fowlmere, poor control is stats the West Country and across the “In the part of the trial that evident in some commercial coastal regions where a lot of relied upon natural infection one crops this year.” I Yield (% treated controls) barley is grown and where the block of the trial received no UK treated 104 pressure of BYDV is higher, this pyrethroid treatment. Another Breaking news! is where we believe KWS Feeris UK untreated [86] part did but the first pyrethroid Over the coming days, KWS is will come into its own.” East 104 spray was delayed and wasn’t set to announce an exciting new So while the claim for West [109] applied until the 13 Oct 2020 initiative to capture more value tolerance is there, the question because of the wet weather. from the BYDV trait –– head Disease is –– does this stack up in This delay resulted in very poor online to find out more… Mildew 4 the field? control and the differences www.kws.com Yellow rust - KWS has been monitoring the between susceptible and Brown rust 6 BYDV tolerance in its own trials, Rhynchosporium 7 explains Kirsty. “A replicated trial was drilled Fit for the Future Net blotch 8 in the autumn of 2020 to In this series of articles, CPM has KWS is a leading breeder of BaYMV R compare the performance teamed up for the fourth year with cereals, oilseeds, sugar beet and BYDV Tolerance of a susceptible two-row, KWS to explore how crop markets maize. As a family-owned business, Agronomy KWS Orwell, a six-row may evolve, and profile growers set it is truly independent and entirely conventional susceptible variety, Lodging (% +PGR) [3] to deliver ongoing profitability. focussed on promoting success Funky, and two tolerant lines Lodging (% -PGR) - The aim is to focus on the through the continual improvement –– Amistar and KWS Feeris. Height (cm) 94 unique factors affecting variety of varieties with higher yields, “The trial was drilled on Ripening (+/- performance, to optimise strong disease and pest 13 Sept 2020 at 250 seeds/m2 KWS Orwell) 0 this and maximise return on resistance, and for the two-row and 250 seeds/m2 investment. It highlights the value excellent grain quality. Specific weight (kg/hl) 68.7 for conventional six-row lines. plant genetics can now play in We’re committed to Source: AHDB Recommended List, winter The trial was then divided so variety selection as many factors your future just as barley trials harvest 2021, candidate that some plots relied on natural varieties are heavily influenced and even much as you are. infection and others were [ ] = limited data fixed by variety choice. inoculated with BYDV-infected

crop production magazine june 2021 43 Breeders now“ have a much better knowledge of what to cross and what should come back as a result.”

A conventional Technical Rotational resilience approach

With conventional barley Recommended List by 2020. is done in Germany with Claus. The material breeding techniques showing And now in 2021, it seems they did is switched between each party. exactly that. “We use main sites in Suffolk, North Lincs huge improvements, new While interest grows in hybrid types, and Scotland for our barley breeding work types coming through look to EAB are keen to prove there’s still value in and selection, but then the material that is traditional, conventional varieties. being tested in the UK will also be tested be snapping at the heels of across continental Europe, in the hope their hybrid counterparts. Three key strands of finding a pan-European variety that According to George Goodwin, combinable works well.” CPM looks into the most crop and vining pea manager at Elsoms, According to George, the benefit of recent developments from there are three key strands to the breeding Ackermann to UK growers is that by strategy –– hybrid, conventional winter, and partnering with a breeder and bringing the Elsoms Ackermann spring barley. “Hybrid barley is very much material over, Elsoms Ackermann have a breeding programme. still in its infancy for us, meaning there are direct insight into the UK barley market. no registrations in the UK yet. Although “We’re a team of experienced seedsmen By Charlotte Cunningham Saaten Union (who head up the hybrid who know what is needed in the UK and so programme) have always been very that can all be fed directly back into the advanced in their offerings, at this stage, breeding programme, shortening that chain Back in June 2017, CPM reported the we’ve not chosen to bring that through to of communication, meaning we can work L news that Elsoms Seeds had joined forces the UK. with German barley breeder, Ackermann, “But when it comes to our conventional to form Elsoms Ackermann Barley (EAB). winter types, we’re really focusing on The new venture was set to focus on specialising in traditional two-row, high breeding varieties specifically for the UK yielding, disease resistant barleys. market, aiming to combine strong disease “It’s important to stress that this doesn’t resistance and yield characteristics with mean we’re knocking hybrids –– we have a quality malting and feed barley varieties. place for that –– but at this stage of the Ackermann was bringing to the party a breeding cycle, some of our inbred lines breeding programme that at the time already have really caught up yield wise and so we produced two-row, six-row, spring, winter, believe there’s real value for growers.” feed, distilling and brewing barleys, as well Most of the breeding is split between the as being part of Saaten Union’s hybrid partner companies two breeders. “There’s a barley programme. breeder for Ackermann called Claus Einfeldt Looking back on that very article, the and then there is Elsoms Ackermann’s There are three key strands to the breeding new EAB brand expressed that it expected breeder, Miroslav Bukan. Miroslav does all of strategy – hybrid, conventional winter and spring products of this collaboration to follow his selection work and some crossing in the barley, says George Goodwin. Ackermann’s own varieties onto the AHDB UK and then the main body of the crossing

44 crop production magazine june 2021

Rotational resilience

high yield is achieved across different Bolton presents a pretty good score sheet environments. I am looking for the lines with a 6 for mildew, 5 for brown rust and which tend not to vary across locations rhynchosporium, as well as a 5 for net blotch –– those which have stable yields. – though this is based on limited data. This stability is often based around other “A standard fungicide programme will cover factors than just yield itself, adds Miroslav, all major diseases,” says George. so traits like disease resistance and lodging “With the launch of Bolton, it just widens are an important part of the strategy too. the choice for growers when it comes to “We take a very strategic approach to selecting a two-row feed.” breeding. We’re a small company with Harley Seeds’ Douglas Gordon says less resources than some of our bigger upcoming variety, Bolton, stuck out from competitors, so we have to pay attention the very beginning. “When any new variety to how and what we are doing to ensure comes through, you’re looking at the tangible solutions are brought to market for Candidate List to see how well it’s doing UK growers.” in trials across the country. “For Scotland, the Scottish Agronomy Huge uptake trials have been particularly important, And in conventional types, these higher with trial sites in the Borders, Fife and When it comes to winter barley, the main thing yields are becoming easier to achieve Aberdeenshire. Miroslav Bukan is looking for is yield. thanks to improvements in breeding, he “Bolton stuck out straight away because says. “There’s been a huge uptake in using

L on progressing varieties sooner.” genomics in breeding. Breeders now have a Jordan was the first product from the EAB much better knowledge of what to cross and programme, but now with a busy portfolio of what should come back as a result.” varieties under its name, it looks like new New variety, Bolton, is being launched to two-row feed variety, Bolton, could take the the market this year and promises high spotlight this year. yields –– particularly in the East –– as well as “At the stage when a variety is selected, a good agronomic package. there are still a lot of unknown things about Derived from a KWS Cassia x California it,” says Miroslav. “However, when it comes parentage, Bolton has UK treated yield of to winter barley, the two main things I’m 106 and an eastern yield of 107 –– firmly looking for are yield and yield stability putting it at the top of the table yield-wise, –– no question about it. says George. “Bolton is well adapted for “So the important thing for me is to growing across the whole of the UK, though observe the line and see how that yield is growers in the East could obviously benefit achieved. By that, I mean yield stability. from increased performance. “Our trials are drilled at a number of “Bolton also benefits from a decent Growers are looking for varieties that yield well, locations. Statistical analysis of trials enables untreated yield (83%).” have a high spec weight and agronomically are us to determine not only which line is the It has good standing ability, as well as good on the disease front, says Douglas Gordon. highest yielding one, but also how this BaYMV resistance, and on the disease front,

Why barley?

Though barley has been around for thousands there are a lot of varieties out there now which varieties lack behind significantly –– when of years, advances in breeding means it could have a lot of weed suppression benefits too and compared with hybrids –– he adds. “What’s be more beneficial in the rotation than ever are relatively easy to grow.” more, a lot of the agronomic features outweigh before, reckons George. “Winter barley keeps When it comes to conventional winter some of the hybrids. The advantages span its value because it’s an earlier harvested barley, George says the main benefit is yield. further than just a yield benefit.” winter cereal. Although oilseed rape area figures “If you can get a hybrid-style yield from a Over the past few years, a lot more work and have been dropping for a while, I don’t believe two-row conventional barley, you can then development has been done in breeding and we’re ever going to get to a point where it’s start looking at costs. Generally, the seed cost George echoes the view that this is the key eradicated from our fields and so barley offers of hybrids are double the cost of two-row driver in helping put some conventional varieties a great rotational entry into OSR –– particularly conventionals. on par with hybrids. “From an establishment when looking at sowing something earlier when “When input cost is constantly being looked point of view too, there’s no longer a huge there’s a need to get it up and away quicker to at and monitored on-farm, conventional varieties amount of difference between conventional minimise the risk from flea beetle.” give growers an opportunity to reduce that and hybrid barley. What’s more, with barley and wheat prices –– but without compromising on yield.” “Again, it’s not about knocking hybrids, likely to be driven by export parity in 2021/22, Looking further into the conventional vs but more about ensuring there is flexibility barley’s discount to wheat is likely to be much hybrid debate and disease wise, there are no for growers.” less,” he adds. “Looking at spring barley and areas that any of the newly recommended

46 crop production magazine june 2021 Rotational resilience

Key Elsoms Ackermann varieties at a glance

Winter barley Spring barley Bolton Lightning Firefoxx Winston (candidate) (candidate) Variety type Two-row feed Two-row feed Malting Malting Yield (% treated controls) Treated 106 107 103 101 Untreated 83 88 92 [92] Agronomy New variety, Bolton, is being launched to the Lodging (%) 8 [3] 7 [7] market this year and promises high yields – Height (cm - without PGR) [88] 86 71 73 particularly in the East – as well as a good Maturity (days +/- agronomic package. KWS Orwell/Concerto) +1 -1 +1 0 Specific weight (kg/hl) 68.6 67.6 66.4 66.9 and there are a lot of great varieties in the Disease market where, if you grow for the potential of Mildew 6 7 9 8 getting malt quality but you miss it, you still Brown rust 5 7 4 4 end up with a reasonably high yielding feed Rhynchosporium 5 8 [5] 6 variety –– so it’s a little bit more secure than Net blotch [5] 8 - - alternative crops. “The key benefit is that it’s currently going BAYMV R R - - forward for malt distilling approval and we’re Source: AHDB 2021/22 Recommended List and Candidate List; NOTE: Candidate varieties are from a separate dataset, so pretty confident it will get it. If this is the are not directly comparable with those on the RL. [ ] = limited data. case, Firefoxx should boast not only quality from a distilling point of view but also it has consistently shown very low skinning figures it was one of the highest yielding varieties real weaknesses, says George. in the years it has been trialled. coming through. Growers are looking for “Looking at its growth pattern, you can “If you get a bad year for skinning, varieties that yield well, have a high spec pick Lightning out in the field pretty easily as banking on a variety like Firefoxx just gives weight, stiff straw and agronomically have it’s quite quick to establish. But for me, the you that extra bit of an edge to know that a good all round disease package –– and real appeal is for growers in the North, where you’re not going to have more deductions Bolton seems to tick all of the boxes. it boasts both good disease resistance and made against your premium.” Due to COVID-19, Douglas wasn’t able is slightly earlier to mature. Beyond that agronomically, George says to get out to any trials and so the decision “We reckon it’ll be that earliness that it’s still high enough yielding that it could be to market it was based mainly on the sways a lot of growers across to Lightning.” grown with the possibility of ending up in the datasheets, rather than its physical presence In terms of spring options, Firefoxx is distilling market or quite comfortably as a in the field. “That said, from what we have currently going for full malt distilling approval feed variety. seen, it’s right up there with the best this year, with a committee meeting due over Coming through on the Candidate List available varieties. the coming weeks, he adds. “Spring barley is Winston, though this isn’t commercially “There are a lot of good winter barley is much more a market-end focused product available for now, adds George. I varieties out there at the moment, but everyone is looking for that next step Rotational resilience forward, and yield wise, this could be it.” Following behind Bolton is Lightning, Less oilseed rape, spring cropping, a focus on seed specialist and plant breeder. The which is currently looking very hopeful for improving soil health and building carbon all company’s experienced, specialist staff the firm. “It’s a Kathmandu x Surge cross, rely on a cropping rotation that is resilient. combine a passion for high quality vegetable benefiting from a healthy disease resistance Each crop must deliver a profit on the year and agricultural seed with the latest in package from Surge, while the yield comes while the rotation as a whole should ensure the plant-breeding research and seed technology. from the Kathmandu side,” says George. farming business remains sustainable for years This ensures a focus on high performance And that inherent disease resistance is to come. and low-risk varieties, building resilience certainly coming through, with Lightning In this series, CPM partners with Elsoms to into rotations for years to come. scoring 7s for mildew and brown rust and look at the opportunities offered by cereals 8 for rhynchosporium –– according to the other than wheat and delves into the genetics latest AHDB Candidate List. “If those behind them. Through privileged access to the scores hold up, we’re certainly going to be company’s staff and resources, these articles incredibly pleased with it.” explore rotations that secure a reliable return Yield-wise, at the moment the data shows today and offer bright prospects for the future. that it’s yielding at 107 for both the UK and Elsoms Seeds is the UK’s leading independent East region and there don’t seem to be any

crop production magazine june 2021 47 Yields to rival the rest

Varieties “like Bordeaux are closing the yield gap between conventional and hybrids.”

Technical Insiders View

As advances in breeding 2011 and Bordeaux has actually come out Jeremy Taylor, commercial director at accelerate the yield potential of one of the first few crosses from the Senova. “As well as this, with a specific newly established programme.” weight of 69.9kg/hl and low screenings of conventional barley The programme started in a very modest losses, Bordeaux also offers better grain varieties, a new offering from way, with Nordic looking to the Danish quality than most other winter barleys, Farmer Union trials (which are comparable along with early maturity.” Senova looks to be hot on the with the UK’s Recommended List trials) to And much like Bordeaux is well known heels of some of the top seek out high yielding varieties with robust for its wine production, Bordeaux the traits for crossing and it was KWS Glacier variety is easily identifiable in the field hybrids. CPM reviews and Padura that stood out as good thanks to its striking red awns. Bordeaux. potential parents for what would eventually In terms of agronomics, it comes in at a become Bordeaux, he explains. height of 86cm and boasts a score of 7 for By Charlotte Cunningham lodging resistance. “It’s also resistant to Good potential “You hope that you’ll get something commercially viable from a cross, but the For those looking to achieve high barley truth is, you can never really predict how yields, hybrid varieties have perhaps good it will be –– even with all of the mod- naturally been an attractive choice. ern technology –– because what is inherit- However, developments in breeding ed from each parent is effectively out of mean that many conventional varieties are our hands. However, with Bordeaux, we now closing the gap on this yield disparity have been able to combine the best from –– increasing options and flexibility for both parents in a package that offers growers. some really good potential to growers. And among those is Senova’s latest “For example, Glacier benefits from two-row feed variety –– Bordeaux –– which BaYMV resistance but Padura doesn’t, boasts the tagline ‘a two-row feed with however, its progeny does. six-row yields’. “Also from Glacier, Bordeaux has Bordeaux is the product of a KWS inherited a good specific weight, while Glacier x Padura cross, with Padura com- low screenings are a trait brought across Bordeaux is the product of one of the first ing from Danish breeders, Sejet, explains from Padura.” crosses from the Nordic Seed breeding Jens Due Jensen, head of barley breeding Delving deeper into those traits, programme which commenced in 2011, at Nordic Seed. “Nordic Seed didn’t have a Bordeaux rivals the six-row hybrids yield says Jens Due Jensen. winter barley breeding programme until wise, joining the list on 106%, says

48 crop production magazine june 2021 Insider view

Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus and has ratings opportunity to secure some seed came of 6 for both mildew and brown rust,” along, he jumped at the chance. adds Jeremy. “As a mixed farmer, I am always on the It does, however, find itself at the lower lookout for conventional two-row barley end of the scale with its rhynchosporium varieties that offer good specific weight and net blotch ratings. While Jens says and palatability as well as high yields. they would have preferred to see higher From the limited information available at scores, Jeremy says in private trials there the time, Bordeaux seemed to do that.” hasn’t been any obvious issues with either David drilled it right at the beginning of disease. Oct at 400 seeds/m2, using a plough and Despite the lower scores, Jeremy power harrow combination, before rolling it believes that Bordeaux could be an and applying a pre-emergence herbicide. incredibly low risk option for growers The field had been earmarked for a YEN looking for something new this season. entry, with the crop following peas and “It’s a crop that is early to harvest and establishing well in good conditions, makes for an attractive entry into oilseed he says. Growing a variety very early on in its commercial rape.As well as this, it has been very But despite a good start, the weather life gives David Bell the chance to learn about its consistent –– something we know is then took a turn for the worse, recalls strengths and weaknesses. increasingly important for growers. David. “It started raining and it didn’t stop. L Closing the yield gap “In the difficult 2020 growing year, Bordeaux still produced the goods,” he adds. “There are commercial reasons why conventional barley varieties are preferred to hybrids on-farm, and with varieties like Bordeaux closing the yield gap between them, there are now compelling agronomic reasons too.” Despite spending a large chunk of its early life under water, Bordeaux has proved to be a good choice for Fife-grower, David Bell, who saw his 4ha crop win a gold YEN award last year. Despite an extremely challenging year, the 4ha field of Bordeaux produced 11.9t/ha at harvest, beating some of the UK’s best wheat crops. Calculated as having a potential yield of 14.1t/ha, the same field also produced the highest margin on Upper Magus Farm, St Andrews, at just over £1300/ha excluding operations. “It’s great to get good yields, but we also need to make money,” says David. “That means we don’t chase yield at any cost, and we always consider its potential first.” For David, national recognition comes after a concerted effort to improve the average yield of every variety grown, using the shared learning and knowledge exchange that the ADAS initiative provides. “The learning is great, as it never stops, but taking part in YEN is financially motivated as well,” he adds “The benefit is to the business, as well as the crops.” Having seen the yield potential of Bordeaux while it was still a candidate, David was keen to compare it to his existing choices, especially as it appeared to offer better grain quality. When the L Even with our very resilient No autumn insecticides were soils, there was waterlogging –– used, as aphid thresholds with some of the field of Bordeaux weren’t reached and IPM being under water for a week.” practices are an integral part The crop survived, which he of the farm routine. “A flower believes was partly due to the margin around the field helps business focus on improving provide habitat and food the soils and getting them to for beneficial insects, while function well. “With plenty of monitoring of pests allows FYM use, high organic matter informed decision making. content helps with water “BYDV can be a problem, management as well as but there are a number of nutrient cycling.” variables with it, which is why Trade talk

So it looks good in the field and growers are impressed –– but how does the trade reckon Bordeaux will fare in a competitive marketplace? “Being a new variety, we don’t have an awful lot of experience with Bordeaux yet, but all the numbers stack up and look very promising,” says Christian Maltby of Bartholomews. “The seed crops we’ve got out are looking very good too.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the standout feature for Christian is Bordeaux’s combination of Bordeaux’s high yields. “Bordeaux high yields and good specific also has a good strong agronomic weight means it could be a real package and combined with a contender in the marketplace, very high yield potential means says Christian Maltby. for us, and our growers, we can see that this would be a very strong contender in the rapidly which means there’s some marketplace and will keep the really healthy competition in the hybrids on their toes.” sector.” So far, Christian says there For GO Davies’ Owain Roberts, are no obvious weaknesses and Bordeaux’s combination of good growers should be able to yields and high specific weight get good results with just a is likely to draw interest from standard control programme. growers in that region. “In the In terms of location, Bordeaux West, we’re looking at yields of can be grown fairly universally, 102% and with a specific weight adding to that flexibility for of 69.9kg/hl, I think Bordeaux growers, he points out. “If you’re will be a very attractive option for a winter barley grower and want growers in here.” to be aiming for those top yields, With regards to rhynchosporium then this is the variety to look at.” and net blotch, Owain says he’s When it comes to market confident this can be dealt with share Christian says that current through a robust programme, and pricing indicates good potential it shouldn’t deter growers as for winter barley. “Thinking about Bordeaux is a real step up for Bordeaux specifically, we can’t feed barley growers in the West. see why it won’t sell out this “What’s more, the fact it is a year. With high yields, it really is good, short-strawed stiff variety snapping at the heels of hybrids just opens up that flexibility for and breeding is progressing growers –– what’s not to like?” IPM is so important. We try not to use insecticides wherever possible, he adds. When it comes to disease control, David works closely with his agronomist Iain Anderson to decide on the best course of action and the fungicide programme used on the Bordeaux crop came to just over £78/ha and consisted of four sprays, timed to coincide with key development stages. As a new variety, the data on Bordeaux was scarce, he reports. “We knew that it was more susceptible to rhynchosporium than the other There are compelling commercial diseases, so we were able to and agronomic reasons to grow plan for that. Of course, once conventional varieties like Bordeaux, the weather dried up in the says Jeremy Taylor. spring, disease pressure was low.” cereal crops, so has used his He points out that there are new drill to establish them. still plenty of actives for use in “Our soils are in good barley, whatever the disease condition with plenty of challenges. microbial activity, so it’s the right “Growing a variety very early time to try new techniques and on in its commercial life it gives look at their contribution to us the chance to learn about its reducing the farm’s carbon strengths and any weaknesses.” footprint. Bordeaux’s very high David believes that keeping yields mean that its footprint the crop clean through its early will be very low.” I growth stages maximised the chances of not losing valuable leaf area, while a split dose Bordeaux at a glance PGR programme helped as the barley was being pushed. Yield (% treated controls) “A ‘little and often’ nutrition UK treated 106 programme, with the aim of not UK untreated 81 stressing the plant and keeping East 107 it healthy, was also important. West [104] “It had five fertiliser applications, with the first going Disease on ahead of drilling, and a trace Mildew 6 element foliar feed was added Brown rust 5 when fungicides were applied. Rhynchosporium 4 Biostimulants were also used, to Net blotch [4] help the crop cope with the very BaYMV R dry spring period.” As a result, it kept growing Agronomy and remained healthy, with Lodging 7 harvest taking place on Height (cm without PGR) [88] 8 August, following the Ripening (+/- KWS Orwell) 0 decision not to desiccate it, Quality he adds. Specific weight (kg/hl) 69.9 David is growing Bordeaux again this year and intends Screenings % (<2.25mm) 1.7 making another YEN entry with Screenings % (<2.5mm) 5.5 it. With three fields in the Source: AHDB Recommended List, ground, he is also transitioning Winter barley 2021/22 to reduced tillage/no-till for his [ ] = limited data Waste an Climate change“ and soil erosion have moved up the opportunity? agenda and that’s led to a seed change in how waste materials are viewed.”

Technical Grow the future

A ground-breaking project That could all be set to change, opportunities for turning its estimated 2M however. In 2019, the transnational tonnes of food waste into this novel green with the potential to environmental solutions group Veolia joined fertiliser. And UK farmers will be the first to transform how you feed your forces with global fertiliser leader Yara in try it out. an initiative aimed at closing the loop in the “It’s very early days,” notes Yara’s Mark crops and dramatically cut circular economy. The Nutrient Upcycling Tucker. “The aim this year is that we’ll have food waste has just got Alliance (NUA) is a worldwide undertaking that will see the companies recycling underway. CPM reports on nutrients from urban, agricultural and the mindset change that’s industrial waste into high quality fertilisers. This’ll be done through existing production driving the circular economy. processes, and locally through recovery, processing and distribution. By Tom Allen-Stevens Gathered pace Since then, the alliance has gathered A much-quoted statistic, and one over pace, with backing from the influential which Society beats itself up, is that Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In three around a third of all food produced by flagship cities, London, New York, and the world’s farms is wasted. So wouldn’t São Paulo, the foundation is leading major it make sense if that food waste was food system projects to demonstrate how recycled back into agriculture? a circular economy vision for food can be It seems a logical and simple equation, achieved at scale. but in reality it’s not –– food waste is a This has resulted in a ground-breaking bulky material with a high water content pilot project that got off the ground in and a fair degree of inconsistency. That’s December last year and also involves before you’ve even addressed regulatory Waitrose, Nestlé, Linking Environment and issues. So this apparently simple solution Farming (LEAF) and Waste and Resources is a far cry from a potential replacement to Action Programme (WRAP). London has London has an estimated 2M tonnes of food the bagged nutrients you currently rely on been chosen as the city that will address waste that could be turned into a novel green to feed your crops. the technical challenges and explore the fertiliser.

52 crop production magazine june 2021 just 250kg of product to do and has particular qualities some work with. That’ll build into in terms of organic matter bigger volumes as we go into content. Biosolids also contain 2022 and 2023. There are clear phosphate, sulphur, a bit of benefits in terms of organic readily available N and then a matter it can bring, but for us fair amount of N that’s slowly the challenge is its nutrient released over time.” value –– there’s a fine balance But the proposed product is to be struck between a straight quite different from the wastes organic matter addition and a currently spread on farm. classic mineral fertiliser.” Referred to as organomineral With Yara providing the fertilisers (OMF), these have nutritional expertise in this a high dry matter –– around circular economy alliance, the 80-90%. This also concentrates technical challenge for providing any nutrient content, but the product itself falls on Veolia. relative to mineral fertiliser, The group already processes it remains a relatively small large quantities of food waste fraction of the material that’s in primarily into anaerobic a pelleted or granular form. digesters, composting and OMF can be enriched or animal feed. Around 0.5M coated with mineral fertiliser to tonnes/yr of garden and food boost its nutrient waste processed in the UK by content. It’s designed to be Veolia, goes into composting delivered in bags and applied producing 0.25M tonnes/yr of using a conventional, solid product, around 60% of which fertiliser spreader at rates is spread on farm. of 100s of kg/ha, rather than The larger share of these a contractor operation organic additions to agricultural spreading t/ha using land comes from other specialised equipment. organic waste streams –– Veolia supplies around Nutrient content 130,000-150,000t/yr of “The technology and the biosolids, sourced from water capacity to produce this material companies, a similar amount exists –– our sister company of paper sludge and smaller in France produces OMF for amounts of digestate from various outlets, for example. We anaerobic digesters. need to look at how the material “A major aspect of this is can be processed, handled and rigorous compliance with stored more efficiently. There’s regulations,” notes Andrew work needed to understand Weeks who manages Veolia’s the nutrient content and organic waste recycling to guaranteeing the consistency agriculture. “Each waste stream of this,” notes Andrew. is judged on its own merits “But there’s a different L

Biosolids contain phosphate, sulphur, a bit of readily available N and then a fair amount of N that’s released over time. Grow the future

relying on mined sources of P which are less sustainable.” United Utilities produced an OMF by drying sewage sludge cake in a tumble dryer from 25% dry solids to 80-85%. The resulting granules were coated in melted urea and ground potash to boost their nutrient value from around 3% N, 4.35% The OMF was produced by drying P2O5 and 0.15% K2O to form sewage sludge cake in a tumble two new products: OMF10 dryer from 25% dry solids to (10:4:4) and OMF15 (15:4:4). The aim was for a product 80-85%. that did no more in terms of phosphate loading than slightly where just urea was replenish crop offtake, Ruben applied, but OMF P replaced

Ruben Sakrabani believes that adding carbon to the soil affects the dynamics explains. “Narrow N:P2O5 ratios crop offtake, supporting the of the active carbon cycling within it. in the product are suitable for product as a sustainable source lower P-index soils, while the of the nutrient. “We’ve also

L mindset now for how we as we all gain confidence in the OMF15 would suit situations found OMF brings discernible a society view the circular potential for the product.” where the aim is just to maintain differences in soil quality –– it economy. Climate change and So what exactly is the potential, soil P index.” increases moisture retention soil erosion have moved up the specifically for agriculture? Spreading studies showed the and soil organic matter (SOM) agenda and that’s led to a seed Dr Ruben Sakrabani is senior OMF gave a gave a reasonably content, confirming the change in how waste materials lecturer in soil chemistry uniform result through a standard hypothesis,” he adds. are viewed.” at Cranfield University and twin-disc applicator to 24m. “The difficulty with the material The reluctance to spread has spent many years Field studies were carried out at is in its production. To bring it them doesn’t sit with farmers, he researching OMF and its Silsoe, Bedfordshire, over four from 25% dry matter up to the notes. “Those we already deal value for agriculture. crop seasons (harvest 2007-10) 85-90% needed for efficient with know the benefits for soil “The research started in 2006 in which the performance of transport and effective spreading structure of putting organic and initially we worked with straight biosolids was compared requires a lot of heat. There may waste to land –– that’s well United Utilities. Based in the with OMF and urea. Grain yields be opportunities to use waste understood. The challenge has North West, they were looking to were highest where urea was heat, depending on the nature been in realising the true value spread biosolids produced at applied –– 10.35t/ha at the most of the plant processing it, but of these beneficial wastes, the their plant on land outside the economic rate of N (MERN) of clearly if you need to use fossil importance they play and will area closest to it –– mainly 225kg/ha –– and lowest with the fuels to produce OMF, continue to play in supporting grassland agriculture where biosolids (7.9t/ha at 245kg/ha that would cancel out its green the goal of food security and phosphate loading was in MERN). OMF came midway credentials.” improved soil health within the danger of exceeding advised between the two, with OMF10 Ruben believes this is the UK while working within a limits. It makes sense to turn the yielding 9.1t/ha at 257kg/ha main barrier that’s kept the regulatory framework. So I can biosolids into a product that can MERN and OMF15 producing technology from commercial see this project may start small, be economically transported to 9.5t/ha at 249kg/ha MERN. adoption, despite the obvious but it’ll grow arms and legs as combinable crop areas currently benefits for soil health and the Relative patterns circular economy. However, Differences in grain yield and there could be even greater yield-to-N responses between benefits in terms of carbon treatments were due to relative capture that may reignite patterns of N release from interest. fertiliser applied to the soil “There’s a lot of talk at influencing N uptake, biomass present of carbon capture accumulation, and partitioning, technologies, with industries

notes Ruben. “You could responsible for high CO2 improve performance of winter emissions looking at technology wheat treated with OMF by that traps it into the sea or applying a straight N fertiliser underground. But this is static source as the first dressing carbon –– what may be of more and OMF as the second,” interest is to influence the active he suggests. carbon in soils with OMF.” Importantly P levels were He’s currently working on a OMF is designed to be applied using a conventional fertiliser spreader at found to rise where biosolids project funded through UKRI’s rates of 100s of kg/ha, rather than a contractor operation. were applied, dropped back £90 million Transforming Food

54 crop production magazine june 2021 Grow the future

Performance of organomineral fertiliser (OMF) Grow the future

Climate change, societal demands, and the practical steps needed changing consumer trends and not to ensure your farming system is least the weather –– one thing set to grow the future. that’s certain about farming is that With decades of evidence-based it’s anything but predictable. So the knowledge, Yara continues to be at best farms must be efficient enough the forefront of crop macro and to grow crops both sustainably and micronutrient advice. Investment profitably now and in the future. in technology has resulted in Few aspects of crop production world-leading products that are more critical in this than a support in-field plant’s nutrition, which is why CPM decision-making has teamed up with Yara. This series and precision Source: Antille et al. 2017; Mean yields at most economic rate of N shown over four harvest years of articles looks at some of the nitrogen application. of first wheat (2007 and 2009) and second wheat (2008 and 2010). innovations coming into this area

Production programme, part of a work in progress, but carbon ammonia release when using matter,” he notes. its Industrial Strategy Challenge capture, blended with the food digestate. “There’s a change of mindset Fund. The 18-month project organic material in the soil, is “But fertiliser is and always taking place –– it’s not just about started in Oct last year and is the way forward,” he says. will be the big component of crop performance any longer but led by CCm Technologies, So what does the farmer sustainability in any farming what you can do for your soil to based in Swindon. The get from this? The immediate system and the progressive optimise its performance. I think company’s developed a method benefits are potential increase farmer will always be questioning the solutions lie in a combination of producing fertiliser and soil in soil health and, as a market whether a different approach will of organic additions and carefully conditioner through the use of develops for it, carbon credits. reduce its use or build fertility or selected nutrients, but there’s a captured CO from industrial 2 It’s difficult to know how these both. The single best way to set lot of knowledge to acquire power generators. will add to the bottom line, nor your path on this route is to take before we can strike the right “We’re carrying out trials what OMF will cost. “A key part steps to build soil organic balance.” I at the Luton Hoo Estate to of this is it then stimulates the evaluate the efficacy of this organic, inherent residue product, looking in some detail nutrients in the soil to work at the top 80cm, using scanners harder for you,” adds Ruben. to study root architecture.” For Mark there remain a lot Ruben’s hypothesis is that of unanswered questions and adding carbon to the soil affects barriers that have yet to be the dynamics of the active overcome. “Hopefully what we’ll carbon cycling within it. Get the produce through the NUA will balance right, and you can be suitable for organic farmers significantly increase the as an addition that will help capacity of the soil to sequester build soil health. The challenge carbon. Not only that, but you is to get the N bit right for increase soil health and the conventional farming systems. productivity of your crops. “It’s There may also be problems of

Get the balance right, and you can significantly increase the capacity of the soil to sequester carbon. We’re keen “to see how this new chemistry performs, but Real it won’t last forever and it’s no silver Results bullet. Pioneers ”

Refining a methodical approach

Growers in Essex face some appreciate, though, when you move out into I can best use this herbicide in conjunction of the toughest blackgrass in his fields. Childerditch Farms is a family with all the other steps we’re taking.” partnership and Ed has responsibility for its Childerditch Farms is one of four in the the country, with heavy 600ha of arable cropping. This sits on heavy UK selected for the on-farm trials of Luximo soils allowing little room for London clay with a rotation of wheat, oilseed from BASF. The programme is part of the rape, beans, peas, spring barley and company’s wider Real Results initiative that mistakes in a control linseed. “We’ve worked out how to grow involves around 50 farmers across the strategy. CPM visits one farm linseed well here, and we’re getting a very country who carry out tramline trials with the decent gross margin,” notes Ed. latest chemistry. This is compared with the to explore the potential for farm’s standard best practice treatment and new chemistry within an Brand-new herbicide the results are put through a fair degree of But it’s his wheat Ed’s keen to inspect as the scientific scrutiny to ensure a result that’s holistic approach. May rain thrums down and the T2 fungicide ‘real’ (see panel on p58). spray timing approaches. White markers Ed recalls when he first became aware By Tom Allen-Stevens wave above his crop of Crusoe, denoting that something had to change in the way an area of the field where he’s trialling a the farm battled blackgrass. “It was 2012 Two new mobile workbenches take pride pre-commercial brand-new grassweed –– the industry was still living off the L of place in Ed Ford’s workshop at herbicide. The crop is approaching its final Childerditch Farms, near Brentwood, count of blackgrass survivors, and while, to Essex. They’re immaculately equipped be fair, there’s barely a plant to be seen, with barely a spanner out of place, while Ed spies one and pulls it in disgust. there’s a wall of storage bins with nuts, “There’s been blackgrass on this farm for bolts and washers of every shape and size as long as I can remember,” he says. “Dad carefully sorted. always said we can farm with blackgrass Ed’s demonstrating why the workbenches because we’ll always have the chemistry to are different heights, set up so they’re control it. But I’ve seen how things have not correct for their specific tasks, but breaks off gone our way and how the grassweed can from his explanation, sensing his audience take over if you let control slip. doesn’t share his enthusiasm. “If you spent “We’re keen to see how this new as much time as we do making sure the chemistry performs, but it won’t last forever The immaculately equipped mobile workbench set-up of our equipment is right, you’d and it’s no silver bullet. We take a different indicates an attention to detail that’s helped understand,” he says. approach now with how we control Childerditch Farms in its blackgrass battle. It’s an attention to detail you begin to blackgrass, so what interests me is how

56 crop production magazine june 2021

Real Results Pioneers

L legacy of isoproturon (IPU) and Atlantis carried out a mini demonstration on the farm “The crunch point came in 2014. We had (mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron) was still to see how effective a stale seedbed on its a stale seedbed, we waited until mid working well for many growers. We had own would be in reducing populations. “We October to drill, we put on a robust some blackgrass tested, however, and it sprayed a 1m strip with glyphosate every pre-emergence stack, and we still ended up came back as RRR resistant.” two weeks from harvest to drilling and still with blackgrass in the crop. We decided to With the in-crop chemistry waning, he the blackgrass was coming through. spray off over 100ha and it turned out to

Lining up for a Real Result, not a silver bullet

Ed first came across Luximo in the ment to pick up any further plants he’s clearly less dependent on the nearby blackgrass trials run by that had emerged. This is an appli- chemistry. But you can’t turn the Harlow Agricultural Merchants, cation we always aim to make, as clock back on resistance –– you widely reputed as a very visual long as there’s no gap between always have to treat according to representation of different drilling and spraying,” reports Ed. the level of resistance you have,” approaches. “There was one “Establishment wasn’t ideal, she advises. pre-emergence treatment that however –– we would have The full assessment of results stood out from the rest. I didn’t preferred to have used the Cross will come after harvest, but Ed know what it was at the time, but Slot and applied Avadex (triallate) estimates Luximo is achieving an I did know I was keen to trial it for post-drilling with the rolls. But in improvement in control of roughly myself,” he recalls. the wet conditions we had to use a 20% over his standard treatment. You can’t turn the clock back on That opportunity arose through tine drill and couldn’t roll. The tilth “If that’s the case and Luximo gets resistance, notes Maria Tzortzi – local BASF agronomy manager we achieved was still very good approval for this autumn, I can see you always have to treat according Maria Tzortzi, who’s arrived on farm following the fallow, though, we’d probably use it on about half to the level of resistance you have. to discuss how the trial’s progressing ensuring a good seedbed for our wheat area, targeting the worst and see the results for herself. “It’s the pre-em.” fields. What I really want to gain, best to use it to improve control as the first year we’ve worked with UK This aspect is important, Maria though, is further insight into how part of our overall strategy.” farmers trialling Luximo and we’re explains. “We’d always advise taking a similar approach to the rolling before applying the pre-em A 2ha area of the field has been marked out and was given a rest of the Real Results initiative, to break down any clods. There’s a Luximo-based pre-em herbicide, while the rest of the field received working closely with ADAS risk they’d shadow areas or contain the farm standard application. to ensure we get robust further blackgrass seed that will assessments,” she says. escape treatment and then emerge So Ed has chosen the field as later in the season as the clods one that’s typical in terms of the weather.” blackgrass burden he deals with, A resistance test was carried out and has marked out a 2ha area. on the blackgrass prior to the trial, Management across the whole field and this showed the same level as is identical, apart from the pre-em a few years earlier. “That’s good herbicide, where a Luximo-based news in that it shows Ed’s strategy treatment has been used in place isn’t making matters any worse, so of the farm’s standard approach. ADAS scientists have visited to make two assessments, with a Childerditch Farms 2021 Real Results trials – Slough House Field third due once the blackgrass is BASF Farm Standard fully in ear, before the field receives Previous crop Fallow, after linseed its final roguing. Pre-drilling (August) Glyphosate (3 l/ha) “We’ll also include an analysis Pre-drilling cultivation None of yield maps from the combine to Drill (19 Oct) 4m Horsch CO with Dutch openers; no post-drill roll see if there’s a correlation with Variety and seed rate Crusoe @ 240kg/ha (350 seeds/m2) blackgrass population, although Pre-emergence herbicide (19 Oct) Luximo-based Crystal (4 l/ha) + diflufenican we’re not sure yet whether there’ll (0.1 l/ha) + glyphosate (2 l/ha) be enough confidence in the Peri or post-em herbicide None data to draw conclusions here,” Blackgrass assessments are taken through the season by ADAS. Counts are made by assessing the number of plants found in a quadrat continues Maria. The field Ed’s placed repeatedly within each area a set number of times. The timings of the weed survey are: chosen was fallowed last year, 1. Two weeks after the pre-em treatment – plant count. 2. December/January – plant count. following linseed. “We applied a 3. Post ear emergence of blackgrass – head count. robust rate of glyphosate to the In addition, blackgrass patches will be mapped and yield maps from the combine assessed to relate yield to weed density. green cover in August to stave off Luximo contains cinmethylin. Information on rates and formulation partners will be made available once the product has received full approval for use on UK farms. Crystal – flufenacet+ pendimethalin. Glyphosate formulation used contains 340g/l ai; diflufenican – any resistance issues and applied a 500g/l ai. second dose with the pre-em treat-

58 crop production magazine june 2021 Real Results Pioneers be the best thing we ever did for the blackgrass.” The ten aspects of an effective blackgrass battle strategy The approach to grassweeds wasn’t the only element Ed was keen to change. “We G Measurement and roguing – good G Establishment –the general principle is to had a deep non-inversion tillage programme reconnaissance gauges whether your efforts try to avoid disturbing weed seeds when that revolved around a Challenger 765C and are making a difference. drilling. a 5m Simba SL. This was followed by a G Resistance management – getting a seed G Spray Application –the most uniform subsoiler then a Simba Cultipress before sample tested is an important first step in application will be achieved on smooth drilling with the 6m Väderstad Rapid. It was assessing the level of resistance you’re up seedbeds, at low windspeeds, and low a mad rush to mix the soil as much as we against. forward speeds. could between harvest and drilling. But it G Reducing spread – blackgrass multiplies G Chemical control – while over-reliance on wasn’t good for the soil, and it certainly quickly, so a focus on activities that can herbicides has led to resistance, the right wasn’t helping the blackgrass,” he notes. cause it to spread ensures this is minimised. herbicide choices can make a huge “Should we fallow the farm? Maybe move G Soil health –blackgrass thrives in cold, wet difference to success. to a plough-based approach? Switch much soil conditions, so improving the long-term G R&D –Brand new modes of action in of the cropping into hay? We decided to go health of your soil will work against it. partnership with what growers have learnt zero-till.” G Rotation – the aim is to deplete as much of about cultural control give us all a fighting A neighbour with a Cross Slot drill came in the seedbank as possible – it’s the battle chance of finally being able to regain control and drilled a 20ha field which gave Ed the behind enemy lines. over problem weeds. results he was looking for. So the farm G Cultivations – the real key is to know when purchased its own 5m Cross Slot in Jan 2016 you need to bury it, and when you need to and every crop has been direct-drilled since. just leave it alone. “The difference in the autumn has been fantastic. We used to run the Challenger mark any patches –– same on the combine. 24hrs/day for three weeks. But now we get That then informs where the roguing team the crop drilled without running ourselves goes and where we’ll take the knapsack. ragged, and we’re saving 30,000 litres per The total cost of this element will come to year in fuel.” around £10,000 this year, but I’ve spent As well as improvements in soil health nothing on in-crop graminicides.” and less blackgrass, the main advantage for Going forward, Ed’s keen to take a more Ed has been the difference in the way of flexible approach to drilling –– no wheat working. For the past seven years he’s goes in the ground until mid-Oct currently. “Of course, we don’t want to encourage been a farm safety ambassador and more Ed Ford knew the switch to direct drilling on its blackgrass, but the cleanest fields this recently, a trustee of the Farm Safety own wasn’t going to solve the grassweed issue. Foundation. “So many farm accidents can year were those established into the right be traced back to farmers working long seedbed at the end of Sept with a proper hours and it’s not good for mental health. herbicide regime, and they’ll likely yield the adapted all elements of our blackgrass Zero-till has brought us a more relaxed most –– I’d rather have a bit of blackgrass strategy so that they work together for us. approach to field operations and a more and money in the bank to deal with it than no So now the chemistry is treated as just one sustainable way of working,” he notes. crop at all,” he notes. part of that, rather than one on which we The farm has just traded out the Cross “The main aspect is that we’ve carefully depend for control.” I Slot, investing in a 12m Horsch Avatar. This follows two seasons in which they’ve The Real Results Circle struggled to drill in late autumn –– most of the wheat area was in fallow last year. “It was BASF’s Real Results Circle farmer-led trials are We want farmers to share their knowledge the output of the 5m Cross Slot that stymied now in their fifth year. The initiative is focused and conduct on-farm trials. By coming us and it’s a heavy drill for our clay soil when on working with 50 farmers to conduct together to face challenges as one, we can find the weather turns wet,” explains Ed. field-scale trials on their own farms using their out what really works and shape the future of There’s now less blackgrass, but the own kit and management systems. The trials UK agriculture. switch to direct drilling on its own wasn’t are all assessed using ADAS’ Agronomics To keep in touch with the progress of going to solve the grassweed issue. “We tool which delivers statistical confidence to these growers and the trials, go to needed a zero-tolerance approach. So we’re tramline, or field-wide treatment comparisons www.basfrealresults.co.uk or scan the QR now spraying out or hand-roguing survivors. –– an important part of Real Results. code to visit the all-new, cereal fungicide virtual Initially we left fields that looked like In this series we follow the journey, thinking trial, offering a 360° map to compare plots. patchwork quilts, but pretty soon we and results from farmers reduced it down to 10ha and now it’s barely involved in the programme. 1ha we spray out, much of which is done The features also look at with a knapsack sprayer.” some in-depth related Ed makes a point of monitoring topics, such as SDHI blackgrass patches carefully. “I always try to performance and data apply the T2 spray myself and drop pins on capture and use. a GPS map as I go through the fields to

crop production magazine june 2021 59 Bridge the hunger gap

If it’s not “measured, then it can’t be managed.”

Technical Seed treatment

Making sure young stage of the crop, which is about four to essential, it must be broad spectrum and seedlings aren’t limited by six weeks,” he says. include trace elements for added insight. “Getting the nutrition right from the start Furthermore an assessment of biological access to nutrients is one of will help the crop maximise early growth activity in the soil can help highlight any the keys to good early crop and set it up for the challenges later on in soil health issues potentially restricting the season. But using a nutritional seed output –– such as soil structure, development. CPM explores treatment doesn’t mean you can cut out compaction and water availability. the role nutritional seed foliar sprays,” he warns. “If it’s not measured, then it can’t be “Using nutritional or biostimulant seed managed,” he says. “Grain analysis helps treatments can play. treatments can help early establishment but to provide a retrospective position, and this as crop canopies develop and biomass is very important for adapting strategies By Rob Jones accumulates, foliar sprays will still be going forwards. needed to help optimise nutrient content. “Soil analysis provides a better Good crop establishment is the key to understanding of the P, K, Mg and trace Crop nutrition is becoming an increasingly driving yield, and a measured nutrient input, important focus for agronomists and in the form of a technical seed treatment, growers for a number of reasons –– can play a critical role in achieving that goal. including plateaued yields, the revocation of essential crop protection products and Stimulate rooting more extreme seasons, as well as “Nutrients delivered directly to the seed economic challenges and greater can help stimulate rooting, which in turn environmental pressures. increases uptake of available soil nutrients. It’s recognised that there’s a potential This means you combat the effects of gap in supplying the nutrition required by nutrient ‘lock-up’ caused by pH, dry plants during their early growth stages conditions, cold and/or wet soils, high or once the mother seed is exhausted, but low organic matter soils and light soils. the crop canopy still isn’t advanced The main focus has to be to feed the plant, enough to be able to fully intercept a foliar not the soil,” explains Jim. spray, says Agrii research and northern Knowing exactly what nutrient balance development manager Jim Carswell. is appropriate for a particular crop in those “Improving crop health and productivity very early stages of development relies on in a more environmentally sustainable way a combination of factors, including being can be achieved by using an optimised able to accurately analyse the nutrients loading of essential trace elements, already in the soils. But to get the big There’s a potential gap in supplying the nutrition delivered as a seed treatment. This can picture, it’s also useful to look at the required by plants during their early growth help to redress this balance by filling the nutrients present in the grain from the stages once the mother seed is exhausted, hunger gap –– covering the period from previous crop, he says. says Jim Carswell. the seed germinating to the three-leaf Jim explains that while soil analysis is

60 crop production magazine june 2021 Seed treatment elements in the soil, but it doesn’t tell us what is necessarily Champion OSR together available to the plant. What has A BASF technical webinar presented in association with CPM become increasingly clear is the value of microbial activity Thursday 24 June 2021 8:00-9:00am in the soil surrounding a seed The challenge of establishment, the threat from cabbage stem flea when it comes to accessing beetle and the uncertainty over the market for rapeseed –– it takes nutrition. Although we’re very everyone working together to unlock the full potential for oilseed rape. good at measuring factors, the This webinar highlights elements of a holistic approach that will bring ability to interpret them is very confidence in and ensure maximum profitability from the crop different,” adds Jim. established this autumn. It includes a preview of results from the Nutritional seed treatments csfbSMART project. often contain many essential Lisa Hulshof – BASF trace elements –– such as Lisa will set the scene, introduce the BASF initiative copper, which is needed for and describe how it helps Champion OSR together. Agrii trials demonstrate a clear and the production of lignin used to positive benefit from using nutritional Martin Farrow – ADM strengthen cell walls and help seed treatments over a wide range Martin picks out some of the key aspects of the combat the effect of fungus of soil types and seasons. market that will shape returns for growers over the penetration; zinc, which is coming season. critical for root development and has been found to reduce Colin Peters – NIAB deficiencies, but by then it’s the affects of water logging; Colin brings details of the csfbSMART industry-wide too late because yield potential and manganese, for boosting collaborative project and how it’s finding solutions to is set early in the crops chlorophyll production and beat the beetle. development. More growers nitrogen utilisation. now recognise the benefits of Francis Pickering – ADAS Jim believes it’s very analysing the grain from the Adrian Joynt – Apley Estate,Shrops important to understand there previous crop as an additional Francis and Adrian provide an update are significant differences in the guideline to help in planning on trials findings from the csfbSMART quality of seed treatments on nutrient programmes. project and look at how these may the market, so he suggests it’s “I believe that growers are be implemented on farm. sensible to look at the loading becoming more aware of the of the essential elements it’s Chaired by: importance of grain analysis delivering. Tom Allen-Stevens, CPM editor and momentum is already “For example, Zax seed growing to support its use as To register and pre-submit treatment provides 450g of a standard nutritional questions. zinc, which is a high loading management tool to help https://basf.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bNNtl40chbSB9jM compared with other zinc-based optimise output.” I products on the market,” he says. “Agrii also recommend the manganese-based seed treatment i-Man, which has a dual mode of action in that it’s absorbed by the seed but is also taken up by the roots.” Agrii replicated trials indicate the critical impact that soil analysis and bespoke seed treatments can have on crop performance. Jim says there’s a clear and positive benefit from using nutritional seed treatments over a wide range of soil types and seasons. He adds that a mindset change will help growers truly understand the benefits of seed treatments –– it’s clear they can’t be used in isolation, but as part of a programme. “Too many growers think soil analysis and the use of foliar sprays can rectify early

crop production magazine june 2021 61

62 Real-life resumes

63 Variety is the spice of life

66 A sustainable agenda

70 Innovation in action

Real-life 75 The rise of regen resumes

Drainage Hub this year, aimed at bringing together two –– though still brimming with content. Read As lockdown restrictions end in leading agricultural contractors with land more about the programme on pg 66. England, the greatly missed drainage expertise as well as drainage equipment “This year’s Cereals Event will involve no online show season is finally resuming manufacturers to help arable farmers get the webinars, just real people meeting in the fields of this month. Ahead of the most from their land. Boothby Graffoe, Lincs. Not a ‘virtual’ link in sight,” upcoming events, CPM The new feature will include presentations, says Alli. “You can walk across real grass, eye up previews the Cereals Event video demos and equipment on display throughout actual machines, talk to people directly, attend and Groundswell. both days of Cereals. This information is seminars in person, examine the crop plots –– and there’s even a soil pit you can get into. By Charlotte Cunningham complemented by information presented at the NIAB Soil Hole, the Soil Health Presentations in the “After the isolation of the past 18 months, Cereals AHDB Theatre on day two and within the Cereals 2021 is a great opportunity to learn, share Following last year’s online event, the Cereals direct drill demo area. knowledge and eye-up the latest and greatest Event returns in the flesh this year, at a slightly On the working demo front, Garford, Lemken in agri innovation in the flesh.” later date (30 June-1 July) at its site in and Opico will be presenting a new inter-row Boothby Graffoe, Lincs. weeding demo and for those looking for a Though it has been a while, and perhaps most hands-on experience, this year’s event will see the Event information of us have forgotten what it’s like to attend a debut of a new special driving course for off-road The Cereals Event will be held in ‘real-life’ show, organisers of Cereals 2021 are vehicles, hosted by Isuzu Motors. Lincolnshire on 30 June – 1 July 2021 promising a jam-packed two days to both inform This course will allow Cereals attendees to and will comply with all required biosecurity and entertain visitors. drive off-road in order to test vehicle reliability, measures against COVID-19. The theme of this year’s event is ‘a healthier dependability and durability. Car parks open at 6:00am. path to profits’ and as part of this, many aspects of According to Isuzu not only will visitors be a Gates open at 7:30am when caterers Cereals will focus on sustainability, efficiency and better driver after driving the course with open for breakfast. Stands and features diversity, says event organiser Alli McEntyre. qualified instructors but will also have a better open at 8:00am. Caravan parking is As well as the annual favourites, including the understanding of how to operate your vehicle available on 29 June to 2 July. NIAB Soil Hole and Syngenta’s Sprays & Sprayers safely and fuel efficiently. Location: Arena, there are a handful of new features for the The Cereals Isuzu Driving Course will run both The Old Rocket Site, Heath Road, 2021 event. days at Cereals 2021 –– simply present valid UK Boothby Graffoe, Lincs, LN5 0AS With the importance of good drainage seen over driver’s license onsite to participate. Tickets are still available online at the past few seasons, The National Association of The seminar programme is set for an overhaul www.cerealsevent.co.uk Agricultural Contractors are presenting a new Land too, with the usual four theatres condensed into

62 crop production magazine events showcase Sustainability “is clearly on the agenda ”

Variety is the spice of life

There’s also a spotlight on NIAB’s plant hybrid versus conventional comparison of above A 20m soil hole, over 125 crop pathology expertise with the latest developments and below ground crop growth in winter OSR, plots and the latest research on on yellow rust and field pathogenomics with the UK wheat and barley. biostimulants will all be on show Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey team and the “Rotational decisions are often made with for visitors to this year’s Cereals RustWatch project, alongside advice and support limited thought about the impact on soil,” says in disease diagnostics. Event. CPM finds out more. Dr Elizabeth Stockdale, NIAB’s head of farming systems. “Herbal leys allow growers to consider Variety demo their rotational diversity options and we will also By Charlotte Cunningham “Our untreated winter wheat variety demo plots take a look at some crop alternatives to winter are always a top attraction at Cereals, giving oilseed rape, including canary seed, spring growers a head start on their variety selection linseed, lentils and ahiflower and a look at spring While last year’s virtual crop plots gave for next season, with differences in disease legumes with plots of lupins, peas and field growers a good chance to ‘see’ the latest resistance and performance between the varieties beans.” innovation in plant breeding from afar, clearly evident,” says Bill Clark, NIAB’s technical Though a few big names in the seed world are there’s nothing quite like being able to see director. missing from this year’s event due to a potential new variety in real life. But for those visitors who would prefer a uncertainty over the easing of restrictions, there With technical events being the place for many virtual visit again, this summer NIAB will be will still be plenty of expert advice on hand to aid to take a first look at a new high-yielding wheat or providing numerous online plot tours featuring future variety decisions. to get technical advice on what to NIAB specialists and advisers direct from the show Among them is Syngenta, with plots of 20 grow, it’s back to business for NIAB at the 2021 plots near Sleaford, Lincs. different cereal varieties on its stand, as well as the Cereals Event with over 125 different crop and “With the popularity of our virtual variety and first opportunity for growers to find out about the variety plots alongside the popular Soil Hole exhibit. disease management plot tours last year I will new SDHI fungicide it is developing. The plots have been a long-standing feature of be joined by NIAB’s wheat and OSR variety Headlining the plots of seven hybrid winter L the show and provide a backdrop to the latest specialists Clare Leaman and Colin Peters and technical advice and research in variety choice, our crop disease specialist Aoife O’Driscoll, going independent agronomy, soil and rotation onto the Cereals Event site and taking viewers management and crop genetics. by video through the plots as if they were there The variety demonstration area includes with us. 32 winter wheat and 16 winter oilseed rape “The aim is to cover all these topics, and more, varieties, either already established on the AHDB with videos and webinars, available on NIAB’s own 2021/22 Recommended List or candidates. Virtual Event Hub online, alongside downloadable For 2021 NIAB has focused on its agronomy guides, topic sheets and information posters that demonstration area, including plots showcasing will also be available at the event,” explains Bill. fungicide inputs versus yield in winter wheat, new The 20m long 2021 NIAB Soil Hole is back NIAB’s plots have been a long-standing feature of cereal fungicides, advice on grassweed again with this year’s surrounding plots showing the show and provide a backdrop to the latest control and trials work on soil amendments. alternative break crops, herbal ley mixtures and a technical advice and research in variety choice.

crop production magazine events showcase 63 resistance and early maturity to aid harvest management. Meanwhile, a second new hybrid barley on the RL and in the plots, SY Kingston, has performed 2021/22, SY Thunderbolt showcases the particularly well in the North and West, again with L feed barleys on the stand will be the new consistency in hybrid barley breeding, says strong wet weather disease resistance, it says. high-yielding hybrid, SY Thunderbolt. Syngenta, with the highest treated yield figure on Also on the stand will be plots of established New on the AHDB Recommended List for heavy land (111%), good wet weather disease hybrids, SY Kingsbarn, Belfry and Belmont and a Are biostimulants worth the hype?

Though many manufacturers are able to make regulatory framework as all other types of fertiliser evidence-based claims about the benefits of and manufacturers will need to prove the effects biostimulants, there are many who question their claimed on the label. viability. The supporting data can be based on So, are they worth the hype? glasshouse or controlled lab conditions, but that That’s exactly what Dr Syed Shah, regional data might not be relevant or repeatable in the field agronomist for NIAB, has made his mission conditions. to find out –– to get under the skin of these “Some biostimulants have shown to improve purportedly natural enhancers. crop colour (dark green), above ground biomass Having undertaken a number of research trials and root growth, but will this translate into yield? for NIAB he has written three papers on the Companies may show data that demonstrates subject and will be sharing his knowledge in the an effect which may not be repeatable in Though biostimulants tend to work in controlled AHDB Theatre at the Cereals Event on 30 June. independent trials –– so ask for independent data.” environments, Syed Shah has been investigating “Biostimulants tend to work in controlled This is where NIAB’s trials come in and Syed how this translates in field conditions. environments, but does that translate in field has conducted trials at East Malling, Hereford and conditions?” he asks. Cirencester. and mycorrhizal fungi have also proven to have a To answer this question, he carried out trials in On crops given a robust fungicide programme significant effect on yield, but we do need to do winter wheat and spring barley on different soil he found little benefit –– but where fungicides further research and trials to identify when and types from 2018 to 2020, with mixed results –– were reduced the biostimulants had significant how to use biostimulants for maximum effect.” sparking interest in further scientific research. positive effects in reducing disease levels and Visitors to Cereals will also be able to speak The biggest issue with biostimulants is that they increased yield. with exhibitors specialising in biostimulants, to find are currently unregulated in the UK, so as long as Crops on the drought-prone Cirencester out what’s new to the market. These include manufacturers don’t claim to have any direct soils responded particularly well. “Biostimulant UPL’s new biofungicides Iodus and Thiopron, the impact on pests or diseases, effects don’t have to treatments with lower fungicide inputs had biostimulant Vitalroot and bio seed treatment be independently trialled, explains Syed. “There are significantly higher green flag leaf area compared Sylas. “Sustainability is clearly on the agenda,” no specific guidelines in the EU or UK and there with reduced fungicide plots,” he explains. says Vaughn Stansfield, UK manager at UPL. “As are significant differences across Europe about “In a high disease pressure year, fungicide will an industry, we are looking to move forward in a how they are authorised.” perform better, but based on these trials, it can be sustainable manner, but it needs to be done However, this is due to change. From July 2022 concluded that biostimulants have a place under profitably, and these two things aren’t mutually biostimulants will fall under the same low or zero-fungicide input systems. Soil bacteria exclusive.”

64 crop production magazine events showcase Meanwhile, six spring barley plots on the stand Also at Cereals will feature newcomer varieties, SY Tungsten and SY Splendor, which Syngenta has been progressing As well as the names above, visitors for malting, plus two new candidates selected as looking for the latest technical information potential malting varieties, SY Lowry and SY will also be able to find the following names Bronte, and established malting favourites, on hand at this year’s Cereals Event: Laureate and Fairing. G Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) G GrainTab Septoria resistance G Premium Crops With the importance of robust septoria G Agro Hanse resistance in variety choice, all four Syngenta G AICC Headlining Syngenta’s plots of seven hybrid winter feed wheat varieties with resistance G AminoA winter feed barleys on the stand will be the new ratings of 6.1 or above on the RL List will be on G Cefetra Grain high-yielding hybrid, SY Thunderbolt. the stand. These include newcomer SY Insitor, G Fram Farmers launched last summer, Gleam, Graham and G Graindex Shabras. G Just Oats practical digital solution in the field. As well as varieties galore, Syngenta’s stand G Rothamsted Research What’s more, Cereals will see the publication will be an opportunity to learn about the latest, of three years’ results from the Syngenta new generation SDHI fungicide active ingredient, Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Farming further new hybrid barley, SY Armadillo, will also adepidyn, which the firm is currently developing Initiative. feature. in the UK. Addressing the impacts of different cultivation For those in the market for a new barley The firm also plan to use the event to and establishment techniques through a whole variety, Syngenta will be demonstrating nine showcase its Protector digital agronomy farm rotation on different soil types, it provides an malting, or potential malting, barley varieties platform, including a disease forecasting tool in-depth insight into environmental, –– three winter and six spring. that has been in evaluation with growers and agronomic and financial implications. Among the winter variety plots, Electrum, the agronomists this season. Farmers and scientists involved in the study newest winter malting barley on the 2021/22 According to Syngenta, the platform provides will give guidance to growers and policy makers AHDB Recommended List, is in only its first full better integrated recording, monitoring and on how best to put the results into practice. season of having full approval for brewing use on mapping of key issues for growers, to enable Senova and DSV will also be in attendance. the Malting Barley Committee (MBC) approved list more effective future decision making. It also Read more about their latest varieties on for harvest 2021. incorporates Spray Assist App, for a complete pages 48 and 36, respectively. I We have “some of the top researchers, scientists and farmers coming together. ”

A sustainable agenda

health –– including a session with Defra’s farming brings many benefits to farming With a jam-packed schedule Janet Hughes to discuss environmental policy. businesses; we all know the saying that two planned over the two days, CPM Over in the New Era Theatre, markets minds are better than one,” says Holly Beckett, takes a look at some key themes diversification and innovation will be the topic Focussed Farmers, who is chairing the session. of the seminar programme ahead of conversation. “Collaborative farming can come in many of this year’s Cereals Event. With these topics in mind and taking into forms and it’s important that all parties are consideration the many factors involved in singing from the same hymn sheet and are clear sustainable agriculture, this year’s Cereals Event By Charlotte Cunningham about the aims, objectives and overall vision of will also be putting on a special selection of what they are trying to achieve together. seminars to explore how farmers can strengthen “When that is clear, people coming together to all the different pillars of sustainability, as well as achieve their goals increases ideas, motivation, L promoting industry collaboration, positive mental Rarely a day goes by when topics like health and open communication. climate change, sustainable agriculture and agricultural policy aren’t brought up Sustainable business in conversation. From financial and mental strength to healthy And exploring these themes in detail –– soils and environment, running a sustainable along with many others –– is the Cereals Event farm business draws together many different seminar programme. elements, all of which will be discussed in the Instead of dashing manically between Sustainable Solutions seminars, in association theatres to catch the next speaker, this year the with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ event is ensuring that expert knowledge is even Clubs. “We have some of the top researchers, more accessible by condensing the traditional scientists and farmers coming together to four theatres into two to deliver a bumper discuss hot topics like regenerative farming, programme. climate change and business resilience,” Seminars will be split between the Cereals says Alli McEntyre, event director. AHDB Theatre and the New Era Theatre. Collaborative farming could be one answer, In the AHDB theatre, day one will be based with a session on 31 June bringing together A number of Sustainable Solutions seminars are on the theme ‘tomorrow’s solutions for today’s three businesses that are working in different being held at Cereals 2021, in association with challenges’, while day two will focus on soil ways to combine their strengths. “Collaborative the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

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SUBSCRIBING IS EASY! Go online at shop.kelsey.co.uk/PFIADM621 or call +44 (0)1959 543 747 The line-up G Below, CPM has picked-out some of the most thought-provoking seminars from across the two days. The full seminar programme can be found online. All details subject to change - correct at the time of going to print. 30 June This session will explore how farming businesses prevent and G Minette Batters, NFU A Climate of Cereals AHDB 10:00-10:50 manage the impacts of climate change – as well as creating G Claire Bend, Agrii; Change Theatre resilient and sustainable landscapes for food and wildlife. G Lincs grower, Thomas Gent Monitor Farm 30 June Cereals AHDB The AHDB Monitor Farm debate will this year tackle the route to Debate: Farming G Harry Henderson, AHDB 12:00-12:50 Theatre achieving net-zero by 2040, just nine years away. towards net zero G Helen Chessire, A mixed farming system offers additional benefits and income Woodland Trust streams – and for many businesses it provides an overall net Synergistic 30 June Cereals AHDB G Gareth Williams, benefit that surpasses the sum of the two parts. This session solutions 15:00-15:50 Theatre Caplor Energy explores the value that agroforestry, livestock and bioenergy can G George Hosier, bring to arable businesses. Wexcombe Farm, Wilts G Paul Temple, AHDB Insight on This session will explore the details surrounding new l G Janet Hughes, Defra Agricultural Policy 1 July Cereals AHDB egislation and environmental schemes across the UK. G Sarah Baker, AHDB and Environmental 10:00-10:50 Theatre G Louis Fell, farmer and Schemes consultant This session brings together the three AgriTech Centres serving G Dr Shamal Mohammed, AgriTech Centre 30 June the arable sector. CHAP,Agrimetrics and AgriEPI provide an AGRI-EPI Centre New Era Theatre Innovations 10:15-11:15 update on some of the new technologies, services and advice G Alex McCormack, CHAP emerging from their research and partnerships. G Anna Woodley, Agrimetrics G Sebastian Graff-Baker, Farming businesses are responding to new consumer Andersons Midland New Incomes demands and turning their resources and commodity crops G David and Kathryn Cross, 30 June Streams New Era Theatre into value-added enterprises in order to spread risks and Barnards Farm 11:30-13:00 build greater financial resilience and sustainability. This session G Kim Walton, Trek Campers explores different diversification avenues. G Oscar Harding, Duchess Farms Farming is a human health solution, not only through nutrition but also in direct medical benefits. This session will look at how G Johnathan Napier, A Farm-aceutical 30 June researchers are tailoring plant metabolism to deliver healthier oils in Rothamstead Research New Era Theatre Future 15:15-16:15a oilseed rape, while lavender, mint and hemp are just some of the G Edward Burman, Hemp potential new crops delivering natural health and Wholefoods pharmaceutical answers

There’s a strong pull for the UK to grow more protein plants. G Roger Vickers, PGRO, They could play a big role in delivering better soil health, less G James Maguire, KWS fertiliser usage and fewer pesticides - as well as satisfy a growing The Plant Protein 1 July G Sanu Arora, New Era Theatre consumer demand for plant protein and reduce reliance on Potential 14:00-15:00 John Innes Centre, imported soya. Research, market insights and practical G Richard Wainwright, experience are at the heart of this session on the value of North Yorks farmer legumes, which currently occupy only 4% of the UK’s cropping.

68 crop production magazine events showcase L productivity and resources and at a minimum, doubles the driving force required to achieve more than one can alone.” Climate change is an increasing challenge for arable producers, with extreme weather resulting in either too much or too little water, and one seminar on 1 July will examine how best to manage this. Drainage investment Nuffield scholar, Rob Burtonshaw, will explain the productivity and environmental benefits of investing in drainage, helping to reduce run off and increase soil resilience. This not only leads to greater crop productivity, it mitigates risks of Rob Burtonshaw will explain the soils and pesticides entering productivity and environmental watercourses. “Drainage is a benefits of investing in drainage. long-term investment, I would expect a scheme to still be Last year the National Federation performing at least 20 years after of Young Farmers’ Clubs, NFU and installation, and on the right soil a Championing the Farmed great deal longer than that.” Environment (CFE) –– supported by It can also bring benefits to the Defra –– launched a competition for bottom line, he adds. “Income is young farmers to record a short improved by increased yield and video sharing their ideas and actions quality; there is also better crop for achieving net zero by 2040. uptake of soil mineral nitrogen Winner of the over 18s category which reduces inputs.” But was Elliot Cole, a mixed farmer from maintaining drainage is important. Devon. He uses litter from his “Cleaning ditches and clearing 120,000 chickens in the farm’s outfalls is a simple and cheap way biogas plant to generate electricity of improving the efficiency of the and woodchip from sustainable local drainage system.” forests to heat the sheds. Working towards net zero is “In return we get natural fertiliser undoubtably a pillar of sustainability to grow the barley we feed the bulls; and something which young farmers this has cut our artificial fertiliser have embraced –– hear from those use by 99% which has shown many making a difference in the climate benefits for soil health, as more change challenge session at 4pm carbon can be kept in the soil on 1 July. and less nitrous oxide released.” I

Rob Burtonshaw will discuss how cleaning ditches and clearing outfalls is a simple and cheap way of improving the efficiency of the drainage system.

crop production magazine events showcase 69 Innovation in action

generation focuses on increased work rates and catch crops, fine seeds, undersown crops Marking the first opportunity to reducing the workload on the driver. The new and spreading micro-granules, pellets and see kit in the flesh for quite some in-house operating system, modified spray agent micro-fertilisers in combination with either the time, this year’s Cereals Event is liquid circuit and changes to the operator station trailed Amazone soil tillage range or the Cirrus brimming with new launches and offer significant added value,” says Simon trailed drill combination, explains Simon. “The working demonstrations, giving Brown, managing director at Amazone. 500-litre capacity, plastic seed hopper can easily visitors the chance to see the Also on stand will be the new Cenio 3000 be accessed using steps and a platform for rapid latest innovation in action. mulch cultivator, which growers can see working seed filling and has a screw lock to protect the CPM finds out more later in the year at Tillage-Live. The Cenio is contents against dust and moisture. The seed aimed at the smaller tractor with its shorter, hopper has a fill level sensor that can be By Charlotte Cunningham lighter execution making the tractor lift easier. mounted in two positions and, in the bottom, a With 30cm tine rows and a maximum working protective sieve in order to protect the hopper depth of 25cm, the Cenio keeps the three-row from foreign bodies.” For many in the arable industry, the last time tine layout of the Cenius but has one less tine Cereals will also be an opportunity to see the we were able to get a ‘kit fix’ was at LAMMA and a maximum working depth of 5cm less. The new three-point linkage mounted, high-speed 2020 –– some 18 months ago now thanks rear levelling discs or paddles back-fill the tine Precea precision air seeder. to COVID-19 putting a long-lasting stop to action to ensure a level finish before being Its over-pressure singling system is perfect all events. consolidated by the following roller. for sowing row crops such as maize, soya, But with the almost-return of normality, The Cenio range is available in 3m, 3.5m sunflowers, beet, rape or sorghum, notes Simon. growers will once again get to see all of the and 4m rigid mounted models. “On the stand will be the variable sowing width latest and greatest innovation in the flesh at Also set for its debut is Amazone’s GreenDrill Precea 4500-2CC VT equipped with the rear this month’s Cereals Event. 501 universal catch crop seeder box. fertiliser hopper for under-root fertiliser So what’s on the line-up? The GreenDrill 501 is suitable for sowing application. The wider, folding eight-row Precea 6000-2FCC offers increased fertilisation Amazone efficiency by utilising the FTender front tank.” After 18 months of virtual machine introductions, The singling system in the Precea is based on this year’s Cereals Event will provide Amazone overpressure. The seed hopper and the entire with the opportunity to show off a range of new metering unit are pressurised by a blower fan. products and innovations for the first time. This “The seed is fed from the seed hopper to a plethora of new kit includes seed drills, catch singling disc, which then hermetically seals the crop seeders, self-propelled sprayers, cultivators, metering unit as the seed is pressed onto the power harrows and spreader upgrades. holes in the disc. Precise singling is then Among this will be the public unveiling of the ensured via the following three stripper fingers,” new Pantera 4504 self-propelled sprayer which says Simon. “The seed then reaches the Amazone claims is designed to set new Also on Amazone’s stand will be the new Cenio propulsion channel, where the contact pressure standards in precision plant protection 3000 mulch cultivator, which growers can see is stopped and the grain is shot precisely into the application and ease of operation. “This new working later in the year at Tillage-Live seed furrow and caught by the catcher roller.

70 crop production magazine events showcase “An optical sensor closely monitors the singling process and reports any misses or doubles to the tractor terminal. The stripper system can then be easily adjusted. Fully automatic, electric stripper finger adjustment via SmartControl is another positive development step.” John Deere A handful of John Deere’s precision ag technology solutions for arable farmers and contractors will be featured on stand at this year’s Cereals, alongside its latest new products. Among these, and making their event debut, are the 7R 350 and 8RX four-track tractors, Cereals will be an opportunity to see Amazone’s new three-point linkage mounted, high-speed Precea while the R740i trailed sprayer and Mazzotti MAF precision air seeder.

4080 self-propelled sprayer with 36m boom can manoeuvrability in the field, the 8RX Series Syngenta’s be seen in the Sprays & Sprayers demonstration has been developed with the aim of maximising arena. soil protection without compromising tractor

Sprays & L Sprayers Arena Built in a compact frame for easy performance, says Deere’s Chris Wiltshire. The ever-popular Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers arena will return once again this year, but with a slightly new design featuring obstacles like telegraph poles and rumble strips to showcase sprayer performance in a much more ‘life-like’ on-farm scenario. Manufacturers demoing in the arena include: G Altek G Amazone G Chafer G Chantry Dammann G Fendt G Hardi G Househam Sprayers G John Deere G Knight Farm Machinery G Merse Agriculture/Bargam G Sands Agricultural Machinery As well as this, the arena will host an exclusive demonstration of Syngenta’s new 3D Ninety nozzle which is being launched at the event. According to Syngenta, the nozzle has been specifically designed and engineered to better target spray application, whilst also reducing the risk of drift. Also at Sprays & Sprayers will be the chance to see Syngenta’s EasyConnect closed transfer system in operation on new sprayers.

crop production magazine events showcase 71 An 8RX tractor and ExactEmerge planter combination were featured in a virtual John Deere display at the US Consumer Electronics

L Show (CES) in January. “Following a series of dealer roadshows, In the lead up to this year’s show, the new X9 individual customer demonstrations and virtual Series combines were recognised in the Robotics events in 2020, the 8RX has proved to be category of the 2021 CES Innovation Awards. extremely popular with UK farmers and This was the second year in a row John Deere contractors, who have recognised and had received the award, after the 8RX tractor experienced its successful combination of soil was honoured in the ‘Tech for a Better World’ preservation with greater productivity.” category in 2020. Also featured for the first time at Cereals These awards recognise outstanding product 2021, Chris says the flagship X9 combine design and engineering in technology products represents the next level of John Deere that impact society and the world in a positive harvesting performance to help large-scale way. The X9 Series combines also received a farmers achieve more tonnes per hour and more 2021 AE50 Award for outstanding innovations ha/day –– specifically in tough, high yielding, that improve production agriculture. Making their event debut on the John Deere wet conditions. “The X9 1100 can harvest Featuring the stepless AutoPowr transmission stand are the 7R 350 and 8RX four-track wheat at an impressive 100t/hr at less than as standard, and a feature of this year’s event, tractors. 1% grain loss.” the new top of the range 7R 350 tractor develops up to 388hp with Intelligent Power Management, adds Chris. “With a minimum shipping weight of only 11.4t, this latest 7R Series model boasts an impressive power to weight ratio of just 29kg/hp. Upgrades include a new luxury cab with top-quality massage seat, the CommandPRO joystick and enhanced Precision Ag technology features.” Especially now, John Deere says it sees the future of farming in connectivity that makes the most of machine, field and agronomy data in the decision-making process and provides full control of the production chain. As such, the company is pioneering the use of such data based around the new MyJohnDeere.com website portal and proactive Connected Support systems, to provide increased uptime, higher performance and reduced operating costs. “Investment in a premium connectivity package can provide average savings of up to £48/ha,” says Chris. “These figures can typically be achieved through a combination of increased productivity and machine efficiency, consistent accuracy, less wear and tear on equipment and typical fuel savings of 10-15%, as highlighted by the recently expanded Fuel Guarantee programme.” The John Deere Operations Centre in MyJohnDeere.com serves as the central online location for users to safely and securely connect

UK distributors, Opico, are set to launch HE-VA’s Top Cutter Solo at this year’s event. to their machines and fields. Additional support is available from third-party implement manufacturers, input suppliers, software Eyes in the sky at the Drone Zone companies and service providers such as crop The Cereals Drone Zone themed ‘Scout, Seed These co-ordinated demonstrations will advisors and other specialist consultants. & Feed: Cover Cropping with Zero Carbon’ will illustrate how autonomous drones and robots In addition, with the newly simplified, free allow attendees to view several new drones in can assist a farmer across a range of tasks of charge Operations Centre mobile and web action. including: versions, users can view, manage and analyse Drones are already able to provide many G Mini drones doing autonomous scouting all their operations from any location. benefits to arable farmers including identifying G Drones spreading seed accurately Precision and intelligent technology are also issues with soil compaction, weeds and G incorporated in the mid-range R740i trailed drainage but the latest and most advanced A ground-based robot demonstrating sprayer. This 4000-litre capacity machine offers drone technologies can take it much further. fertilisation of the seed boom widths from 18 to 30m, with premium As such, there will be drone demonstrations G Drones assisting with farming tasks in features including a new multi-functional control twice daily in the main Syngenta Sprays & other ways lever, the Solution Command operator station Sprayers Arena at Cereals 2021. and the proven PowrSpray dual-circuit solution system. This reduces filling times, improves spray application and increases accuracy. each with six blades mounted in a spiral showcase Sky’s 8m EasyDrill in the UK for the “This new sprayer is also available with a formation to give a smooth, even rolling radius. first time. closed transfer system (CTS)-ready option, and “The inherent rotary action means a low hp The W8020 Fertisem EasyDrill follows the can be equipped with an individual nozzle control requirement is needed,” he adds. same exacting standards and design principals L (INC) system,” says Chris. “This electronic Opico will also be using the event to as the 4m and 6m pneumatic drills –– sharing solution allows customers to save up to 5% of the cost of plant protection products.” Opico UK distributors, Opico, are set to launch HE-VA’s Top Cutter Solo at this year’s Cereals. Aimed at both conventional and organic farmers, HE-VA’s Top Cutter Solo is the stand-alone version of HE-VA’s existing Top Cutter range of integrated vegetation and stubble control machines. It is designed to roll, cut and bruise cover, catch crops and vegetable crops in a form of mechanical destruction, thus reducing the reliance on herbicides. Maize stubbles also benefit from this process by reducing the burden of the maize boring worm and fusarium, helping to reduce reliance on pesticides, says the firm’s Glenn Bootman. “The standard twin rotor machine is front mounted, although it can be supplied with an optional 3-point kit to mount it on the rear of the tractor. Being front or rear mounted, it can be used independently or in conjunction with a cultivator or drill. “When the Top Cutter Solo is front mounted and is being used in conjunction with a rear-mounted machine, it has the benefit of lying down the crop in the direction of travel to assist the working of the following machine. “As we all know, one pass systems have the economic benefit of time and fuel savings, as well as minimising compaction with reduced traffic, helping to conserve the integrity of the soil.’ A robust headstock and main frame hold the rotors in place and each rotor is mounted on rubber suspended arms to reduce shock loading and increase longevity, while a steel canopy covers the rotors for safety protection, as well as reducing the potential for crop and soils being thrown onto the tractor. The individual rotors are 400mm in diameter, crop production magazine events showcase 73 distribution. In addition, the option of up to two separately metered Pro hoppers can be integrated so that seed or microgranules can

L be introduced via either distribution circuit.” the same coulter line, multi hopper capacity and sophisticated electronic system. Kuhn The 8m EasyDrill delivers for the larger Kuhn is set to demonstrate its multi-purpose acreage farm, where higher Hp tractors are Aurock triple disc seed drill, the electric drive generally available from previous crop Maxima 3e precision drill, the Performer disc and establishment systems,” says Glenn. “The tine cultivator with seeder, the Striger strip-till additional width allows a higher work rate for cultivator, and their versatile TF front hopper at this most versatile of drills.” Cereals 2021. With up to four hoppers, and the ability to Kuhn’s Aurock has the versatility to drill in drill product at two different depths, accurate no-till conditions, including into standing cover placement of multiple combinations of seed crops, and is equally effective in minimal and/or fertiliser at two different depths is cultivation systems. At Cereals, the company will possible. “Separating the placement depth of demonstrate the 6m Aurock 6000 RC, with dual seed and fertiliser increases the efficacy of metering and a 5000-litre capacity split hopper. applied nutrients and eliminates the risk of shoot This drill is designed for a low horsepower Opico will also be using the event to burn with certain fertilisers. requirement, needing a modest 180hp to showcase Sky’s 8m EasyDrill in the UK “The main hopper is split between grain operate. The ability to work in varying field for the first time. and fertiliser, each with its own pneumatic conditions starts at the front with two rows of opening discs and there is the option of 460mm diameter corrugated discs, for working in prepared soil or soil mixing, or a 430mm diameter embossed disc for cutting residues efficiently and minimising soil ejection. Seed placement is carried out by the double disc seeding unit mounted on a parallelogram for optimum delivery accuracy and ground following, while alignment with the opening discs is maintained by a central pivot point between the coulter bar and the chassis. According to Kuhn, this ensures that seeds drop accurately into the furrow, whether the drill is operating on a slope or around a bend. With its dual metering capability, the Aurock 6000 RC offers numerous possibilities, including dual cropping or alternate row drilling with independent management of seeding depth. Kuhn says that these options are increasingly relevant for farmers seeking more innovative cropping solutions, whether for pest control or improving soil health. The modular design of the Aurock allows the option of an integrated cutter roller with adjustable pressure to enable operation in all cover types, with the transport wheels positioned between the opening disc and the coulter bar. The machine can also be equipped with a whole-width wheel train for seeding within a minimum tillage cropping system. I

Kuhn is set to demonstrate its multi-purpose Aurock triple disc seed drill. Groundswell “offers a welcoming environment for two days of information exchange with some of the leading ‘soil caretakers’.” The rise of regen

New for 2021, the site itself has had a bit of Now in its fifth year, Groundswell shake up with two new exhibitor and demo returns to its Herts site on fields. “All the sessions are taking place in 23-24 June. CPM picks out temporary structures dotted in between the some of the key features ahead exhibitions,” explains Alex. “The keynote conference of the event later this month. sessions and rainfall simulator demonstrations will take place in the big top tent. The Earthworm By Charlotte Cunningham Arms Bar area has evolved with live music taking place on the Wednesday evening and dozens of Whether you’re practicing it itself or are independent food traders.” just starting to get an idea of what it’s all In terms of technical information, visitors about from Twitter musings, regenerative won’t leave short of knowledge, with more than agriculture is a hot topic at the moment. 100 sessions taking place over the two days –– In terms of technical information, visitors can And putting these ideas into practice is featuring speakers from a wide range of interests glean plenty of knowledge with more than 100 Groundswell, the regen ag show focused on in regenerative agriculture. L sessions taking place over the two days. no-till farming techniques and mixed farming systems –– which returns to its site at Lannock Manor Farm, Herts this year, after COVID-19 The value of livestock stopped play last summer. For those who haven’t been to the event, With nearly half of Groundswell attendees at Groundswell presents practical ideas on how to least experimenting with livestock as one of farm in a new environmental and political climate the key components to a truly regenerative while regenerating your core asset –– the s system, Groundswell has collaborated with oil –– explains Alex Cherry, event director. Pasture Fed Livestock Association to put on a “With over 100 exhibitors, Groundswell is an variety of sessions covering themes including independent event featuring sessions, workshops how to get animals back onto the land and the and exhibitions from a wide range of innovative birth of regenerative dairy farming. farming companies, as well as field scale direct The Ethical Butcher with their story of how drill demonstrations.” Regenuary took on the vegan movement at The overriding theme is set by the 5 their own game, and veteran butcher, Richard Principles of Regenerative Agriculture, so with Summers, will be sharing his knowledge on that in mind, what can growers expect to see at how to maximise the value of a carcass. this year’s event?

crop production magazine events showcase 75 L Discussions on future agricultural policy in the UK will be tackled head on with the Secretary of State, The Rt Hon George Eustice being interviewed by Baroness Rosie Boycott. While Janet Hughes will be on hand to delve into the Sustainable Farming Initiative and how Defra plan to make the delivery of public good attractive. There will also be a number of panel discussion sessions and workshops, including the Affinity Water Catchment Hub, Kellogg’s Origins Soil Tent, The Fungi Tent, Speaker’s Corner, The Discussion Tent, The AHDB Soil Pit, and new for 2021 –– the ‘Food for Thought’ Area exploring the links between soil health and a healthy diet. Looking at the physical features of the event, direct drill demonstrations will take place on both days, which will see 15 machinery manufacturers –– including names like There will also be a number of panel discussion sessions and workshops, including the Affinity Water John Deere, Kuhn, Horsch and Sky Agriculture Catchment Hub, Kellogg’s Origins Soil Tent, The Fungi Tent. –– direct drilling into standing cover crop with minimal soil disturbance. Visitors will also be able to check out a number of trials and crop plots, including NIAB independent trials, Bi-Cropping, Agroforestry, Heritage Wheats, no-till potatoes and biostimulant trials on spring wheat. Also on show this year will be a range of composting demonstrations. Among exhibitors is The Land Gardeners, who are showing off their unique process that turns raw organic matter inputs into high quality humus in as little as eight weeks. “Groundswell is a unique agricultural show in the fact that you can spend a day learning the principles of conservation agriculture and regenerative systems, while also engaging with the organisations who can help make it a reality,” says host farmer, Paul Cherry. “Groundswell offers a welcoming environment for two days of information exchange with some of the leading “soil caretakers” –– the farmers, scientists and the organisations who all have a role in shaping the future of UK farming.” I COVID health and safety After postponement of Groundswell last year and taking into all the considerations with coronavirus, the events team is reassuring visitors that Groundswell will be adhering to the latest government guidelines while going fully ahead with 3500 planned attendees. “With new site layout allowing more space for traffic flow and all structures having open-sides, we’re confident the event will be as COVID secure as it can be. Visitors will be reminded to adhere to the latest social distancing rules and wash hands regularly,” notes Alex.

76 crop production magazine events showcase

Measure, monitor, manage

Innovation Carbon farming The pressure “to manage carbon is only going As the importance of carbon to become accounting begins to come greater. to light, Hutchinsons has ” unveiled a new service to help growers glean and profitability of a farm as well as simply more accurate baseline a measure of waste. “It’s clear that there are benefits such measurements. CPM joined as lower input costs to having a negative the recent launch event to carbon balance, before even getting to the carbon bit itself. A reduced carbon footprint find out more. can only be achieved through more efficient Matt Ward says the industry must move away fertilisers, different technologies, better soil from seeing carbon footprinting as a burden or By Charlotte Cunningham carbon management or considering the simply a box-ticking exercise. energy used in storage, so it’s a win-win level to allow growers to work towards on all levels.” Turning focus to the new service, how Though the industry is under increasing these goals. exactly does it work? pressure to start looking at, and “Terramap revolutionised the way in which To recap, TerraMap itself uses gamma-ray accounting for, its carbon footprint, a soil nutrient mapping was undertaken in the detection technology that delivers recent CPM twitter poll revealed that UK –– and we believe it can now do the resolutions of over 800 points/ha and it over a third of growers (38%) just don’t same for carbon mapping.” measures naturally emitted isotopes, like know where to start when it comes to caesium and potassium, that are very stable

measuring, monitoring, and managing L due to their long half-lives. carbon on farm. Enviable position This may not come as a surprise to some, Matt reckons that the pressure to manage as it’s fair to say that the world of carbon carbon is only going to become greater as accounting tools is a bit of a minefield and other industries are already showing positive there have been questions over the reliability change. “As an industry UK farming is in a and accuracy of the calculators currently on unique and enviable position as farming the market. activities can make positive changes to However, Hutchinsons reckons it has carbon, which most other industries are not an answer to this challenge with the launch able to do. of its new carbon mapping service –– “This challenge comes at a time when the Terramap Carbon. arable industry is facing great change in The service operates within the firm’s the light of the loss of basic farm payment, existing Terramap software and is and many growers may well be questioning designed to provide an accurate baseline the importance or relevance of carbon measurement of both organic and active management as potential profit margins are carbon in the soil, explains Matt Ward, threatened. Hutchinsons service manager. “But we must move away from seeing “This launch comes as a result of heavy carbon footprinting as a burden or simply a The new service operates within the firm’s investment in developing services and tick-box exercise and see that it is beneficial existing TerraMap software. technologies that can be utilised at farm –– as a proxy measurement for efficiency

crop production magazine june 2021 77 Carbon farming

L The in-field process of collecting the data is carried out in two simple steps; scanning by driving a lightweight all-terrain vehicle fitted with the sensor over a field, and then taking soil samples to allow for each scan to be used to create the individual map layers. And now with the launch of Terramap Carbon this technology has been adapted meaning it’s possible for users to accurately map both organic and active carbon in the soil for the first time, explains Matt. “Terramap Carbon is available as a TerrapMap Carbon is designed to provide an accurate baseline measurement of both organic and active standard or premium service. The standard carbon in the soil. service maps a total of 17 micronutrients soil type and pH layers that now also includes the most from it? stewardship and management practices total organic carbon in terms of % carbon “The results from Terramap Carbon can –– enabling growers to see first-hand the and t/ha. be used to create carbon maps within the projected CO2 impact and financial “The premium service maps 27 Hutchinsons Omnia Carbon management performance for each scenario. layers which includes a wider range of system which aligns the field carbon “We wanted to move away from just micronutrients than those in the standard measurements against the carbon costs presenting carbon figures on a spreadsheet service, and also cation exchange, as well of different machinery operations for that into a visible and useable format that can be as both total organic and active carbon field –– incorporating detailed calculations used for forward planning much like we have % and t/ha. for power, width, work rate and fuel –– all of done with the Cost of Production tool in Matt says that one of the most common which are generated using the expertise of Omnia,” adds Matt. questions he gets with regards to specialists from the Farm Carbon Toolkit.” “It’s not always the grand gestures that carbon management is once the carbon Within the Carbon management tool, it’s make the difference, and this is where measurements have been collated, what possible to create different rotation scenarios the ability to look at different scenarios can growers do with the information to get –– from types of cropping and varieties, to is invaluable.” I Variable drill conversion kit to launch this spring.

Keeping with the theme of precision, new variable rate drill which can cost circa Hutchinsons has also launched Omnia E-Seed, £40,000 upwards has been a barrier to many with the firm claiming its imminent availability growers moving over to a variable approach. will make converting a standard land-metered “If there’s a perfectly good drill in the shed, drill into a variable rate drill easier and more but it just doesn’t offer a variable rate option, it affordable than ever before. can be difficult to justify the cost of replacing a According to Hutchinsons, Omnia E-Seed is good machine. the first stand-alone variable rate drill conversion “But with Omnia E-Seed, we’re now able kit that fits to any standard drill and does exactly to offer an affordable way of moving over to what it says on the box –– enables a standard variable rate drilling without investing large Oliver Wood reckons the cost of investing in a land-metered drill to be converted simply and amounts of money –– we’ve calculated that it’s new variable rate drill has been a barrier to efficiently into a variable rate drill. possible to recoup the costs of Omnia E-Seed in many growers moving over to a variable “We know that growers are increasingly just 48ha, working on a 0.6t/ha improvement approach. looking to variable rate drilling to lift crop using a variable approach.” performance, as well as improving the efficiency Oliver says that over the past two very wet All control is via an iPad which talks to the of their seed and nutrition input,” notes Oliver and challenging autumns, conditions have box, so once variable rate plans are uploaded Wood, precision technology manager at hampered drilling particularly if using one of the onto the iPad, they can be seamlessly sent Hutchinsons. “However, the cost of investing in a newer, larger variable rate drills. “However, there wirelessly to the box.” may be an older, smaller, and lighter drill on What’s more Omnia E-Seed is a system that the farm that could be used, but it doesn’t have can be used by everyone, irrespective of being E-Seed enables a standard land-metered drill to variable rate capacity. an Omnia Precision user or not, says Oliver. be converted simply into a variable rate drill. “This no longer needs to be an issue as the “In a similar way that Omnia Connect is Omnia E-Seed box can be easily fitted to the available to use if you are not already an land metered wheel of the old drill, and drilling Omnia customer, it’s not necessary to generate can continue.” variable rate plans in Omnia to use Omnia The box can be fitted to any seed drill, E-Seed, any variable rate plans can be irrespective of age, he explains. “The kit uploaded and used by the system.” comprises of a motor which bolts on and The Omnia E-Seed kit has been tested and replaces the land wheel, the sensors fit virtually validated at the Hutchinsons Helix farms and into the same holes of the original drill. will be available this spring.

78 crop production magazine june 2021 New digital assistant helps farmers capture credit from natural capital

A new simple-to-use and “revolutionary” software tool has been released that’s claimed to accurately assess and capitalise on the true value of farm output, land use practices and embedded carbon and nature. Sandy has been developed Jake Freestone hopes Sandy will by independent agri-tech newcomer help him capture value from his high Trinity AgTech. The company’s aim is standards of production, net-zero to “establish a robust and prosperous and biodiversity achievements. ecosystem” in food and farming and Sandy has been launched as a digital at farm, crop and field level. assistant that will help farmers Jake Freestone, 2020 Soil confront “unprecedented change Farmer of the Year and farm in farm subsidies and uncertainty in manager of Overbury Enterprises, agricultural markets”. has been trialling Sandy and says “Our industry is changing, and he’s excited about its ability for Sandy has come at a time when managing and monetising a path farmers are asking themselves how for farmers towards net-zero and their business will evolve,” says Trinity biodiversity targets. AgTech senior managing director, “For years at Overbury, we’ve Richard Williamson, previously worked hard to develop a rich and managing director and farms director diverse farming system, improved of Beeswax Farming and Velcourt the health and biology of our soils, respectively. provided habitats for its wildlife to “Within this change, there are thrive and a vibrant rural setting opportunities for farmers to capture for the local community. It’s how different and diverse income streams. we grow our crops, look after However, what’s missing is clear and our animals and care for our robust information to succeed in countryside, and we want to capture these.” those values in the produce that Sandy has been developed by leaves our farm and the services a team of over 30 scientists and we provide,” he says. engineers in consultation with “With the quality of science farmers, and industry leaders who underpinning it and the industry sit on Trinity AgTech’s Advisory backing it’s achieved, Sandy looks Board, including former AHDB set to deliver what we’re looking for. chairman Peter Kendall and current It pulls into one place and makes Assured Food Standards chairman sense of the many data sources Christine Tacon. Major retailers, we have. It provides clarity and co-operatives and banks also precision through a range of tools back the use of the software, that are remarkably easy to use. notes Richard. I hope Sandy will help direct us on So what does Sandy do? our path to building local markets There’s a range of tools that capture for food with trusted provenance every aspect of financial and and opportunities to capitalise on environmental data, says Trinity emerging income streams.” AgTech. Significantly this includes With the ability to integrate and carbon footprint and biodiversity work alongside most existing farm assessments, completely unique management and financial to Sandy. The software pulls in recording tools, Sandy is now productivity zone management at available for farmers looking to subfield level, crop performance, make their wealth of data work growth, nutrient status and yield for them and can request a prediction monitoring. This is demonstration with one of the Trinity combined with data on farm AgTech engineers via the website, productivity and financial analysis www.trinityagtech.com

I look at“ ELMs and I see opportunities ”

Enthusiasm for the Innovation Climate Change Champions carbon journey

Newhouse Farm has already work, including a mid-tier Countryside plan to refine the arable operations. The farm accomplished significant Stewardship agreement coming to an end has been following non-inversion tillage for next year, have ensured a confidence and 20 years. “It’s transformed operations, progress with its carbon the understanding as to what works. particularly on the heavy clay caps we savings and sequestration. But Andy has an infectious enthusiasm have. We’ve found we can do less and for his plans to do more, and a thirst for the less without compromising yield or CPM visits to find there’s a knowledge he’ll glean on the journey. “These establishment and have saved 40% in fuel refreshing air of excitement are exciting times in farming for those willing across the farm.” to go with it, and we have particularly good The cropping mix has also expanded, for what lies ahead. soils for retaining carbon,” he says. with peas, linseed, oilseed rape, winter By Tom Allen-Stevens and spring beans and spring oats grown Environmental credentials alongside wheat. All spring cropping is preceded by a cover crop that’s rolled “I look at ELMs and I see opportunities before being sprayed off with glyphosate to What’s remarkable about the 10ha –– it’s one of my goals to enhance our reduce the biomass. The crop’s then drilled wheat field close to the farm buildings at environmental credentials and incorporate direct with the farm’s 6m Horsch Sprinter, Newhouse Farm, near Winchester, Hants, these into the arable operation. But how fitted with Borgault low-disturbance points. is not the area of cropped land but can you move forward if you’re not open to “We take a slightly different approach with patches within it that aren’t. new ideas? I like to look outside the box autumn cropping, making a shallow pass “It’s our agroforestry project,” explains and encourage a different approach –– farm manager Andy Bason. “We have eight fortunately the farm has a team who are up 4m wide strips, 30m apart. The plan is to for that and owners who allow us to take plant them with wildflowers and apple trees. a punt.” It’s a bid to capture more carbon in the field Owned by Ian and Victoria Cammack, and increase beneficials and biodiversity, so Newhouse Farm totals 800ha with 600ha reduce reliance on pesticides. I hope that cropped. A contract farming agreement is when the apple trees produce fruit it can be due to start after harvest this year, stepping part of a community apple-picking project.” up the arable operation to 1000ha. “For a The farm is already carbon positive, while we were an AHDB Monitor Farm, and capturing more into the Hants chalk it was the bench-marking through the group downland with clay caps than the farm that showed us we have the capacity to take Newhouse Farm is already carbon positive, with operations release in emissions. Changing on more,” notes Andy. soils particularly good for retaining carbon. tillage practice and years of environmental This has come about through a long-term

80 crop production magazine june 2021 Climate Change Champions with a Lemken Heliodor soon after harvest to increasing our nitrogen fertiliser use encourage a chit of volunteers and weeds,” efficiency (NfUE).” Andy explains. That’s the current focus and Newhouse “OSR is the challenge at the moment, and Farm is taking part this year in a major we’ve tried companion crops of mustard and field-scale trials project, co-ordinated by buckwheat without much benefit. This year CF Fertilisers, that aims to improve NfUE we’re going to try a cover crop of buckwheat across the UK. Andy’s joined by CF’s head that we’ll then establish the OSR into in the of agronomy Dr Sajjad Awan to talk through last week of August.” the initiative. Alongside the cover crops and care with cultivations, there’s been a policy to reduce Nationwide trial “Agrii and Frontier are also involved in trafficking. “We’re not on a strict controlled these trials –– altogether we have 75 NfUE All inputs are variably applied and Andy Bason traffic system, but we use RTK guidance to field-scale trials across the UK –– it’s the first (right) has reduced fertiliser inputs by 18% over follow the same tramlines and keep passes time such a large, nationwide fertiliser trial the past eight years. to a minimum, with all straw chopped,” has been undertaken into NfUE and should he says. The overall result is an average deliver some really valuable data and a cold start to the year, so overall SNS was increase in soil organic matter of 1% pointers for the majority of UK arable likely to be low in many soils. However, this since 2015. farmers. Our target is to reach 80% NfUE, can be accurately assessed through the All inputs are variably applied and Andy while nationally it ranges between 50-70%,” CF N-Min test that takes account of the is convinced of the benefits this brings in he explains. additionally available N that becomes terms of targeting them more closely to The trial involves taking a tramline in a available as the soil warms up through the requirements of his crop across the field and comparing, side-by-side, the farm the growing season.” undulating, variable soils. “We’ve reduced standard approach to determining fertiliser In addition to soil testing, leaf samples fertiliser inputs by 18% over the past eight inputs with a more managed, targeted have been taken from wheat plants in the years. It’s not about using less, though, approach advocated by CF. Andy’s decided tramline trials and sent to Hill Court Farm but targeting it to where it’s needed and to take two fields –– one of feed wheat, Research, that produces a full analysis. “This RGT Wolverine, while he’s aiming for milling helps refine the nutrition programme further, quality from some KWS Zyatt. not just for N, but for other nutrients that “Our farm standard would be to give contribute to NfUE –– during crop stem both 250kgN/ha,” says Andy. “The CF extension the demand for sulphur is really recommendation is to drop this to high, for example. If the plant’s running 190kgN/ha for the feed wheat and increase short, that will hit NfUE at a critical time.” it to 300kgN/ha on the Zyatt to reach Andy’s happy that the changes he’s milling spec.” making, further informed through the Sajjad explains that, while RB209 is a monitored trials, should bring positive useful guide for fertiliser recommendations, results. “We’ve moved to a little-and-often tools such as CF’s N-Calc, in conjunction approach on sulphur, applying SO in The farm has been following non-inversion tillage 3 with an accurate assessment of soil nitrogen compounds with the N at each timing. In the for 20 years and soil organic matter has risen 1% supply (SNS), provide a far more refined past we’ve struggled to achieve the milling

since 2015. L approach. “It was a wet winter, followed by spec, so hopefully a more measured

What makes Andy Bason a Climate Change Champion?

Innovative ideas Cultivation care Newhouse Farm carbon footprint, 2021 Andy’s enthusiasm and positive A gradual reduction in cultivations to approach encourage a culture at a minimal approach, along with cover Newhouse Farm to try new ideas, cropping and controlled traffic have which are readily relayed to the farming led to an impressive 1% increase in and wider community. On-farm trials soil organic matter over the past and drawing on authoritative advice, six years. for example through LEAF, pave the way to a successful journey to a Bio-based boldness sustainable future. Sensitive woodland management with thinnings used to heat the main Productivity push farmhouse and cottages bring further Diligent improvements to the arable net carbon gains, while 10ha of system have already delivered woodland creation secure future productivity benefits through input carbon capture. savings and these look set to Source: Newhouse Farm, 2021, calculated using Farm Carbon Calculator. Figures shown are indicative. continue with the current focus on NfUE.

crop production magazine june 2021 81 Climate Change Champions

Focusing on a low carbon fertiliser future

Fertilisers are going to have to work harder than ever in the future and not just with regard to their performance and cost-effectiveness on farm, says CF’s Sajjad Awan. “Loss of nitrogen to the air, carbon footprints of production, ability to work reliably in changing climatic conditions, security of supply and minimising potential damage to soils –– these and many others are increasingly important The target of the trials for Sajjad Awan (right) is factors when deciding which fertiliser products to reach 80% NfUE, while nationally it ranges to use. between 50-70%. “Helping growers improve their nitrogen

L approach will help us here, as well as fertiliser Use Efficiency (NfUE) to the 80% or above possible from systems using CF’s reduce further our carbon footprint.” CF has reduced the carbon footprint of its But it’s not just in the field where the AN-based solid fertilisers is a top priority for us. “But so too are investing in knowledge British-manufactured Nitram production by carbon changes are taking place. The farm 40% in recent years, says Sajjad Awan. has 70ha of woodland that are sensitively transfer across the industry and improving managed with thinnings processed on farm the efficiency of our manufacturing.” “We’ve also reduced the carbon footprint of to produce around 400m3 of woodchip per CF supplies around 40% of the UK fertiliser year. This is used as fuel for two biomass market with its British manufacturing ensuring Nitram production by 40% in recent years and boilers in the main farmhouse and one of the high production standards and a simple and are a key player in Net Zero Teesside and the farm cottages. A further log-fired boiler heats reliable supply chain with minimum ‘fertiliser Hynet North West carbon capture and storage a third cottage, bringing the total energy miles’, he points out. initiative. generation displaced from fossil fuels to “We are absolutely at the heart of UK “But the difference will come on farm through around 160kWh/yr. food production and take our decarbonising those who are open to challenges,eager to trying “We’ve taken poorly performing land out responsibilities very seriously,” continues Sajjad. new approaches and who strive for marginal of production and created a further 10ha of “Working with the Carbon Trust as an gains to improve NfUE. We are delighted to work woodland,” adds Andy. “We’re working with independent auditor and verifier, we have with Andy Bason on increasing the efficiency of Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) produced carbon footprints for all our fertilisers his own fertiliser practices and proud to put him and University of Reading on the EU as well as the ammonia and nitric acid used in forward as our candidate for Climate Change Showcase 2020 project that aims to deliver their manufacture. Champion 2021.” new insight and innovative tools to help farming transition towards more sustainable the team has learned to the wider farming our achievements and fulfil the thirst for farming.” community. The farm has also taken part in knowledge kids have for what we’re doing Andy’s involvement in LEAF underlines his LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday, receiving up to on the farm.” fresh enthusiasm to pursue new ideas that 700 visitors, with plans for another event this At this point, Andy gestures to another integrate biodiversity into farming practices. year. It’s also hosted a visit from children of an bare patch in the field, this one squarer and Newhouse Farm is one of four taking part in inner-city primary school in Southampton. smaller on the field margin. “It’ll be our Resilient and Ready, an intensive three-year “Community involvement is really pumpkin patch and we’ll be inviting people programme of training, support and on-farm important to us –– it’s all very well doing the to choose and pick their own. We’ve never trials, run by Corteva Agriscience with LEAF. right thing, but it’s important to shout about it, grown pumpkins before so it might be a The aim is for Newhouse Farm to become a too. It’s amazing the level of interest disaster, but we’ll enjoy finding out,” LEAF Demonstration Farm, showcasing what we’ve had and really rewarding to share he says. I

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 Woodland on the farm is sensitively managed the determination to shape positive change. with thinnings processed and used as fuel for CPM has teamed up with leading agricultural biomass boilers, displacing around 160kWh/yr suppliers who have a credible Net Zero from fossil fuels. aspiration to identify these individuals and bring

82 crop production magazine june 2021 Farmers are“ limited only by their own imagination with what they can test and trial through FieldView.” Find a field view Innovation Digtal Direction that’s true

Climate FieldView is one of The pilot service launched in the UK last or a smartphone, although once data is year, and 140 growers and agronomists got collected it can be accessed through iOS, the world’s largest digital to use it for free, feeding back on how to Android or a web browser. In the cab the platform in terms of farmed refine the service that’s now a fully fledged FieldView app links via Bluetooth to the Drive digital platform. “FieldView initially launched and will still work if offline. As soon as you area where it’s used to gather in 2015, and is currently used across over have a data connection, information’s and analyse agronomic data. 60M ha worldwide, giving us the third largest uploaded instantly to the Cloud, so anyone global footprint after John Deere and you’ve allowed access to your account can CPM explores in detail what it Proagrica. We’ve only been operating see your data as it’s created, wherever they offers the UK grower. commercially in Europe for two years but are in the world. “It’s a remarkable feature of already the platform’s used on over 3M ha.” FieldView that you can share your data in By Tom Allen-Stevens Max stresses FieldView is a digital real time,” notes Max. agronomy platform, rather than a precision So once you’re set up, what can you do farming service. So it helps make sense with FieldView? of your data, bringing in information from A true picture of crop biomass across the satellite-based services, weather, your own Scouting and monitoring field throughout the season and instant cropping, yield and application data. But it’s This centres around the Field Health Suite feedback on how it’s actually yielding as not a telematics replacement nor is it an that brings in satellite-generated data to the combine cuts the crop; the ability to alternative to existing precision farming allow you to monitor your crops. “Climate accurately log blackgrass areas and relate packages focused on the generation of has redefined the algorithms used to these to yield performance; yield or variable-rate maps. process NDVI data,” explains Max. “Once L as-applied variable rate input data that’s Set up is quick and easy, though –– you extracted without spending half your life create an account and then import your on the phone to product support; easy maps from other platforms, in-cab monitors analysis of how your tramline trial or RPA, or you can draw your fields within performed. the app. Unique to the platform is the If these are on your wish-list for a digital FieldView Drive. This is a bit of hardware that agronomy package, it’s worth taking a good looks like a small hockey puck and plugs look at Climate FieldView. “The platform has into a tractor or combine controller area been designed as one that’s easy to use network (CAN) port or your in-cab display. and puts all your agronomic data in one It gives FieldView direct access to key data place,” explains Bayer UK Climate activation such as yield on the combine or as-applied manager for FieldView Max Dafforn. “It inputs for fertiliser, crop protection or allows you to visualise and analyse crop seed, which means you bypass other performance with maps so you can make manufacturers’ portals that can be difficult FieldView has been designed as a digital farming quick, well informed decisions. You can use to extract data from. platform that’s easy to use and puts all your these to make prescriptions for the coming FieldView connects in the cab via an iPad agronomic data in one place, says Max Dafforn. season.” –– it will not currently connect using Android

crop production magazine june 2021 83 Digital direction

Areas of blackgrass can be picked out and then be investigated further, with A biomass map generated in January can give you a very good idea of how a the ability to mark specific areas and log photos. field will yield in August.

L crops get to stem extension, coloured red to dark green, he says. These can then be of time within the season to normal NDVI processing won’t which exaggerate any investigated further, with the address any variability, or identify distinguish variation very well in differences for easy identification, ability to mark specific areas unprofitable areas that you might areas of thick biomass. Climate notes Max. “The colours are and log photos. The maps can want to take out of production Crop Index (CCI) picks out the relative to each field, so it then be used to generate altogether.” detail of the crop with remarkable highlights poor and well patch-spraying or variable When it comes to targeting accuracy even in a think performing areas. It’s a function seed rate plans. applications, while there are canopy.” that works well, so it won’t plenty of applications that Another unique feature is a show all your spring plantings as Forecasting and will generate variable-rate crop water-use map. Based on fields of red at the start of spring benchmarking application maps, FieldView is the biomass and weather data, a –– it’ll pick out the variability “What we’ve found with FieldView one of the few that give you an clever bit of wizardry will give you right from early tillering and is that even a biomass map as-applied map. This allows you your crop transpiration rate in allows you to target your crop generated in January can give to drill down to sub-field areas to mm/day. This helps schedule walking.” you a very good idea of how a view the actual inputs applied to irrigation or identify areas getting Growers have used these field will yield in August –– the that area and how it may have stressed. functions to pick out areas of yield map is often very similar,” subsequently affected the The scouting maps are weeds, particularly blackgrass, says Max. “That gives you plenty crop biomass and yield. Platform collaboration simplifies data access

A step towards seamless integration between The collaboration starts this spring, giving data platforms has been taken by Bayer and Omnia users the time to familiarise themselves Hutchinsons. Users of Omnia, Hutchinsons with the FieldView platform in time for harvest. market-leading precision platform, will be given Connecting Omnia with FieldView is the opportunity to trial Climate FieldView for free. straightforward claims Max and starts with Initial integration will allow yield data collected in Omnia users creating a FieldView account. FieldView to be synchronised back to Omnia via This is a simple process that only takes around The FieldView Drive plugs into a tractor or the cloud, with further development planned for 30 mins. Max points out that farm data is combine CAN port or your in-cab display. the future. protected as only the data the farmer selects Max says FieldView’s real-time data capture is shared between the two platforms. and suite of analysis tools offer the ability to The collaboration with Omnia is the first Programming Interface (API) is a software streamline data capture and help growers do European partnership for FieldView. “Globally intermediary that allows this, but requires makers more with it. “Real-time yield data captured by FieldView has over seventy platform partners of both platforms to work together to achieve FieldView will import automatically into Omnia, with connections to MyJohnDeere and Claas true seamless data transfer. eliminating the need of manual data transfer and Telematics, for example. We’re working hard to get “That’s what we are working on with Omnia. dealing with different yield file formats. Growers more added in the UK as we look to deliver the Growers are also requesting integration with can efficiently overlay yield data with Omnia’s interoperability farmers want.” their farm recording software so we will be variable rate application information to evaluate Max recognises it’s a concern for many farmers working hard to deliver this,” he assures. precision farming strategies more precisely and that the systems they use often don’t ‘talk’ to each Any Omnia users wanting to take advantage gain better insight into operation effectiveness other, which increases the complexity of accessing of the free FieldView trial are advised to contact and cost of production.” and evaluating the data they have. An Application their Hutchinsons agronomist.

84 crop production magazine june 2021 Digital direction

The ability to rank fields by biomass or yield allows you to assess which are You can analyse a zone within a field using its as-applied map to give you furthest forward and which have the highest yield potential. the data that relates specifically to that area. This example cojpares yield outcome with different nitrigen rates. “Another unique feature of compared with the business FieldView is the ability to rank average.” fields by biomass or yield. One neat feature of FieldView You can quickly see which are is the ability to analyse the yield furthest forward and which have of a zone within a field –– you the highest yield potential. Yield mark out an area on the yield benchmarking allows field and map and it gives you the data variety performance to be that relates specifically to that area. Use the same area on an as-applied map and you can FieldView at a glance gauge the effectiveness of One powerful feature of FieldView is its ability to monitor and evaluate variable-rate inputs. in-field trials. Key features “These tools are also handy G Ease of set-up and data for agronomists and consultants “There’s a growing body of in the UK that’s highlighted the collection who want to benchmark the farmers doing on-farm trials features within it that are most G Quickly translates data into performance of their clients, and looking for a more scientific useful, he says. “We’ll continue to useful agronomic information fields within their clients’ farms, way to assess results for their adapt and localise FieldView for G Accessible to all farmers or varieties grown, subject to own fields. It’s used extensively the UK market. This includes and intuitive them being given access to the in the US for variety comparisons ongoing work with equipment G Plug and play out of the box data –– the farmer always and builds into a very powerful manufacturers and farm software remains in control of who sees providers to expand compatibility G All agronomic data managed data-informed tool for their data,” adds Max. and interoperability, and building in one place participating farmers to gauge very accurately how to adapt in a more UK-specific crop list. Cost In-field trials variety choice to their specific We’re also looking to give the One powerful feature of Drive unit the ability to receive G FieldView Plus subscription is field conditions.” FieldView is its ability to monitor data as well as send it,” £300/year It’s feedback from growers and evaluate in-field trials. “You and agronomists using the tool adds Max. I G Hardware: Drive unit – £280; can mark out the zones under iPad mounting kit – £170 investigation and then monitor Digital Direction biomass and eventual yield data Support relating just to that zone. This G Most users turn to the very As arable farms progress towards privileged access to staff and allows accurate analysis of a active WhatsApp group for a digital future, it can be difficult material used to help bring it particular treatment or variety almost instant answers to know which forms of data together. without the need to mark areas G generation, capture and analysis Bayer’s Climate FieldView is Telephone support line with with canes or use complicated provide a really worthwhile benefit helping farmers across the globe UK-based staff software to assess the outcome.” to the business, and which are refine agronomic practice and A good example of how it’s costly and time-wasting meet the challenges of a Data protection used in practice is in measuring G distractions. CPM is working with sustainable future. Its data Farmer’s data remains their the green area index of a some of the industry’s leading capture and evaluation tools own particular treatment, he explains. companies in this area to bring offer greater insight to fine tune G Farmer controls third-party “The human eye can seldom growers some Digital Direction. agronomic practices to reflect access to data by eg pick out the difference, but These articles track the significant soil, topography and climate, agronomist FieldView’s CCI can, and quantify steps on the journey towards improving farm management G Data is not shared nor sold to it, right through until senescence. the data-enabled farm, and strategies and minimising other third parties Farmers are limited only by their also explain and profile the footprint. G own imagination with what they Aggregated and anonymised technologies involved. can test and trial through data is used only to help CPM would like to thank Bayer FieldView.” develop FieldView as a for sponsoring this Digital Max believes this aspect can product Direction article and for providing help accelerate on-farm learning.

crop production magazine june 2021 85 Breeding solutions

There’s “a clamour for a genetic solution to virus yellows.”

Roots Sugar beet

The sugar beet industry is for the British Beet Research Organisation’s maturity in the fight against aphids and looking to plant breeders Recommended List are fit for purpose in this virus yellows. country. “From a wider point of view, there’s to find genetic solutions “Experience drawn from sugar beet trials also the problem of weed beet that bolters to emerging threats to and production across the globe –– from introduce into the rotation. Resistance to rust Russia to Chile, from the USA to India –– and the changing cocktail of autumn leaf productivity. CPM gets a provides a great foundation on which to diseases have also come to the fore in breeder’s perspective and select varieties for Great Britain,” says Ian. recent years,” he adds. “But to build on this, we need in-country Wren is the latest SESVanderhave variety finds out how a grower has experience of the range of soils and local to be added to the BBRO RL and is the been getting on with climates where Britain’s crops are grown result of over 10 years of research to identify today.” new varieties offering robust performance, in ALS-herbicide tolerant beet. terms of establishment, root yield and low Sophisticated disciplines bolting –– whatever the season offers. By Rob Jones Behind the field trials lays an increasingly Looking into the future, Ian is confident and Lucy de la Pasture sophisticated range of disciplines in plant growers will see new traits emerging as genetics. Worldwide, SESVanderhave researchers delve deeper into the sugar Sugar beet has been one of plant ploughs some 15% of its annual turnover beet genome. breeders’ biggest success stories. Recent back into sugar beet research. The wealth of “After last season, there’s a clamour for times have seen Britain’s sugar beet crop data and in-depth knowledge of the plant’s a genetic solution to virus yellows, which is constantly deliver improved yields as physiology, biochemistry and genetics both a breeding target but is some way off –– new varieties come along, while other inform and guide breeding programmes to particularly given the multi-dimensional mainstream arable crops have at best address a range of challenges, not just yield, nature of the breeding challenge,” he says. been stuck in a yield plateau. he points out. “With climate change, drought tolerance That improvement is set to continue as “Rhizomania resistance is a is an increasingly important trait. Similarly, a result of advances on several fronts, long-established trait that is now the the drive to reduce carbon emissions will L including an improved understanding of norm for UK seed. More recently, we’ve genetics, big data and seed technology, seen beet cyst nematode tolerance bred believes SESVanderhave’s managing into varieties like Lacewing and much of the director, Ian Munnery. yield drag that was associated with early Britain’s maritime climate is well-suited to varieties with the trait, has now been the basic needs of the sugar beet crop and removed. That means a grower who’s unsure increasingly the cropped area has become whether the pest is present can choose a concentrated in the hands of professional tolerant variety without suffering a significant growers, experienced in producing the crop yield penalty,” he says. efficiently. But getting the most from a good “Recent years have seen advances in climate and proficient growers requires reducing the threat from bolters –– which suitable varieties, says Ian. posed a serious risk to yield for growers, In recent years breeders have made advances in The company’s UK team are focused on either looking to optimise their production by reducing bolting in varieties, enabling growers to extensive testing of varieties over a series of sowing early to take advantage of a longer drill crops earlier with confidence. years, he explains, to ensure those offered growing season or to exploit early plant

86 crop production magazine june 2021

Sugar beet

L make nitrogen use efficiency efficient way to detect and and thus resist aphid feeding important –– the target genes measure disease infections, with naturally. for these are well documented support from artificial intelligence “It’s a challenging, but exciting and within our development and machine learning to link the time for the crop,” he says. pipeline.” physical observations with the “Advances in achieving breeding A recent addition to the genetic fingerprint of a variety. goals could be accelerated by plant breeder’s toolkit is drone Not only is the genetics in the novel breeding techniques, imaging. In Belgium, a project seed constantly evolving, but so which both the UK Government called ‘BeetPhen’ has evaluated is seed treatment technology, and the EU appear to be digital field phenotyping highlights Ian. “Treating the seed recognising could deliver a step (appearance) methods in and enveloping it in a carefully change in developing solutions a collaboration between devised pellet will particularly to both current and emerging SESVanderHave, Vito Remote affect the plant’s early life. breeding targets. Sensing and CR-AW (Walloon Rapid emergence and even “It won’t bring instant results. Agricultural Research Centre) establishment ensure more leaf For every variety, sound testing and is funded by BELSPO is available to capture the sun’s under local conditions is Ian Munnery says the target genes (Belgian Science Policy Office). energy for longer, so enhancing required, and that’s something to improve nutrient use efficiency are The initial aim is to provide yield, reducing weed competition which varies each year in our already in the breeding pipeline. plant breeders with a fast, and helping the plant hit maturity climate. I Conviso passes the fat hen test

Asked by KWS in the spring of 2020 to sow 10ha from fewer spray passes is something we would of ALS-herbicide resistant beet at Symonds Farm value highly, but only if the weed control that can as a demonstration crop for growers in the Bury be achieved is good enough,” says Steve. factory area, Steve Brummitt, manager at George To give it a proper test, he deliberately chose E Gittus and Sons near Bury St Edmunds, had a field with a high weed burden. The crop no hesitation in accepting the request. The established well but the dry spring that followed opportunity to test the performance of the Conviso ensured tough conditions and made for a One (foramsulfuron+ thiencarbazone-methyl) protracted period of weed emergence, providing a herbicide on a heavily weed-infested field was decent test of Conviso One’s residual persistence. Steve Brummitt highlights the performance of simply too good to overlook. The crop was sown in mid-March, as advised Conviso One herbicide (right) compared with a The fact that it was the last year for using by KWS, and divided into four treatment zones standard herbicide programme (left). herbicides containing desmedipham served to based on 36-metre tramlines. The treatments increase the value of such an opportunity, he says. were Conviso One; Conviso One followed by If the weed control was good, the yield was “The 2020 season was an ideal opportunity to test Betanal maxxPro plus Goltix (metamitron); Conviso even more impressive, he says. “Our standard Conviso One because we still had Betanal One plus oil; and Betanal maxxPro plus a pre and sugar beet averaged a rather disappointing 63 maxxPro (desmedipham+ phenmedipham+ post-emergence Goltix (farm standard). adjusted t/ha, which is significantly below the ethofumesate+ lenacil) as the benchmark “The standard programme had to be adapted five-year average but was typical for the year, for control. to include a second application of Betannal based on what others in the Bury factory area “It was the performance of Conviso One in maxxPro. This was partly due to the anticipated achieved. The crop of Smart Janninka KWS tackling broadleaf weeds that most interested me. weed pressure on this part of the field, which was managed an impressive 72 adjusted t/ha.” Any weed beet control would be a bonus for us, sown to game cover the previous season, but After a positive first year, Steve has another as fortunately our issues are restricted to only a also the dry spring continued far longer than we 10ha in the ground this spring. The loss few fields.” could have foreseen, resulting in an extended of desmedipham means Betanal Tandem He was also attracted by the possible time period of weed control. As a result, the Conviso (phenmedipham+ ethofumesate) will come into savings from fewer herbicide applications under One tramline also received an application of the programme in the place of Betanal maxxPro. the system. “March and April are the busiest Betannal maxxPro.” “We’ve learned from 2020 and have changed months of the year, so the potential time saving To some this may mean the Conviso One the programme. We will no longer include an herbicide wasn’t given a true test and while Steve adjuvant oil with the Conviso One as this was of concedes there’s perhaps some truth in this, little benefit. Instead, we’ll apply a pre-emergence he believes the weed population that emerged spray of Goltix before the Conviso One,” suggests Conviso One offers a level of performance he explains. that extends beyond classical chemistry. “I’m keen to see if the 2020 performance was “Last year’s field had a significant burden of a one-off, but the more I think about the Conviso fat hen, black bindweed, white campion and Smart system, the more I like it. In a dry year it groundsel – with all treatments timed around delivered better control than a classic programme. fat hen. The control of fat hen varied across the An aerial view of the Conviso One demonstration If we can reliably achieve effective control with treatments but was best where Conviso One had field at Symonds Farm in July 2020 shows good just a single post-em application of Conviso been applied. All other weeds were well crop establishment. One then it presents a compelling proposition,” controlled.” he concludes.

88 crop production magazine june 2021 Time for new tactics?

There’s “the possibility to reduce rates without compromising protection on new blight-resistant varieties.”

Roots Late blight

The limited availability of Analysis by Scottish Agronomy left the EU at the end of 2020. mancozeb-containing estimates that a typical 13-spray “I’m reliably informed that production programme will cost roughly £280/ha in of Curzate (mancozeb+ cymoxanil) and products means fungicide 2021, an increase of 3-5% on last year. Invader (mancozeb+ dimethomorph) programmes are set Achieving late blight protection without ceased before the vote on mancozeb took the use of mancozeb-containing products place and there are no plans, at least for to change again. CPM sees this cost rise to £330/ha, an increase this season, to resume production just for investigates what that may of 18%. Great Britain,” explains Eric. “Growers are under intense pressure to “There’s likely to be enough mancozeb mean for potato growers. manage costs and it concerns me that and mancozeb-containing mixes in the such increases will only add to the sense supply chain for growers to be able to By Lucy de la Pasture of despair felt by many. Confidence is meet at least part of their needs. The and Rob Jones already low because of the uncertainty difficulty occurs should the 2021 season surrounding our trade with the EU and the be one of high disease pressure where

loss of the nematicide, oxamyl,” says Eric. intervals have to be reduced or where L The spread of a fluazinam-resistant strain 37_A2 in 2016 forced a change in Blight programmes approach to late blight control. Fungicide The reliance on mancozeb in blight programmes evolved to show greater programmes is highlighted by statistics regard for the principles of resistance from the DEFRA Pesticide Usage Survey management to reduce selection (see table). Potatoes were last surveyed in pressure on the pathogen and avert 2018, during which 127,859ha of ware the loss of other active ingredients. potatoes received, on average, 10 This led to the practice of more complex fungicides, three herbicides and two mixes being applied as growers sought to insecticides. Mancozeb was most often protect products containing only one mode applied in a mix with cymoxanil and of action by adding a partner belonging to together this combination alone accounted a different group. The consequence of for 33% of the formulation area treated. this was an increase in the cost of crop The principal issue with mancozeb is With costs escalating, Eric Anderson believes protection. limited availability following the European work needs to be done to investigate effective The uncertain future for mancozeb Commission’s vote to withdraw its marketing mixtures at less than full label rates, in threatens to deliver another increase in authorisation in early January. It currently combination with appropriate application production costs, explains Eric Anderson, remains authorised for use in Great Britain technology. senior agronomist at Scottish Agronomy. as the decision was published after the UK

crop production magazine june 2021 89 Late blight

L supply is limited.” “Enervin (ametoctradin) may be adopted Redesigning blight programmes raises as the successor to mancozeb as a two important questions. Firstly, which tank-mixer merely because at £12-13/ha active ingredient is best to replace for a full-rate application (1.2 l/ha), it’s the mancozeb as an effective tank-mix partner next least expensive product available,” and secondly, at what effective rate can he says. it be applied to provide an economic The ongoing cost of protecting crops tank-mix that won’t hasten the spread of against late blight has led to a re-evaluation insensitive strains through greater selection of the contribution that variety resistance pressure? can play in managing disease. New “We need to investigate effective research carried out by the Scottish mixtures at less than full label rate, in Society for Crop Research (SSCR) aims combination with appropriate nozzle to provide further information on varietal Making better use of varietal resistance is likely choice and other application technology, resistance to late blight. to be the best way forward to steward chemistry to maintain protection without increasing “The role of variety resistance needs in the absence of mancozeb. selection pressure,” says Eric. reappraising. We can’t meet the challenge L New split timing for Zorvec

The latest data on populations suggest the late make use of mancozeb in programmes while blight pathogen continues to evolve into a more it’s still available. Its use as a protectant aggressive, fitter form of the disease. Although anti-resistance partner is complimented by 6_A1 has been around for a relatively long useful protection against alternaria,” he advises. time now, it continues to thrive and in 2020 “Straight cymoxanil can also be used as a genotype analysis it made up 36% of the blight partner product up to eight times during the population. Relative newcomer, 36_A2, has fought season. It acts at multiple sites in the late blight its way to 29%, proving itself to be a life cycle, and although short-lived in the plant, very active and aggressive strain of blight. cymoxanil brings some useful curative activity The spread of these two dominant strains with two days of kick-back activity.” across the UK indicates that growers in all The introduction of Zorvec (oxathiapiprolin) from regions should maintain their focus on interval a new group of blight chemistry –– the oxysterol Trials results show that a second block of Zorvec and product choice in the season ahead, says binding protein inhibitors (FRAC group 49) –– has applied at stable canopy helps keep blight out of Craig Chisholm, Corteva Agriscience’s field provided a welcome boost to systemic activity and the crop for longer says Craig Chisholm. technical manager for potatoes. has proved itself to be a reliable performer in the The big question is how to put together blight field over the past few seasons. Now available stable canopy and clean, the chemistry will be programmes to control blight most effectively. as a co-formulated product, Zorvec Endavia in the plant to help guard against invasion by “At first sight there appears to be an arsenal of (oxathiapiprolin+ benthiavalicarb), it offers growers the plant pathogen and maintain late-season riches in the portfolio of blight chemistry but, the opportunity to extend the interval between blight control. in reality, it’s not as simple as the number of blight sprays to 10 days and provide protection “This will have particular value in in products available when it comes to designing to new growth during rapid canopy expansion. determinate varieties, which will benefit from the a blight strategy,” he says. Recent trials with RSK ADAS Aberystwyth systemic movement of Zorvec to protect new Some of the approved chemical groups are and SRUC Auchincruive in Ayrshire, have shoots throughout the stable canopy phase,” immediately redundant because of resistance demonstrated that the benefits of Zorvec Endavia he concludes. issues –– this includes the phenylamides, now within the programmes isn’t just at the rapid largely redundant in blight programmes due to canopy stage of the crop, explains Craig. resistance driven by the 13_A2 genotype. “The trials showed that by splitting the Two strains of blight, 33_A2 and most recently permitted four applications of Zorvec into two 37_A2, have insensitivity to fluazinam, which blocks, blight control could be extended further belongs to the uncouplers of oxidative into the season than programmes where it was phosphorylation group of chemistry. This only applied at the rapid canopy stage. When means its inclusion in programmes has a second block of two sprays was applied become severely limited at best, explains Craig. during stable canopy, the blight epidemic was The future of mancozeb throws another significantly delayed.” spanner in the works, with its fate now in the Previously Corteva has recommended a hands of the UK regulators. Although still block of two Zorvec applications to cover the rapid available this season, many of the blight canopy expansion and flowering, so the evidence products which were co-formed with mancozeb, from trials work marks a change in approach. Zorvec applied at stable canopy will have such as Curzate M (cymoxanil+ mancozeb) are Craig recommends that the stable canopy particular value in indeterminate varieties, no longer being manufactured, further limiting the application is planned rather than applied as a which will benefit from its systemic movement chemistry available. reactive measure to increased blight pressure. to protect new shoots. “When deploying the forces against blight, “By getting Zorvec onto the crop when it’s at

90 crop production magazine june 2021

Late blight

Most used formulations in ware potatoes, 2018

The aggressiveness of common blight genotypes means there’s no margin for error when it comes Source: Pesticide Usage Survey Statistics for arable crops, 2018 to getting blight programmes right. robust resistance, even under pressure the lowest effective dose of two or more from 36_A2, which is one of the most products when applied in combination.

L of effectively stewarding MoA groups for aggressive strains of late blight currently For example, what is the minimum rate future use without making best use of in circulation. This suggests there’s the of Enervin needed to give protection in varieties with a good level of disease possibility to reduce rates without combination with Revus (mandipropamid)? resistance. compromising protection on these new We don’t know because the work hasn’t “The SSCR work suggests that some of blight-resistant varieties,” he believes. been done,” he adds. the more recently introduced varieties have “We need research to identify what is The SSCR study was an important first L

BlightSpy replaces Blightwatch

AHDB has introduced a new digital tool to help growers stay ahead of late blight. BlightSpy replaces Blightwatch, which alerted growers to the occurrence of Hutton Criteria in their postcode area and recorded the location of blight outbreaks. The new tool allows users to monitor weather forecasts for the predicted occurrence of Hutton Criteria at over 669 carefully selected location points and can be used on both PC and mobile devices. BlightSpy is both similar to other weather-based blight warning systems and different from them, explains AHDB’s Anne Stone. “Like other models, its accuracy is dependent on that of the weather forecast it obtains data BlightSpy gives current and forecast warnings of blighty conditions at locations across Great Britain. from, in this case the HRES model from ECMWF via Met Norway,” she says. But where it differs from other systems is in its has already been appreciated by users,” either day, while the other criteria meet those format and transparency of its ‘inner workings’. she adds. required for Hutton, then a near miss is “Being map-based, the whole picture for a region A Hutton Criteria occurs when two illustrated on the map. and the country can be taken in at a glance, as consecutive days have a minimum temperature As well as forecasting blighty conditions, the forecast locations are coloured depending on of 10°C and at least six hours of relative BlightSpy provides data on both temperature the weather forecast conditions over a 48-hour humidity at or above 90%. BlightSpy indicates and humidity and allows users to track the period. the prediction of a Hutton Criteria by a red dot movement of blight friendly conditions across “The inner workings of the tool are particularly on its map. An amber dot shows a near miss. the UK. As well as looking forward the tool also transparent, with the criteria for calculating near This ‘hit or near miss’ is calculated by stores historic data, making it possible to look misses available. The opportunity to look analysing the relative humidity at or greater than back at past dates and assess conditions for backwards and compare forecast risk for each 90% and the minimum temperature, on each of previous weeks. This enables growers to assess 24-hour period with actual weather, obtained two days. If RH > 90% occurs on 5 hours on how actual conditions may have affected crops 0 from a subset of Met Office weather stations, either day or minimum temperature is 9 C on and judge the forecast’s accuracy.

92 crop production magazine june 2021

Late blight

metalaxyl-resistant 13_A2 or 6_A1, which blight control in the main part of the season currently dominates the GB late blight – reducing their availability for use to control population, are no longer of significant tuber blight later in the season. concern. Resistance management guidelines allow “Maris Peer and Pentland Dell are both for QiI and CAA fungicides to form up to known to possess a resistance (R) gene, 50% of the intended programme, as long R2, that’s associated with resistance to as they are applied in mixtures with a 36_A2 and 6_A1. However, in inoculated product belonging to a different group of trials, genotype 13_A2 which is known to chemistry. No more than three consecutive overcome the R2 gene, was able to cause applications of a mixes containing QiI disease,” explains Alison. products can be applied in a programme. The report considers how further Ensuring crops remain protected within research could improve the understanding the constraints of resistance management of how new strains can spread rapidly. guidelines will involve utilising the full “For 36_A2 specifically, it will be useful spectrum of available fungicides, For 36_A2 specifically, it will be useful to to look at variety resistance data together believes Eric. look at variety resistance data together with with aggressiveness data and fungicide aggressiveness data and fungicide test results, test results. This would give a more says Alison Lees. Proactive protection comprehensive view of the reasons behind “If you have a variety that is accepted as the increase in 36_A2 in the population, susceptible to early blight (alternaria) ––

L step towards filling this knowledge gap, compared with other genotypes which are such as Maris Piper, Rembrandt, Markies, but more work is needed before it can fungicide insensitive or able to overcome a Royal or Taurus –– then make sure you’re be developed into commercial practice. wider range of host resistance genes. proactive in your protection, but there are The one-year study, undertaken by the AHDB is currently funding the fungicide limited product options. Mancozeb James Hutton Institute (JHI), showed that testing,” she says. products, such as Manzate 75 WG will overall, the current resistance ratings for Alison agrees with Eric that host remain the first choice, but the reality is contemporary varieties were not more resistance is underutilised in late blight IPM that there are limited supplies.” severely affected by 36_A2 than by strategies and highlights the importance The CAA-containing products, Carial Star other strains. of maintaining up-to-date information on and Amphore Plus (both difenoconazole+ Some varieties, such as Markies –– the varietal resistance using the contemporary mandipropamid) offer some protection, second most widely planted variety by pathogen population, such as the recent as does Narita (difenoconazole). Signum crop area in 2019 –– were susceptible to results coming from the SSCR study. (boscalid+ pyraclostrobin) is less reliable 36_A2. This may partly explain why 36_A2 A separate, but related question is how than it once was and disease monitoring in is increasing in the population explains it’s best to maintain protection against both continental Europe has identified Alternaria Dr Alison Lees, potato pathologist at JHI early blight (Alternaria spp.) before stable solani strains resistant to boscalid. Similarly, and co-author of the SSCR report. canopy and tuber blight later in the A. solani isolates with resistance to 36_A2 is thought to be more aggressive season. One of the consequences if azoxystrobin are acknowledged to be than other strains, but this wouldn’t mancozeb becomes limited will be a widespread. account for a difference in resistance greater reliance on products containing “Manufacturer trials suggest Caligula scores between varieties, she says. This Quinone inside Inhibitors (QiI) and (fluopyram+ prothioconazole) has activity doesn’t mean other genotypes, such as the Carboxylic Acid Amides (CAA) for late beyond other products, but little early blight

94 crop production magazine june 2021 When selecting alternaria control measures, make sure enough chemistry with activity on zoopores is left for the end of the season to control tuber blight. in 2020 combined with limited propamocarb as Infinito, with UK trials mean we’re yet to see the latter delivering strong it perform under pressure. It anti-sporulant activity. may be that Caligula sets the “As it’s a co-formulation, new standard for early blight Infinito can be applied on its control after mancozeb, and it own. It’s also an integral part will need to if we are to avoid an of any tuber blight programme over-reliance on CAA-containing alongside Ranman Top fungicides before stable (cyazofamid). Ranman Top canopy.” should be mixed with a product Over-reliance on CAA belonging to another MoA to chemistry for alternaria control protect its performance,” would restrict the number adds Eric. of Revus (mandipropamid) Difficulties can arise where applications (also from the growers have applied more CAA group) that can be made amisulbrom (as in Shinkon and during the middle of the season, Gachinko) during stable he qualifies. canopy, he says, because this Just three active substances will limit the number of QiI are recognised as having applications that can be used zoospore activity, and therefore at the end of the season. protection against tuber blight. “Amisulbrom is in the QiI Of these, cyazofamid and group with cyazofamid. One amisulbrom both belong to the to two QiI applications should QiI group while fluopicolide is be reserved for alternation a benzamide. Fluopicolide is with Infinito at the end of the only available in a mix with season,” he advises. I

Fazor first in-line for sprout control

The loss of CIPC for in-store The company advises that to sprout suppression has led to a maximise the period of sprout reappraisal of the alternatives and suppression and minimise the a recognition that programmes need for follow-up treatments, are now more complex and costly. growers should pay careful Fazor MH (maleic hydrazide) is attention to weather conditions, used in the growing crop and is a application and timing of MH very cost-effective start to any products. For some markets sprout-suppression programme and varieties Fazor may be all after many seasons of that is required for sprout control, trusted use, according to its says UPL. manufacturer, United Phosphorus. With each step-up“ in resistance rating the crop was much greener.”

One step-up

Varietal resistance to foliar James Hutton Institute and responsible for 37_A2 genotypes are not as virulent as late blight is a resource that genotyping in AHDB’s FAB. 13_A2 and have a virulence more akin The aggressiveness of these newer and to 6_A1, but they are aggressive,” few growers utilise. CPM now common genotypes is demonstrated explains David. explores how just one by the fact that the previously dominant AHDB’s Dr Anne Stone says the genotype 13_A2, present since 2005, was continuing changes in the late blight step-up in resistance score found only once during the 2020 season so populations has led growers to question can add flexibility to blight it appears to be on its way out, he adds. whether the variety scores for resistance to foliage and tuber blight in the AHDB Variety spraying programmes. Blight genotypes Database are still relevant. The FAB data has allowed researchers to “Varieties were retested when By Lucy de la Pasture track the spread of blight genotypes across phenylamide resistance became a problem the country, explains David. “The take-home and many of the varieties went down a point message is that new genotypes can spread in their resistance ratings. It would be a very Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) has rapidly across the country. Using EU_37_A2 expensive exercise to retest every variety always been a difficult disease to control. as an example, a strain that is insensitive to but there is a question over whether these The incursion of the phenylamide resistant fluazinam, in 2017 we saw outbreaks moving ratings are still correct in the presence of 13_A2 strain in 2005 quickly displaced the at 3.2km a week, in 2018 that rate increased more aggressive genotypes, especially previously stable A1 clonal population, to 13.8km a week.” since the (phenylamide-resistant) 13_A2 which meant all the rules of engagement A similar pattern was seen with 36_A2, genotype now represents just 1% of changed. Blight spraying intervals had to which spread 13.8km in a week in 2018 the overall blight population in testing,” tighten to deal with an evolving and more –– a year after it was first detected in the UK she says. aggressive threat. in just a small number of samples. Varietal resistance to blight is a resource Seeing that population change that was David Cooke believes the potato already occurring in Europe, AHDB instigat- industry could be making better use of host ed the Fight Against Blight (FAB) programme resistance to effectively manage late blight. in 2004 to monitor pathogen genotypes He’s also of the view that the interaction more closely. In the 17 years it’s been in between genetic resistance and bight operation, FAB has produced a huge data genotypes is also something that could set and has enabled the industry to react to be better understood. emerging blight threats, particularly where “In her work, Alison Lees has shown how fungicide-resistant strains have evolved. clonal lineages affect varietal resistance, in Of most recent concern has been two particular 13-A2 has the ability to overcome particular invasive lineages, 36_A2 and more major resistance genes than 6_A1. 37_A2, which in 2020 represented 40% of The 13_A2 genotypes were also shown to the overall population sampled. The overall be more aggressive and more virulent. The aggressiveness of 36_A2 and 37_A2 is most common strain was still 6_A1 which “For more effective use of genetic demonstrated by the fact that the previously was found to be present in around one resistance we could benefit from a better dominant genotype 13_A2 has nearly been third of samples tested, according to understanding of pathogen virulence replaced, explains David Cooke. Dr David Cooke, research lead at the evolution. For example, the 36_A2 and

96 crop production magazine june 2021 Theory to Field

P.infestans population change in GB an industry-typical, robust blight fungicide programme on a weekly spray interval over 12 weeks. The other block was treated with a reduced fungicide programme of three applications of mancozeb and three of Curzate M (mancozeb+ cymoxanil).

Chosen varieties The varieties chosen were Utilising blocks of varieties with Orchestra (rated 2 for foliage better blight resistance could give Source: James Hutton Institute, 2020 blight), Triplo (2), Russet Burbank growers a little more leeway when (3), Coleen (3), Maris Piper (4), blight intervals get extended due to which is under-deployed in the risk-averse, but could varietal Melody (4), Markies (5), Gatsby poor weather, says David Wilson. potato sector as an approach differences be exploited better (7), Lady Jane (9), Acoustic (9) to help control the spread of when it comes to designing and two coded varieties classed late blight, agrees AHDB’s blight programmes? AHDB set as ‘high’ for blight resistance. step-up’ in variety resistance David Wilson. out to answer the question by “We know that chemistry rating, believes Anne. “For cereals, disease establishing whether the current is doing a lot, but we wanted “It was striking to see that with resistance has become one of resistance ratings for varieties to chart how close to their each step-up in resistance rating the most important factors when held true. resistance rating they are when the crop was much greener. making variety decisions and Twelve varieties with under extreme blight pressure,” Most varieties have a foliage fungicide programmes are resistance scores against foliar explains David Wilson. “When a resistance of 5 or less, and the tailored to a variety’s resistance blight ranging from 2-9 were full fungicide programme was demonstration shows that the characteristics. In potatoes the selected and planted in a trial used, all the varieties performed differences between 2-5 are varieties grown are often dictated adjacent to blight trials at well, but under the reduced really important.” by the customer and blight Eurofins in 2019. These were fungicide programme real The results were a little resistance is largely ignored –– inoculated with blight genotypes differences were detected.” confused at the top end of potato varieties are mostly grown 6_A1, 13_A2, 36_A2, and 37_A2 At the lowest end of resistance the ratings because of the same way and sprayed with which ensured there was plenty ratings, Orchestra showed 75% varietal differences in natural fungicides at a weekly interval.” of blight pressure in the AHDB foliage infection and Maris Piper senescence, some were second The high risk posed by late variety demonstration. had 60% infection, compared earlies/early maincrop and others blight and consequences of The varieties were planted in with Markies at 15%. The later maincrop. getting control measures wrong two blocks in increasing order of results perfectly illustrated the “There were also complications understandably makes growers resistance. One was treated with advantages from just ‘one with two new coded varieties L Breeding for resistance

Research has shown that there are valuable defences to prevent the pathogen from spreading. R-genes present in wild Solanum species, says “The weakness of this system is when a senior scientist Dr Jack Vossen at Wageningen pathogen mutates to produce an effector protein University and Research in the Netherlands. Seven that the host plant doesn’t recognise, the genes have been identified with broad spectrum pathogen becomes virulent and can invade resistance to late blight, six of these are currently unchallenged. This is why host resistance can used in commercial potato varieties, with further appear to break down in some seasons or be resistance (R) genes coming through the breeding overcome completely.” pipeline. Work at Wageningen has shown that in plants “There’s always the chance of R-gene with stacked R-genes, the chance for resistance Jack Vossen says that by stacking R-genes, breakdown during the season –– with differences breakdown within one season was drastically varietal resistance can be made more durable occurring from season to season –– but by reduced. The survival of the resistance-breaking and chemistry can be protected. stacking R-genes, varietal resistance can be isolate to the next season becomes less likely, made more durable,” he explains. thereby enhancing resistance durability, he adds. Resistance genes work by governing the plants Jack and his colleagues also looked at blight “We found that in a resistant variety it was own host defences. “When a pathogen invades its control in resistant varieties using different possible to reduce the frequency and dosage of host, it secretes an effector protein which alters management strategies. They found that by blight fungicides and still provide full blight the potato host to the pathogen’s advantage. adopting an integrated crop management protection. Using varietal resistance could be a Resistance genes code intracellular proteins to approach and using decision-support systems to good foundation not only for successful ICM recognise the invader’s effector proteins, which trigger spray applications, overall blight control strategies, it’s also likely to help keep the efficacy then elicits a response by the host plant’s wasn’t compromised. of active ingredients for longer.”

crop production magazine june 2021 97 Theory to Field

particular interest. “The level of blight was four times greater Blight resistance of varieties in the Piper than in Markies. Variety Foliar resistance Tuber blight resistance These two varieties are often Orchestra 23 grown together on farms so Triplo 24 this knowledge could help Russet Burbank 31 Coleen 38 agronomists and growers make Maris Piper 45 decisions on which variety Melody 47 should take priority in the event Markies 57 that blight spraying schedules Gatsby 73 are interrupted.” Lady Jane 97 Knowing whether blight spores are Acoustic 97 on the move could help growers Partial resistance HZD-09-7360 High High stay one step ahead, says The results of the demonstration HZA 09-1496 High High Anne Stone. show that even varieties with partial resistance have great Source: AHDB demo at Eurofins, 2019

L which had suffered defoliation, value, adds Anne. “All new Results of Eurofins demo despite having a high blight varieties undergo rigorous testing resistance score, but this was at SASA for resistance before due to alternaria,” she explains. they are approved for National “In hindsight we should have Listing. Some of our popular included a triazole in the reduced varieties, such as Maris Piper, fungicide programme to stop have been around for a long alternaria from muddying the time, and these trials were waters. The alternaria was so very useful because they severe in the more susceptible demonstrated that their resistance varieties, such as Markies, that it scores are still appropriate in caused some defoliation.” spite of changing blight So how can growers utilise this genotypes.” knowledge in commercial crops? Utilising varietal resistance David Wilson believes the trial isn’t the whole story when it Source: AHDB demo at Eurofins, 2019 highlights real differences comes to blight, but it forms part which can help growers and of an integrated approach, she What is certain is that blight Terminology explained agronomists make decisions on highlights. Better understanding chemistry can help protect which field might be better to when there’s a risk of blight resistance genes in varieties and Aggressiveness relates to the grow a particular variety, for helps complete the picture vice versa. “If we can understand amount of disease caused. An example a variety with a more and it’s something AHDB are the variety base better then we aggressive isolate would, for robust blight resistance rating investigating at some of its SPot can manage blight by using the example, cause larger lesions may suit fields some distance East and West farms. best product in the best place,” than a less aggressive one in from home as an insurance “FAB confirms the incidence he adds. a given time frame. measure if blight intervals are of blight and FAB data has been Anne sums up by Virulence is the ability of an extended. used to develop the Hutton acknowledging the restrictions isolate to defeat (i.e. cause He also suggests growers Criteria, which alerts growers to many growers face in variety disease on) a specific host think more like they would with conditions which are conducive choice. “If the industry is able to resistance gene (R gene). cereals and grow varieties with to blight development. Last move towards growing more A virulent isolate is one that similar blight ratings in blocks. season a lot of Hutton Criteria resistant varieties, then it will help defeats more R genes than He reckons it’s a strategy that were met but there was a low us move forward in using less a less virulent one. would prove helpful when prevalence of blight in fields,” chemistry.” I designing spray programmes. adds David Wilson. “Inevitably there are times That’s because even if blighty Research roundup conditions are experienced, when spray intervals are From Theory to Field is part of samples and provision of an the disease will only develop extended because of weather AHDB’s delivery of knowledge outbreak reporting service and if blight spores are present, conditions and this would help exchange on grower-funded fungicide sensitivity testing’ explains Anne. growers know which fields to research projects. CPM would like delivers data for the Fight Against “Knowing if blight spores are spray first when blight spraying to thank AHDB for its support and Blight campaign. The cost of the airborne would mean growers can resume –– the lowest blight in providing privileged access to current three-year programme can stay a step ahead of the ratings would take priority.” staff and others involved in helping (2019-2022) is £254,866. disease, so AHDB are testing David highlights that the put these articles together. Variety resistance spore-trapping systems this differences in the foliage blight AHDB Project No 11120034 demonstration at Eurofins season, which will be monitored recorded in Maris Piper and ‘GB Late Blight Populations: receipt (2019) cost AHDB £3,000. alongside regular blight scouting Markies, just one point apart and evaluation of field-collected in resistance rating, was of and field walking.”

98 crop production magazine june 2021

Physiological “age is the internal clock of the tuber.”

Achieving successful desiccation Potato growers are understandably anxious about achieving quality haulm knock-down with an ever- decreasing product portfolio. Diquat’s demise has certainly made its impact felt. But at FMC we have seen excellent and comparable results where a flail and spray approach in combination with Spotlight Plus has been adopted.

senesce naturally, desiccation yield. During the season plants becomes much easier. If the from physiological older seed are Spotlight on crop is senescing rapidly the likely to produce less foliage amount of leaf and stem that and reach maturity earlier in the needs to be covered by a growing season, which means desiccation chemical application will be they will die back at a time when considerably less compared with a conditions are more conducive for canopy that’s still actively growing. desiccants to work effectively. Many factors influence the success of potato One of the main factors that desiccation and some of these are more influences the timing of natural What about variety? senescence is the physiological Potato varieties are classed controllable than others. CPM gets some age of the tubers at planting. as being either determinate or expert advice on how to stack the odds in Physiological age is the internal indeterminate in their growth habit clock of the tuber which starts and this is a measure of the favour of a good burn-down. ticking when it was initiated on crop’s capacity to maintain the stolons of its mother plant. leaf production after the first By Lucy de la Pasture Potato seed which is appearance of flowers. physiologically older when it’s A variety classed as put into the ground tends to determinate will often produce With a season without diquat What influences natural emerge earlier, produce a greater a pre-determined canopy size, now firmly under the belt, senescence? number of stems and has the which is related to the number desiccation strategies are Tubers mature naturally as parent potential to produce a greater of stems that emerge. An evolving to fill the gap it left. plants senesce but modern indeterminate variety doesn’t have Understanding natural production methods, particularly this natural ‘stop’ when it comes to senescence, and the many nitrogen inputs, enable crops canopy size, it has the ability to factors that can influence it, is to remain green later into the produce a much greater biomass the key to ease of a successful season, prolonging tuber maturity of leaves and stems later into the burn-down –– which is always a and increasing the risk of season. This means some varieties fine balance between allowing problems which can affect will then bulk later and aren’t as the crop to grow on for long marketing yield. That means easy to burn-down, partly due to enough to yield well, while canopy management has become their bigger canopies and partly stopping tuber growth at the an important part of potato due to more variable weather right time to maximise the agronomy, with the aim that the conditions which can affect marketable fraction. foliage is beginning to senesce the performance of desiccants. CPM talks to FMC’s commercial Nitrogen recommendations split naturally at the time when the crop Jeff Fieldsend says that canopy technical manager Jeff Fieldsend potato varieties into one of four is stopped in its tracks, either by management is important to get the to gain a better insight into the groups according to their degree flailing and chemical treatment or best out of PPOs, with indeterminate factors that affect crop senescence of determinacy. AHDB research at a foliar only application program. varieties requiring less nitrogen than and how to get the best results NIAB-CUF has consistently shown When potato crops reach determinate varieties. when desiccating potato crops. the point where they begin to that for a given length of growing

100 crop production magazine june 2021 Tech Talk

caused the seed tubers produced manage tuber size in processing, to be physiologically older, ware and seed crops. This therefore senescing sooner becomes of particular importance when re-planted. in varieties where the marketable On the other hand, factors such fraction of tubers falls between as water availability can have a narrow perimeters, such as salad big effect on crop maturity and the or seed production. For varieties onset of senescence. A dry spring which tend to develop large or early summer may result in a tubers, are susceptible to late uptake of nitrogen later in the nutritional defects, such as hollow growing period, resulting in a heart, or secondary growths after slowing down of crop senescence periods of drought stress –– which because of new foliage growth, may affect fry colours –– then The physiological age of seed doesn’t slowing of skin set, tuber dry desiccating crops can be the just affect the number of stems the matter issues and difficulty in best course of action. mother tuber produces, it also governs achieving good tuber/stem Preventing crops from following the onset of natural senescence in release. their natural path of senescence the crop. helps prevent late tuber diseases, Why desiccate? such as tuber blight, which cause lipids and protein membranes. Because of all of these variables, problems in store and will stop When a lipid membrane is

nature usually needs a helping virus transmission in seed crops. destroyed, cells become leaky L hand in order to produce a potato Practically it enables growers to lift season, indeterminate varieties crop that meets its marketing the crop when ground conditions require less nitrogen than specifications and that can be are likely to be favourable, before Achieving successful determinate varieties. successfully stored for long the onset of winter. desiccation: top tips periods of time. G Manage the canopy – best By using a chemical desiccant Is there a seasonal How do PPO’s work? results will be achieved if the to kill off remaining leaf and stem, Protoporphyrinogen oxidase is an effect? crop is senescing at the time of Some seasons are earmarked by it allows for ease of harvesting enzyme in the chloroplast cell that burn down their ease of desiccation whereas operations and helps to minimize oxidizes protoporphrinogen IX to G If possible, use a flail – this in others it can be profoundly damage. Bruising to tubers is often produce protoporphrin (PPIX). is the quickest way to remove difficult to stop crops and this caused when the tubers are still PPIX is a precursor molecule for the foliage and the fastest effect is likely to be more attached to stems during lifting both chlorophyll and heme but route to defoliation challenging in the post-diquat era. and desiccation ensures stem PPOs do more than block the G Application is important – Autumn 2019 was a relatively easy separation occurs prior to harvest, production of chlorophyll and timing and good coverage are season for desiccation, largely something which the PPO heme, they also result in the crucial to achieve the best thought to be due to the high inhibitors are particularly good at. formation of highly reactive results temperatures in 2018 which Desiccants are also a tool to molecules that attack and destroy

Planned approach to burn-down

Desiccation used to be relatively straight growers were already adopting that crucial. Regrowth is also something that forward –– diquat to open up the approach before the withdrawal. may have to be managed.” canopy followed by a PPO inhibitor to Getting the nutrition right is Most crops are flailed first, ideally finish off the stems, says independent fundamental to ease of desiccation, so leaving between 12-30cm of stem agronomist James Gaines of Agronomy that the crop has just enough nitrogen behind. James says this can vary, The majority of James Gaines’ Supplies in Yorkshire. He looks after to grow a good crop but not too much, depending on crop vigour and any growers flail and spray to achieve seed crops, as well as ware and he says. lodging in the canopy. “When this desiccation. processing crops on his patch in the “You don’t want to produce a lush happens it can give problems as north and east of the county. crop which matures later in the season. some of stems will be lying almost the higher rate unless land is far from The loss of diquat has meant Matching nitrogen to crop need is also horizontally, which means that the flail home which makes the logistics more desiccation has become more complex, a more responsible way to use it.” will leave behind some much longer difficult –– and finds alternate forward particularly when it comes to making Seed crops are often the most stems than is ideal.” and backwards-facing nozzles are the sure the crop is beginning to senesce challenging to burn down, he highlights. Flailing is followed 3-4 days later key to getting good coverage. naturally as tubers reach their target “Because they are young and vigorous by an application of Spotlight Plus Application in bright, sunny size. Then there’s also been a change when tubers reach the target size (carfentrazone-ethyl) at 1.0 l/ha, with a conditions definitely helps results, in desiccation practice for many –– fraction, seed crops usually just want to further Spotlight at 0.6 l/ha a week he says, but it’s not always easy to with a lot of growers having to invest keep growing. Because of the risk of later. James has noticed that the results achieve given the vagaries of the in new machinery in the move to a virus-transmission by aphids, getting achieved are only as good as the British weather, which may not be predominantly flail and spray system, desiccation right and removing green application. He advises water rates of playing ball where burn-down dates says James. Around 90% of his material as quickly as possible is 300-450 l/ha –– with the aim to use are concerned.

crop production magazine june 2021 101 Tech Talk

How PPOs work

Canopy management is crucial for successful desiccation, with ‘just enough’ Source: FMC, 2021 nitrogen applied.

L and cell organelles dry and (pyraflufen-ethyl), which has a Flail machines must be set up 6.5-8kmh. It’s all about time over disintegrate rapidly. This appears longer harvest interval (14 days) to obtain an even cut, leaving a the target to achieve good as water-soaked foliage a few than Spotlight (7 days). stem 15-25cm long, which is free coverage and penetration, so hours after PPO application to from as much remaining leaf as nozzle selection is also important, the crop. Should I flail first? possible. The flailed leaf and stem with angled forward and Blocking these enzyme PPOs are known to most effective should be ‘thrown’ away from the backward-facing nozzles giving pathways also causes a build-up on stems but don’t remove the stem still in situ and into the ridge the best results in trials. I of ethylene in the plant which foliage with the same effect as bottom, away from the target area causes yellowing (chlorosis), diquat. Flailing to remove the for the desiccant. This should be which is followed by browning leaves and expose the stems applied 24-48 hours later, with (necrosis) of the tissue, with before applying a desiccant has a follow-up treatment made necrotic spots sometimes become a popular strategy, with 5 -7 days later if required. surrounded by a reddish-coloured an estimated 65-70% of crops ring. PPOs also cause a build-up desiccated now adopting this What about application? of abscisic acid in the plants approach. Successful desiccation using PP0s which has an important role in Desiccating using this is all in the timing of application, the separation of stems from technique is likely to deliver the with best results achieved when the tubers, hence the lack of fastest method of defoliating or the crop is senescing. PPOs work separation problems seen at stopping the crop quickly and is best under high levels harvest. the preferred method for salad and of UV light, during and after The only two approved potato seed crop desiccation. There are application. So for best results desiccants belong to the PPO however a number of key factors pick a time of day when it’s group of chemistry and are which have to be taken into bright and sunny with little or no marketed as Spotlight Plus consideration to achieve effective cloud cover, often in the period (carfentrazone-ethyl) and Gozai results. from mid-morning through to mid-afternoon. Temperature The weather is one of the factors than also has an effect, with warm can affect the amount of top growth conditions being optimal for a produced, particularly when nitrogen reliable, faster kill. uptake occurs late in the season after PPO inhibitors aren’t affected by a summer drought. either wet or dry soil conditions but cool, overcast conditions at the time of application may affect Sponsor message their speed of action and overall FMC is an agricultural sciences performance. company that advances farming As well as conditions at the time through innovative and sustainable of application, there are other crop protection technologies. From important factors to get right. our industry-leading discovery FMC trials indicate that a minimum pipeline, to unique application water volume of 400 l/ha is systems, to modern biological required. There’s more consistency products, we are passionate The efficacy of PPOs is improved if application is made on a bright, sunny day in performance when using higher about bringing new solutions when the sun is at its highest. water volumes and reducing to growers around the world. sprayer forward speed to around

102 crop production magazine june 2021 would be highly also play a big part in helping connection between technology conducive to septoria complete this bigger picture. and the natural world, which infection, latent And then we already have doesn’t always behave as septoria remains growers that are successfully predicted because there’s the big worry when reducing fungicide inputs. constant adaptation taking making fungicide Instead of relying on the place. It’s also important to be decisions. Just intelligence gathered by new absolutely clear about where because you can’t see technologies they’ve taken a we’re driving to –– greater it doesn’t mean it’s not there. step back and are working with productivity or environmental That means the slow flag leaf the most innovative technology sustainability or both. emergence and resulting that will ever be designed and What will be interesting is extended gap between the two that’s Mother Nature. There is whether agriculture is at the main fungicide sprays should so much to learn from this start of a big divide. Some have been causing agronomists mother of invention and master growers need systems, but to break out into a sweat. of technology –– it’s little others are creating their own Nature – the mother Making the wrong product wonder humans turn to systems right now. They’ve choices could see yield artificial intelligence to try thrown out conventional of invention potential go down the drain. and understand her quantum thinking and are innovating But now we have an network of interactions. new ways of doing things. You Writing about the weather in added insight into disease There’s little doubt agriculture could label it regenerative, or a monthly column can easily development –– qPCR testing. has reached a crossroads, agroecology –– there are many make a fool of you. Once Just as T2 applications were where it seems technology is pseudonyms for a common again, May’s Crop Doctor visit planned, the tests in a range of going to play a much bigger ideology –– all of these have seems to have heralded a varieties showed either none or role –– hence the explosion the soil at their heart and aim change in the weather so extremely low levels of latent of agri-tech start-ups and to form a partnership with after bemoaning a dry April, septoria lurking in the top four proclamations of a fourth biological systems rather than I’m pretty confident that leaves, which gave some agricultural revolution. Digital battle with them. Whether mentioning we’ve had an degree of confidence that technologies, robotics, machine data-based systems will help exceptionally rainy May eradicant activity wasn’t learning, artificial intelligence others along the path remains will result in a bright and required. That’s a massive and advanced diagnostics are to be seen but it could be a sunny June. bonus when it comes to all likely to bring an entirely new winning combination. As it turns out, an product choice and tailoring dimension to agronomy, but it’s unseasonably cool and damp rates –– though I would want to also going to be important to month has probably provided the have tested some crops myself direct the technology rather Based in Ludlow, Shrops, perfect conditions for winter to confirm they were as clean than allow it to do the driving. Lucy de la Pasture has cereals –– enabling crops to as they appear. Why? Because it’s important worked as an agronomist, steadily produce their final Even though qPCR testing to acknowledge that science while among the Twitterati, leaves while septoria inoculum is a relatively new technology doesn’t know everything –– tacit she’s @Lucy_delaP. languished in the bottom. in field crops, it’s a very knowledge and a pair of feet on [email protected] It’s a great position to be interesting one. This season will the ground forms the in as we head towards the provide a really good test of its grain fill period. Wheat crops application, probably more so are looking smashing, with than in a year when septoria unblemished green from top to is rampant. If the industry is bottom in many varieties –– going to move away from the even the renowned dirty ones. prophylactic and risk-averse The brilliant thing is that with strategies that are current just a few septoria lesions on practice, then there have to be the bottom leaves, any spores pretty robust decision support will have to make a mighty tools in place. Imagine being jump up the canopy to cause able to use fungicides more havoc on the yield-producing strategically –– tailoring actives leaves, which all but the very and rates on a much more brave will have protected with specific basis according to the a T2. amount of disease actually Even so, after a month when present. The multiple digital you’d have thought conditions systems being rolled out will

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