In this issue... Hands-free hectares page 38 Rust resolution page 6 Testing tech for precision agronomy Decision time on disease

Research conference page 32 Sugar beet newbies page 59

Opinion Volume 19 Number 4 4 Talking Tilth – A word from the editor. Arable Extra March 2017 58 Trade Talk – An insight into the Cereals Event from director Jon Day 67 Last Word – A view from the field from agronomist John Sarup Smiths Soapbox will return in April, and Lucy de la Pasture will again take the Last Word. Technical

6 Disease control - New names for rust races Wheat pathogens have been dominating the headlines lately as they evolve, making control less predictible. 12 Barley disease - Improve tactics to outsmart disease The results of two new surveys show there’s room for greater attention to detail with barley disease control. 14 Tech Talk - Why molecular movements matter Discovering how a fungicide behaves throws light on its efficacy in the field. 18 Sclerotinia - One spray or two? Editor Expert advice on a disease that has the potential to decimate yields. Tom Allen-Stevens Technical editor 22 Weed control - Weed worries shouldn’t drive spring sprays Lucy de la Pasture Dow AgroSciences’ new broadleaf herbicide Arylex makes promises of a more relaxed approach to spring weed control. Machinery editor Jane Brooks 28 Innovation Insight - Liquid logic has a way with weeds Writers When Dupont scientists partnered fluroxypyr with sulfonylurea herbicides, Tom Allen-Stevens Rob Jones it wasn’t just the spectrum of the one-can solution they improved. Jane Brooks Paul Spackman 32 CPSB Conference - Spotlight on crop research Louise Impey Lucy de la Pasture The great and the good gathered at Peterborough Arena last month for Melanie Jenkins the ‘Crop Production in Southern Britain’ conference. Design and production 36 Blackgrass - Brampton goes west Brooks Design A new trial site in Oxon puts soil at the forefront of the blackgrass battle. Advertisement co-ordinator Peter Walker Publisher Features Angus McKirdy 38 Precision agronomy - Robots take control Business development manager Hands-free farming has come a step closer with a ground-breaking Charlotte Alexander research initiative underway at Harper Adams University. To claim two crop protection BASIS points, send an email to [email protected], quoting reference CP/51831/1617/g. 44 Spring beans - Tapping into pulse potential Attentive agronomy and plenty of manure helped one N Yorks grower To claim two NRoSO CPD points, please send your name, achieve the highest UK yield with his spring beans. NRoSO member number, date of birth and postcode to [email protected] 48 Conference - Bring on Brexit *the claim ‘best read specialist arable journal’ is based Grab the opportunities that Brexit has to offer and look forward to the on independent reader research, conducted by the future, urged speakers at a conference organised by Väderstad. National Farm Research Unit 2014 52 Spring barley - New barley hits the right note? Editorial & advertising sales With a 10% yield improvement on Concerto and even better quality, White House Barn, Hanwood, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 8LP LG Opera may get top billing from maltsters. Tel: (01743) 861122 E-mail: [email protected] 54 Insiders View - The new name for a farmer’s friend? Reader registration hotline 01743 861122 Syngenta’s variety, Graham, offers a disease package that many growers Advertising copy may warm to. Brooks Design, 24 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD Roots Tel: (01743) 244403 E-mail: [email protected] CPM Volume 19 No 4. Editorial, advertising and sales offices are at 59 Sugar beet weeds - Tips for beet newbies White House Barn, Hanwood, Shrewsbury SY5 8LP. Sugar beet has been adopted as a blackgrass solution by a Suffolk Tel: (01743) 861122. CPM is published ten times a year by grower after a long absence from growing the crop. CPM Ltd and is available free of charge to qualifying farmers and farm managers in the United Kingdom. 63 Potato weed control - Life after linuron In no way does CPM Ltd endorse, notarise or concur with any of the advice, Potato growers received an unwelcome, if not entirely unexpected, recommendations or prescriptions reported in the magazine. Valentine’s day present from CRD in Feb - the issue of a withdrawal If you are unsure about which recommendations to follow, please consult notice for linuron. a professional agronomist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. CPM Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited material, including photographs. crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 3 safe. This is the body that decides heard and it’s directed towards European Union Select Committee what in our lives constitutes a those member states that recently will have witnessed the hazard, from the plastic we abstained last time, including somewhat blasé attitude he has to the put in babies’ mouths to the France, Germany and Italy. prospect of “30-40%” tariffs on UK active ingredients we pop And therein lies the rub –– it’s agricultural exports into the EU. in the spray tank. great what the NFU, what farmers And that’s the minister who’ll be The ECHA Risk across Europe and what many representing UK farmers’ interests in Assessment Committee CPM readers are doing on Twitter the forthcoming trade negotiations. is made up of about 50 to stress that #glyphosateIsvital. It’s not right, and it adds an independent scientists who But in a world where noise imperative to the drive to inform and Am I wrapped up advise the EC Standing matters and the side that shouts to educate people about farming and Committee tasked with the the loudest wins, farmers are where their food comes from –– we in a bubble? re-approval of glyphosate. To do but a squeak among the roar of should and we must. But in doing so, this, they’ve studied some 347 public opinion. are we enclosing ourselves more There are mixed emotions when scientific documents and carried To give you an idea, in Jan within our farming bubble? Brexit and I see the sprayer out for the first out a comprehensive consultation, this year, a European Citizens’ forthcoming regulatory changes will time of the season. On the one specifically seeking views from all Initiative was registered to ban quite likely burst that bubble of hand, it’s good to get the spring sides of the debate. What’s more, glyphosate. If a registered ECI comfort, and only those who’ve work underway at last and they look at hazard, so their gathers one million signatures in looked outside it and prepared to see the skirt of spray conclusion pretty much trounces 12 months, the EC is obliged to themselves for what lies ahead will shimmering over the crop in any niggles of scientific doubt consider making it law. In just ride the tide of progress. the afternoon sunlight. about the safety of glyphosate. three months, the ECI has Which begs the question what will On the other, this is glyphosate But these days, it’s far from gathered 473,414 signatures. progress look like? It’s what we’re going onto a perfectly good crop game over until the political Sean Sparling’s petition constantly searching for here at CPM, of Skyfall winter wheat to spray argument is won. The Standing to save glyphosate on and we reckon there’s so much out patches of blackgrass. That’s Committee is made up of www.38degrees.org.uk has 4929 opportunity out there, we’ve put a tough choice in itself, but just representatives from all 27 signatures. What’s more, a poll of together an extra issue this month to that one sentence now brings in member states –– CRD French citizens carried out by flag it up. The fruits of what we’ve a third emotion. While it makes represents UK interests –– and Générations Futures found found lie within these pages, whether perfect sense to the CPM reader voting is proportionate to that 69% are opposed to the that’s a new spring barley, a fresh that we’re spraying glyphosate to population within the EU. That reauthorisation of glyphosate, look at sugar beet, a different take out blackgrass, to most means France and Germany have with only 23% in favour. That’s approach to tackling blackgrass or a EU citizens we’re spraying a considerable weight, and they potentially another 45M votes way of farming the land without even carcinogenic pesticide to destroy were among seven member against glyphosate from just one setting foot on it. We hope it’ll help a food crop. Why on earth would states that abstained last time member state. you focus on life outside the bubble. we do that? round, so the two-thirds qualified It’s not just in pesticide use The row over glyphosate majority to approve glyphosate where we find the viewpoint of Tom Allen-Stevens has a 170ha seems to have reached fever wasn’t reached. farmers shockingly marginalised, arable farm in Oxon which keeps about 58,000 people from starving pitch, recently. The good news This means a fever pitch of and it’s not confined to continental thanks to the food it produces Europe. Anyone who’s seen the is that the European Chemicals debate on the issue may be just #glyphosateIsvital. Agency, ECHA, has reached the what’s required at present, as long footage of Brexit minister David [email protected] conclusion that glyphosate is as farmers can ensure they’re Davis addressing the Exiting the

4 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

New names for rust races

The Warrior (Red) race continues to dominate samples, says Sarah Holdgate.

race but on genotyping were definitely something different, being more similar to Warrior. It’s this The old sub-group that was provisionally system“ of naming re-named Invicta in the autumn of 2016. is no longer With a completely new yellow Technical suitable. rust population, the old system of ” naming is no longer suitable, so a Disease control new naming system for the races discovered in the UK has been put in Wheat pathogens have been place, reveals Sarah Holdgate. Fifty years on and UKCPVS has a “Until now, naming a race based on the dominating the headlines proven record of flagging up newcomers in variety on which it was first detected has lately as they evolve, making the rust population, highlighting the arrival served us well. But the system no longer of the Joss Cambier, Hornet, Brigadier, copes with the complex genotypic and control less predictible. CPM Madrigal, Robigus and Solstice races. pathology data we’re seeing and we feel gathers the latest on UK Their provision of diversification tables has it’s important to avoid using a variety’s helped growers choose a mix of varieties name.” pathogen populations from to reduce the risk of yellow rust going WYR Blue 1 and 7 are the first names UKCPVS and gets an update rampant and allowed breeders to select to be allocated to a race under the new the appropriate resistance genes in system (which reflects a system used in on septoria management breeding programmes. potato blight virulence surveys) and from Agrii. replaces the provisional name Invicta. Exotic incursion The discovery of WYR Blue 1 and 7 in By Lucy de la Pasture But in recent years, yellow rust has upped the UK is just one of several yellow rust the ante with the arrival of the Warrior race population changes occurring during a and Adam Clarke in 2011, an exotic incursion that behaves period which also saw radical revisions differently and has now completely to disease ratings in the AHDB Cereals replaced the native races. The yellow rust and Oilseeds Recommended List (RL) 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of population is currently so disparate that the last autumn. UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey production of diversification schemes has Sarah Holdgate describes last year as (UKCPVS), set up in the wake of the become obsolete. far from straightforward from a yellow rust outbreak of a new race of yellow rust The extreme diversity has also thrown perspective. that made its mark on Rothwell Perdix up difficulties in the naming of new races, “By mid-March 2016, we had received in 1966. traditionally named after the variety whose a record number of infected samples from “The objective of the survey was to resistance they first overcame. Last wheat crops. It was a sign that something provide a coordinated examination of year this led to a revision of the Warrior big was happening and the season ended resistant varieties to enable the early sub-groups, though this was far from with major revisions to RL ratings. detection of new races of plant pathogens ideal. The fact that some Warrior races “Although we’re still looking to pin to prevent such a lack of knowledge, as are avirulent on the variety Warrior, proves down the race or races responsible for the evidenced in the Rothwell Perdix outbreak, to be a mind-bender when it comes to breakdown, our monitoring has detected from happening again,” explains Dr Sarah classifying them, she explains. new races in the UK population and we’re Holdgate, outlining the history of UKCPVS Under last year’s system, a sub-group of keeping an eye on them.” at the annual stakeholder event, held at Warrior pathogens was named Warrior 3, For wheat yellow rust, the Warrior race NIAB in Cambs earlier this month. these appeared similar to the old Solstice continues to dominate samples, with the L

6 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

Disease control

Decision support tools can aid septoria control

stations dotted around the UK. Focussing on two differing seasons –– high septoria pressure in 2014 and low in 2015 –– key septoria risk indicators were identified. These included frequency of rain events, conducive to spore dispersal and successful infection, and milder temperatures, which shorten latent periods and increase the speed of disease progression. During 2016 and using these indicators, it was possible to look back at weather-station data over the previous three to four weeks and assess the likely level of disease pressure. This Francesca Salinari is developing a septoria formed the basis for a weekly bulletin to Agrii’s decision-support system to highlight risk of agronomists, giving them an extra resource on David Langton says that a fully integrated disease to aid fungicide selection. which to make disease-control decisions. approach is critical and choosing the right “The testing of models and development variety is becoming increasingly important. With azole fungicide efficacy in steady decline of decision support is ongoing. The weather and SDHI-insensitive septoria isolates present indicators we provided in the weekly bulletin in UK fields, an indicator of septoria pressure isn’t the only information we can use, but it did and their growers to aid the decision-making in-season would be invaluable to ensure give a good indication of risk and feedback was process,” explains David Langton. fungicide inputs are optimised and chemistry positive,” says Francesca Salinari. Included in the offering is an insight into isn’t placed under undue strain. The developing support system may prove yellow rust diversity groups, which in the past It’s positive news then, that advisory group an invaluable tool for optimising fungicide has helped growers choose a mix of varieties Agrii is pouring resource into producing programmes in the future, but septoria risk susceptible to different strains to ensure decision-support tools that indicate septoria management isn’t solely reliant on chemicals. the whole area doesn’t break down to the risk and help its agronomists tailor fungicide Agrii’s head of crop science and stewardship, dominant strain. programmes accordingly. David Langton, says that a fully integrated “People have drifted away from using With septoria infection and spread so approach is critical and choosing the right diversity groups and the information isn’t there dependent on weather, an accurate long term variety is becoming increasingly important. for new varieties anymore, but we still see weather forecast would be the Holy Grail for While the AHDB Recommended List provides the value. We produce a matrix based on a predicting risk, but it’s questionable whether a solid reference for variety choice, Agrii is varieties’ parentage to give an idea of diversity this will ever be possible. carrying out its own interrogation of varieties group,” he explains. There are decision-support tools available around the UK and provide a more robust With seven varieties on the RL possessing a across the UK and Europe –– including in-crop decision making aid. septoria resistant score of 7 and the uptake of sensors, threshold and academic models –– This includes co-ordinated growing systems such varieties gaining momentum, Agrii’s Clare designed to help control the disease more trials or “COGS”, which assess performance of Bend says this is good news for fungicides. efficiently. However, Agrii’s research and potential new and existing varieties in different She argues that as resistance to the two development projects co-ordinator Dr Francesca rotational positions, early or late drilled and main fungicide groups builds in septoria Salinari says her evaluation of a select few using different input programmes. The result is populations, putting the actives under less of these methods in UK trials provided some Agrii’s own advisory list for wheat varieties. pressure by using resistant varieties and robust inconsistent results. “It’s providing extra information (over the RL), spray programmes will help slow the slide. “Some of the models didn’t perform gleaned from our own trials for our agronomists She recommends using a T0 spray early consistently in different years, while others are in the season, then mixed modes of action event driven. These can work well for apple The Agrii trial site at Lenham in Kent is one of –– including multisite actives such as scab, for example, when you would go out and several sites throughout the country where chlorothalonil –– throughout the programme spray when infection occurs, but in wheat, varieties are put through their paces. to protect crops rather than firefight disease. disease control is driven by leaf emergence,” Regarding frequency of SDHI use for she explains. resistance management, Clare Bend is clear, Subsequently, Agrii aimed to develop a system “We take the view that you must use an SDHI that would give an indication of risk for its at T1. If you don’t, it puts added pressure on agronomists, allowing them to adjust fungicide the T2 spray.” doses or product choices ahead of key spray She also notes that Agrii produces a timings. fungicide decision-support matrix for its To do so, Francesca Salinari delved into agronomists based on varietal resistance Agrii’s vast data set, which includes historic scores and potential dose response to help disease progression observations in trials tweak product choice and rates based on and records from its network of 190 weather risk and reward.

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Virulence frequency – individual genes

Source: UKCPVS 2017

Virulence frequency – pathotype group

Source: UKCPVS 2017

L Red (Warrior 4) group found some specialism in order to in at least half of samples tested increase in the population and by UKCPVS. After a period of live up to the level of damage it decline, Pink (Warrior 1) can cause in trials,” she says. increased in frequency in 2016. What was apparent in the Virulence frequencies for most samples tested was a decrease genes remained relatively stable in Blue 1 and 7, but Sarah in 2016. However, the YR7 Holdgate believes that the true gene was more prevalent, as extent of the problem was was the YR8 gene (which is probably hidden in with the an indicator of the Purple presence of other Warrior types. (Kranich) race), although it “There may be a combination remains relatively rare. of isolates causing certain “The Purple race did some varieties to succumb to yellow damage last season but wasn’t rust infection but it’s a complex responsible for the majority of puzzle to untangle. Evolution yellow rust infections. It may be has now been added to that this particular race needs the differential set to help

Common races for 2016

Source: UKCPVS winter and new isolates –– Blue and Purple (Kranich) –– all contributed, with virulence detected at the adult plant stage for multiple varieties. I’m often asked whether the yellow rust pathogen has become more aggressive but at the moment, there’s no conclusive evidence either way,” she comments.

Aggressiveness To provide further information on aggressiveness, UKCPVS The powdery mildew population will be recording the time to remains stable in wheat and sporulation in the different barley crops. isolates this year for the first time. This will help identify understand some of these trends in the latent periods differences, which if we can between isolates and give an unravel, will mean we can indication of whether some are produce variety diversification likely to be more aggressive schemes again,” she explains. than others, explains “The Pink (Warrior 1) group Sarah Holdgate. also increased percentage-wise For wheat brown rust, in the population but some of disease levels were relatively these isolates show virulence to high in 2016 but no unexpected Warrior, so these may ultimately disease was reported to be reclassified as belonging to UKCPVS. Isolates have become the Red group (Warrior 4) when more complex in recent years genotyping information and investigations into the becomes available.” causal race associated with What did become obvious relatively high levels of brown last season was that there’s rust in Crusoe continue. very little seedling resistance For wheat and barley remaining in current wheat powdery mildews, virulence varieties where the new frequencies remain broadly incursion of yellow rust is similar to those seen in concerned. recent years. “In our seedling tests, all Worthy of note was the yellow varieties were susceptible rust found in barley in 2017, except Costello, KWS Crispin advises Sarah Holdgate. Four and KWS Siskin. So if any of samples were tested in the these three varieties shown survey, with samples from three early signs of yellow rust counties and four different infection, please send in a varieties –– all from the sample as it would indicate eastern counties. something new is happening. “One of the isolates carried “Also showing infection for virulence for the resistant the first time in seedling trials cultivar Optic. It’s possible we’re were Evolution, KWS Silverstone seeing an exotic incursion in the and RGT Illustrious,” she adds. barley yellow rust population So why was 2016 such a and genotyping may help to ‘good’ year for yellow rust distinguish any differences to infection? Sarah Holdgate the previous UK population. points out that 2015 was also However, it’s very important to a good year and a high spore send samples into us if anything load would have been carried unusual appears in the field over last year from the previous this spring so we can continue season. to monitor the situation,” “The high inoculum, mild she concludes. I

Improve tactics fungicide modes of action in barley and that the prospect of rynchosporium resistance isn’t taken as seriously as septoria shifts in wheat. to outsmart “Rather than repeatedly exposing triazoles in mix with an SDHI at T1 and T2, consider substituting at least one application with a You can cyprodinil treatment. For example, Cebara disease “ring the changes provides cyprodinil co-formulated with the persistent SDHI isopyrazam, and we’ve seen it across fungicide match triazole plus SDHI for yield in trials.” timings in In practice, Fiona Burnett says growers all too often resort to a “one size fits all” in barley, barley applying the same fungicide programme ” across the whole farm. But it’s not a strategy that’s smart economically, she believes. “It doesn’t take account of any of the factors that affect disease risk, such as variety differences, whether it’s a first or second barley, different topographies or drilling dates.” Technical There’s also evidence from a recent SRUC survey that although growers want to use Barley disease resistant varieties they still commonly select susceptible ones to suit their market, so could The results of two new fungicide resistance is a key issue and there’s be leaving some under-protected, she adds. surveys show there’s room room for growers to improve on disease “We found 60% said they grew resistant management in barley. There remains huge varieties, but when you drilled down, actually for greater attention to detail scope to match fungicides more closely to only 23% were doing this. So they were with barley disease control. varieties grown, she believes. over-estimating what the variety was providing. They also weren’t tailoring fungicide to variety. CPM finds out more. Tricky disease “This season, it’s been a mild winter and “Rhynchosporium is already a tricky disease to crops are pretty advanced, so disease is By Rob Jones manage and last season we saw a potential lurking and there will be a roll-on risk to spring erosion of the strobilurins. We weren’t getting barley,” she adds. Barley growers are concerned about the the control we expected and work with As a starting point, Iain Hamilton urges risk of rhynchosporium resistance to Teagasc and SRUC shows that the G143A growers to stay up to date with latest fungicides, yet many are failing to utilise mutation associated with strobilurin resistance variety resistance ratings on the AHDB variety resistance ratings fully in treatment is now present in the rhynchosporium Recommended List. “If you look at hybrids decisions. Those were the messages from population,” explains Fiona Burnett. as an example, they tend to have good a new survey of winter and spring barley As far as the azoles are concerned, she rhynchosporium resistance but need more growers by Syngenta. says rhynchosporium mirrors other diseases, help against net blotch, whereas for some Conducted among 89 barley growers, with the performance of oldertriazoles having other barleys it’s the other way around.” I results showed three quarters of slipped. At the moment, the latest azole respondents had concerns about the chemistry is still giving good control, but risk of rhynchosporium resistance building she doesn’t expect it to remain altogether to fungicides –– with 68% being fairly unaffected. concerned and 8% very concerned. “There are also concerns about net blotch Additionally, nearly 90% thought it was building mutations to strobilurins and now important to utilise different fungicide the SDHIs. Although the focus is mostly on modes of action to reduce the chance of septoria in wheat, barley is building up its rhynchosporium resistance building. But own set of problems,” she adds. when it came to utilising variety resistance Fortunately, barley provides scope to use a ratings, results were less clear cut. broad portfolio of fungicide active ingredients, Less than 4 out of 10 of respondents (38%) rather than repeatedly relying on the same always took this into account when deciding ones. which fungicides to use. One in 10 admitted “There are multi-sites like chlorothalonil, they didn’t take it into account and used the but also a wider choice of systemics such same programme on all varieties, and just as cyprodinil, which brings an extra active over half (52%) said they only took it into ingredient. You can ring the changes across account with particularly resistant or the two to three fungicide timings in barley susceptible varieties. without compromising the effect,” she says. Barley is building up its own set of resistance According to leading crop scientist, Syngenta field technical manager, Iain problems, warns Fiona Burnett. Professor Fiona Burnett of SRUC, Hamilton, agrees that it’s simpler to rotate

12 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

Fungicide behaviour Bringing new crop protection products to market is no mean feat. However, there’s a constant demand to bring the next new innovation to market, which supports growers and their continuing efforts to control economically damaging diseases. Syngenta is committed to driving innovation and delivering class-leading crop protection solutions that respond to market needs.

Part and parcel to any crop imaging, where radioactive Why molecular protection product’s efficacy is c14-labelled fungicides are used to the journey the active molecule produce a computer image. These makes from the moment it lands images are then related to the movements on the leaf, its progress to the analytical and biological data biochemical target site and then which has also been collected. what happens to it thereafter. It’s A further research team allows matter an area of research that Syngenta even more fine detail to be added has focussed on over the past to what’s happening within the thirty years and is known as plant when it comes to disease Discovering how a fungicide behaves biokinetics. control. Microscopy is used to throws light on its efficacy in the field. Studying a molecule in this way examine how diseases affect reveals the range of properties a plants on a cellular level and how CPM digs into the performance of Solatenol product possesses –– this the fungicide is actually working by following its journey from the moment it includes leaf surface stability, on the pathogen. rainfastness, rate of movement lands on a leaf. into the leaf and subsequent How does it relate to distribution that together help fungicides? By Lucy de la Pasture explain the efficacy of a product. From following every step of its journey, the team have discovered How’s it evaluated? These days it’s not very often a Dave Bartlett, principal technical Biokinetic studies can quantify new active ingredient becomes specialist at Syngenta’s Jealott’s analytically how much fungicide available. This season growers Hill facility, leads the fungicide moves in the plant and where and have a new fungicide from biokinetics team and explains what when this happens. At Syngenta, Syngenta, Elatus Era, which their studies have revealed, using biological assays run in parallel contains the SDHI active, Elatus Era to illustrate the value of with biokinetics, so the same benzovindiflupyr (branded as this knowledge. ADAS principal leaves are used for quantitative Solatenol) in formulation with research scientist, Jonathan Blake, analysis by the biokinetics team as the azole, prothioconazole. goes on to explain how this then are assessed for disease Amongst the R&D processes translates to field experience of the control by the biologists. It’s a at Syngenta that underpin the new fungicide. hand-in-hand process that’s led to screening and development of an industry-leading understanding active molecules, is a science that What is biokinetics? of how a molecule can deliver studies their behaviour from the Fungicide efficacy is a well disease control in the field. Dave Bartlett explains how the time of application until they’re understood term in disease control One of the methods used to biokinetic profile of Solatenol relates broken down in the plant –– a field but a less familiar concept to many track the journey of products to its efficacy. known as biokinetics. is biokinetics. through the plant is phosphor

14 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Tech Talk Solatenol is“ the most potent Fungicide behaviour of the current top tips SDHIs. ” G Be aware of biokinetic properties – they have an effect on efficacy and practical issues, such as rainfastness. G Aim to use preventatively – the biokinetic properties of Elatus Era mean it is a strong protectant and offers long-lasting control once in the plant. Elatus Era has proven to be as least as good as other SDHIs in trials, with G CTL boosts septoria control stand-out rust control. – so think anti-resistance and use CTL with confidence with Elatus Era. environmental or regulatory issues. What has recent work A factor that can affect the shown? uptake of an active molecule For Elatus Era, the movement of stage are undesirable attributes. into the leaf is its degree of Solatenol within the plant means it Elatus Era forms a stable hydrophilicity or lipophilicity, which remains distributed evenly across deposit on the surface of leaves, will affect the speed of movement the leaf, accumulating within the with excellent rainfastness and into the waxy cuticle and then wax layer which subsequently isn’t subject to UV breakdown or from the cuticle into the cells of provides a reservoir of fungicide. how Elatus Era moves from the vapour losses so ticks the first box the plant. This reservoir of Solatenol is moment it lands on the leaf. It’s the team are evaluating? The direction of flow within the maintained over a prolonged important for a fungicide to remain The fungicide then needs to plant is also important and, for period due to its lipophilic nature, on the leaf for long enough so the reach the target site of susceptible a fungicide, acropetal flow where it’s slowly metered into the active can get into the plant, whilst pathogens and remain in the (upward flow through the xylem) cells of the leaf, inhibiting spore also maintaining an effective plant for as long as possible to is desirable so movement occurs germination, penetration and preventative barrier, which means maintain disease control, but throughout the leaf and potentially mycelial growth. Prothioconazole that any product losses at this not long enough to cause any to new growth. moves rather more rapidly and L

New chemistry impresses in Shrops

Doug McCowan is one of the few (Fanfare) grown on a seed contract for and wiggle room at T1 if weather growers who has had the opportunity to local company, Wynnstay Farmers, conditions become difficult for spraying, see Elatus Era in action on the land 115ha oilseed rape (Campus, Elgar and he comments. he’s responsible for. Farm manager for Incentive), 122ha winter wheat for feed “Our T1 spray will include an SDHI Harnage Estates, where the Syngenta (Reflection) and 110ha winter wheat for in mixture with CTL and possibly other western platform trial site is hosted, he milling (Crusoe). The remaining acreage additions depending on the disease also looks after 505ha of cropping produces potatoes for McCain (Royal pressure. Last year we used an SDHI under a contract-farming agreement and Maris Piper) or is permanent in tank-mix with CTL and azole with The Newport Farm Partnership pasture, predominantly used for car chemistry.” and Lord Bradford, located at parking for revellers at the V-festival. Using mixes with a range of different Weston-under-Lizard in Shrops. Doug McCowan cites septoria as his active ingredients is something Doug Doug McCowan has earmarked the “Having the Syngenta site on the number one disease pressure, though McCowan believes is crucial to protect Reflection on his farm as the variety farm has been of huge value to us. yellow rust was very much in evidence fungicide chemistry from resistance. most likely to receive Elatus Era at T2. We get to see new varieties, as well as last season in Reflection. “There’s been lots of talk about SDHI crop protection products in crops, on “Reflection got some bad press last resistance and it’s not something we rusts in the trials on the farm, which our own soil type, growing under local season but if you look after it, it looks want to let happen so we’re making have looked clean over the past two conditions and disease pressures. This and performs really well. We have sure they’re supported by alternative seasons,” he says. gives us useful information and helps a four-spray fungicide strategy so groups of chemistry,” he adds. “The biggest challenge we face our own farming practices to constantly may use some Cherokee (CTL+ Doug McCowan has witnessed the every year in farming is knowing what evolve,” he says. cyproconazole+ propiconazole) at T0 on different SDHIs side-by-side on his the weather is going to do, what the With a range of soil types from light, Reflection, but there are no signs of any farm, so where is he thinking of disease challenge will be and every blowing sand to heavy clay, there’s a rust in crops so far this spring,” he says. applying Elatus Era at the all-important season is different. But we’ve had variety of crops grown on the farm. But that doesn’t mean the yellow T2 timing this spring? a better winter all-round and look The majority of the farm is down to rust threat isn’t there and disease “We’ll definitely be using some forward to putting the insight we’ve combinable crops with 61ha hybrid control is all about protection these Elatus Era on the Reflection. It looks to gained on Elatus Era into commercial barley (Bazooka), 36ha spring beans days. T0 also gives some insurance be very strong on both septoria and practice,” he concludes.

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 15 Tech Talk

greener for longer, more photosynthesis can occur, and this Comparative efficacy on yellow rust directly relates to yield benefits. Field trials carried out by ADAS Adexar 1.2 + Bravo seem to back up the theory. Librax 1.2 + Bravo

In a field scenario where Elatus era 0.8 + Bravo there’s a disease epidemic, new infections will be occurring all of PTZ 0.43 + Bravo the time as new spores infect unt leaves. This means pathogens 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 will always be present at various % Yellow rust (leaf two) stages of development. And this Control of yellow rust on leaf two (1 July) from T2 applications on cv. Solstice, is where the longevity that the near Thorney, Peterborough 2016, with no preceding T0 or T1 applications Solatenol molecule has inside the Source: Syngenta trial at ADAS According to Jonathan Blake, plant really comes into its own, Solatenol offers prolonged protection providing persistent protection of approx. 15-20 days. part of an anti-resistance strategy. and has enough curative activity to that has stood out in field trials, Leaf two was inoculated and The inclusion of chlorothalonil more than adequately control any especially where both septoria treatments applied on day 1, 7, (CTL) as a tank-mix partner has latent septoria infection on leaf two. and rust control is a concern. The persistency of Solatenol is 12 and 18 after inoculation and been seen to antagonise the effect

L results showed Elatus Era gave of SDHIs, particularly bixafen, but has a highly complementary something that could potentially comparable levels of disease ADAS trials show a negligible biokinetics profile alongside also have an added advantage in control with other SDHI treatments. effect on the activity of Elatus Era. Solatenol. seasons where disease epidemics A further trial was inoculated after In AHDB fungicide performance Although it’s been shown to be occur late, with infection periods treatment to evaluate persistence trials on barley, Elatus Era slow moving, Solatenol also has a during June and early July, when of control and Elatus Era was at performs at a leading level, slow rate of degradation. Good shorter-lived fungicides would be least as good or better in terms of similar to Siltra Xpro (bixafen+ stability, within both the plant running out of steam. the protection it gave the crop. prothioconazole), with the azole and fungal cells, is a biokinetic component in both fungicides property that then comes into What about trials results? also being very strong on barley play, ensuring sufficient active is In the trials conducted by ADAS, How’s this technology diseases. I available to take care of any latent Elatus Era consistently matched best applied? The persistency of control offered infection in the plant and ensure the performance of the other SDHI by Solatenol positions Elatus Era longevity of disease control. products tested within the AHDB as ideal at the T2 timing, where it An intrinsic property of any fungicide performance trials on will offer prolonged protection and active molecule is potency, and septoria. For rusts, the newcomer has enough curative activity to Solatenol is the most potent of the showed itself to be possibly the more than adequately control any current SDHIs. In practical terms, strongest of its group on the latent septoria infection on leaf two. for a fungicide this means that disease. At full rate (1.0 l/ha), Elatus Era less needs to move within the As well as comparative trials, is formulated to offer a 75% plant to produce high levels of ADAS carried out some inoculation dose of prothioconazole, so it’s disease control compared to work with septoria to test the A microscopy image of yellow rust on important to maintain dose rate in less potent SDHIs. performance of Elatus Era within wheat on day 7 after infection. the range 0.8-1.0 l/ha to ensure the latent period of infection. Solatenol seems to offer long-lasting curative activity while delivering How does this transfer Septoria needs about 220-300 control of the pathogen. to the field? day degrees (depending on the the robust azole rate necessary as The biokinetic profile of Solatenol variety) from infection to symptoms strongly indicates that by showing. It’s the thermal time Sponsor message protecting the leaf from fungal that’s important but in June this pathogens, leaves will stay corresponds to a latent period Keeping on top of foliar, yield-robbing powerful SDHI fungicide that’s diseases, such as septoria and rusts, taking cereal crop production to the is a constant battle for growers. next level. Syngenta’s major and sustained In the age of modern arable investment into its unique R&D farming where there is a clear focus product pipeline, means it is on producing clean crops and hitting committed to driving agricultural yield targets, farmers need to draw innovation and supporting farmers in on every resource available to stop protecting crops from devastating key cereal diseases in their tracks. pests and diseases. This season sees the result of Microscopy has added to the detail about how Solatenol works - cross-section 15 years of major investment with of a healthy leaf (left) compared with a leaf infected with septoria (right). the launch of Elatus Era, Syngenta’s

16 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

One spray or two? The debate is“ always whether to put on a second treatment.”

Technical Sclerotinia

Sclerotinia has the potential took place last spring. For infection to occur, to decimate yields. CPM three factors have to happen simultaneously –– ascospore presence isn’t enough on its seeks advice from experts own, she explains. in a county where the Relative humidity threat is often highest. “For plants to become infected, a minimum temperature of 70C, with relative humidity at By Lucy de la Pasture 80% or above for at least a day is required. Petals need to be carrying ascospores, then It’s a sight that makes the heart sink. The the infected petals have to stick to the oilseed rape crop has been looking full of leaves of OSR plants to enable the fungus to promise all season, you’ve been feeling infect the plant and for sclerotinia to become quietly confident that things have gone a problem in the crop.” According to Julie Smith, sclerotinia control is well and then you spot them –– patches And although the disease is widely more dependent on getting the timing right than of white stems, ‘rat-droppings’ and associated with wet springs and moisture the fungicide applied. lodging –– the tell-tale signs of sclerotinia is required for infection to occur, it needs to infection. be the right kind of moisture. by tracking flower opening and petal fall in Not many OSR diseases have the visual “Heavy rain suppresses ascospore apetalous specimens and found the sepals impact of sclerotinia and it’s high on the list release and under these conditions, petals and stamens can also be a source of of grower priorities when it comes to are often washed off the leaves and don’t sclerotinia inoculum, rather blowing the fungicide applications, says Dr Julie Smith, have the opportunity to stick to them. theory. senior research scientist based at ADAS In contrast, light rain or even just heavy Further work revealed the leaf layers Rosemaund in Herefordshire. dews offer perfect conditions for petals to that were most likely to catch petals Although sclerotinia is a slightly sporadic stick and ascospore germination,” says were situated between the bottom and disease and doesn’t occur in every season, Julie Smith. mid-canopy, leaf layers 7-9. In the study, it made an unwelcome return in 2016, As petal fall is the main culprit when it sclerotinia infection subsequently came in catching some growers unawares. The comes to sclerotinia infection, apetalous on the stem at the same level confirming the question is why was this, and how can we or reduced petal varieties have been importance of petal-stick in the infection guard better against a repeat performance? suggested as a way of circumventing process, as well as the need for good According to Julie Smith, weather data disease spread. Defra-funded work fungicide coverage and penetration of revealed more infection events than ‘normal’ carried out by ADAS has investigated this the canopy.

18 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 So do we really want varieties with big leaves at this level, asks David Lines, Herefordshire independent agronomist and AICC member. Although they provide a good source for photosynthesis, he reasons that retention of these leaves late in the season isn’t desirable in a sclerotinia-prone situation. Petals need to be carrying Julie Smith agrees with the ascospores, then the infected petals logic but suggests leaf size plays have to stick to the leaves of OSR a much smaller role in sclerotinia plants to enable the fungus to infect infection than the weather during the plant. the flowering period so probably isn’t a major factor. coincided with a period of “In 2016, first sclerotinia weather that resulted in multiple sprays were applied when infection events. For my crops, 30-50% of flowers were open a fungicide application for on the main stem, locally this sclerotinia control is a given –– was around 22 April on early the debate is always whether flowering varieties and 3 May to put on a second treatment,” on later flowering types. One he adds. of the problems was that April Agronomist and pathologist was a cool month and crops also agree that timing the stayed in flower for a long time, sclerotinia application is the most meaning a second spray important factor to get right, with was required. product choice of secondary “Combined with the fact that importance. minimum temperatures in May were slightly higher than the Nothing to choose long-term average, this meant “There’s really nothing to we saw an increased number of choose between Proline infection events,” she comments. (prothioconazole), Pictor David Lines nods his (boscalid+ dimoxystrobin), agreement and stresses Filan (boscalid) and the duration of flowering is prothioconazole (PTZ) all-important where sclerotinia plus Amistar (azoxystrobin),” is concerned. says David Lines. “Last season I saw more “Last year I switched to PTZ sclerotinia in Troy because it’s during flowering because of the a later-flowering variety and this light leaf spot pressure (LLS) but I have tended to go down the Filan or Pictor route in the past. This season there’s not nearly as much LLS in crops and using chemistry from groups other than the azoles is good resistance management.” Julie Smith points out that some work done by ADAS found that fungicides from different groups affected the pathogen at slightly different stages of the life cycle. “SDHIs and strobilurins are more effective against spore germination and germ tube Bleached stems are a tell-tale sign elongation so we often found that sclerotinia control was clumps of un-germinated inadequate. ascospores on petals, whereas azoles are more active against L Sclerotinia

need your most effective products so it’s in Herefordshire, then the dose needs Proline, Filan or Pictor. The advantage with to be more robust. Proline is that you can also use it for wheat And he agrees on the importance of ear sprays so it won’t get stuck in the shed.” not skimping on the first spray when in a David Lines reckons that the sprayer high-risk situation. needs to be ready as the first petals begin to “It’s akin to the flag leaf spray in wheat in fall, bearing in mind that the fungicides are terms of importance and the second spray (if working purely as protectants and coating necessary) is like an ear wash –– a top-up as the petals with fungicide plays a part in the first fungicide begins to run out of steam. preventing sclerotinia spread. Timing of the second spray needs to be three It’s something Bayer have looked at in weeks after the first to maintain protection,” trials, adds Gareth Bubb, and could be a he adds. I good strategy where the risk is high. Rainfall in Herefordshire means David Lines will normally apply at least one sclerotinia spray. Improved control “We did some work some years back where we applied Folicur (tebuconazole) at yellow

L mycelial growth. So there could be an bud, followed by Proline at mid-flower. It argument that a mix of different activities showed an improvement in sclerotinia may offer better control, but trials show all control. If you know that sclerotinia pressure groups of chemistry are effective against will be high, it’s a good strategy but no one sclerotinia if the timing is right,” can predict flowering period. A robust dose she explains. of an effective product at mid-flower can So what is the best timing for that often be sufficient. No one wants to spray all-important first spray? According to if they don’t need to.” Bayer’s Gareth Bubb mid-flower is the Julie Smith adds that there is some evidence that under low-moderate optimum time to control the disease. Infected stems contain sclerotia, which look like sclerotinia risk, there’s no need to increase “Later infections are not so damaging and rat droppings. These then provide inoculum to dose of PTZ to above 0.5 l/ha but under a second spray is a top up if flowering gets infect subsequent OSR crops. extended. The aim is protection and you any higher pressure, as David Lines finds

Weed worries shouldn’t drive spring sprays

Getting good“ control can be a worry, but Pixxaro seems to get you out trouble.”

Technical Weed control

Dow AgroSciences’ new address the threat of resistance are what Jackson. “No matter when you apply it, as growers are looking for from new broadleaf long as the weed is there, it’ll perform.” broadleaf herbicide Arylex herbicide solutions. The herbicide was introduced last year makes promises of a more “Growers want efficacy from the as Pixxaro, in a formulation containing herbicides they use, especially on fluroxypyr (as in Starane). Zypar, containing relaxed approach to spring weeds that are difficult to control, but florasulam (as in Spitfire), has just been weed control. A CPM/Dow they also want to use their time efficiently cleared for use (see panel on p27). as they have priorities elsewhere on Dick Neale of Hutchinsons reckons L survey finds out what that the farm,” notes Stuart Jackson of means to growers. Dow AgroSciences. By Tom Allen-Stevens Septoria control “The main one here is septoria control –– with less eradicant activity by fungicides, Growers want a herbicide that will tackle let timings slip on disease because your tough broadleaf weeds in the spring, focus is elsewhere and you’re hammered. but don’t want to compromise fungicide Once septoria is in the crop you’ll struggle timings in order to apply it. When it to be free of it. Growers can’t afford comes to controlling weeds, weather to delay fungicide applications to wait is a key concern. for the right conditions control to A massive 98% of growers who broadleaf weeds.” responded to the CPM/Dow AgroSciences The pathogen priority is borne out in the survey on spring broadleaf-weed control survey results (see chart on p24). When agreed that weather affects when they can asked what they would do with time spray (see chart on p24). Almost nine out from a herbicide that offered more of ten find it affects the level of control they flexibility, more than two thirds of respondents said they’d focus on achieve, and less than half believe keeping You can apply Pixxaro safe in the knowledge that getting fungicide timings right. weeds in check is easy. it will stay there until it’s needed and do the job, “The beauty of Arylex (halauxifen-methyl) Better control of tough weeds, a broader says Dick Neale. spectrum and different chemical groups to is it allows you do that,” continues Stuart

22 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

Weed control

actives is generally compromised –– notably fluroxypyr on cleavers and sulfonylureas on other weeds. But you do have to understand the weed spectrum you’re dealing with –– Pixxaro is particularly effective on poppies and cleavers. It controls cranesbill, chickweed, fat hen, small speedwell and a number of other target weeds. But volunteer oilseed rape, mayweed, pansies and large speedwell fall outside its target range.”

Biggest weed worry According to the survey, cleavers remain growers’ biggest broadleaf-weed worry, in both spring and winter cereals (see chart on p27). Brassica weeds and speedwells Cranesbill is one weed that’s getting tougher to control. come next in winter cereals, while chickweed and fat hen are major concerns L Arylex is a valuable addition to the knowledge that it will stay there until it’s in spring-sown crops. Cranesbill features herbicide armoury. “Pixxaro is a very needed and do the job. as a common weed in winter crops, while effective herbicide for the weeds it “That’s especially useful in cold poppies occur commonly controls. You can apply it safe in the conditions, when the efficacy of other in both winter and spring cereals. “What stands out is that cleavers are still the number one weed worry,” notes Stuart Broadleaf weed control – the priorities Jackson. “We have the chemistry to control them effectively, but they always reappear If you were to develop new broadleaf herbicide solutions for farmers, what would you work on? in cereals, and where they do, they can be responsible for significant yield loss. It means whatever you use to control them, you can’t afford for that product not to work.” With other weeds, his advice is to look carefully at what’s in the field. “Those growers with grassweed issues will already have applied a fairly robust autumn stack of residual herbicides. Speedwells and pansies, for example, are generally taken out by flufenacet, diflufenican and pendimethalin applications. “Cleavers will frequently appear in the L

If a herbicide offered you more spray What about broadleaf-weed control in cereals on your farm? days, what would you do with the time you gained?

24 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

Weed control

more evident as nitrogen applications are so by the spring, the weeds in some fields made –– cleavers especially are stimulated were particularly bad. We’d heard that by N –– so be ready to react.” Pixxaro could be used on big plants in conditions where other herbicides Poppy problem wouldn’t perform.” Heavy clays in particular will harbour The application was made with the cleavers, some speedwells, cranesbill, T0 spray in mid April, tank-mixed with charlock and volunteer OSR, he notes. chlormequat, chlorothalonil and Poppies are often more of a problem on manganese. “Pixxaro mixes well with lighter soils with bindweed and knotgrass T0 and T1 chemistry. There were some coming in later in the season. big, overwintered poppies, chickweed “In the past, many growers have tended and cleavers, but they were beautifully to go with a specific application to clear up controlled by the herbicide. In adverse broadleaf weeds at around GS32, or wait conditions or with larger weeds, getting until GS37 if crops are clean and cleavers good control can be a worry, but Pixxaro Colin Woodward was faced with large weeds to are the only target, when they’d go with seems to get you out trouble.” control in cold April conditions. Starane,” notes Dick Neale. This year is quite different, however, so “Arylex gives you more flexibility to Colin Woodward will be adapting his L spring, as will cranesbill, poppy and the control those key target weeds when it approach. “All the residuals have worked odd brassica weed.” suits you –– it’s a very good product in well and crops are looking clean. There are Dick Neale confirms that cereal crops that respect, as long as you know its a few overwintered cleavers in fields with are coming into spring growth looking weed spectrum.” low levels of blackgrass that didn’t have generally free of broadleaf weeds. “It’s Oxon grower Colin Woodward used have a post-emergence follow-up. There’ll probably the cleanest start to the season Pixxaro on his winter wheat last year. also be spring germinators, but I don’t we’ve had for some time. This is mainly He manages 900ha of arable cropping think I need to worry about those until the down to later-drilled crops and the heavy based on the Great Tew Estate, near T1 timing at the earliest, so there’s no herbicide stacks growers have applied for Chipping Norton. “The main reason we panic this year.” blackgrass control. For the most part, used Pixxaro was that it was cold when Across the rotation, broadleaf-weed these have done a fantastic job. we applied it in April, and the weeds, control has improved with the recent “The downside of later drilling is that especially poppies, were quite large,” introduction of Clearfield oilseed rape, he there’s less crop cover early in the spring, he notes. says. “That’s really helped us get on top of which means weeds are stimulated to grow “It turned wet after mid Oct the previous runch and charlock. We’ve also moved out and compete with the crop. This will become autumn, curtailing herbicide applications, of winter beans into spring beans, which

High awareness of resistance threat

Herbicide resistance in broadleaf weeds is a in Scotland, there are two known mutations. The What is your experience/view of herbicide recognised threat on more than three quarters of more common one occurs at the Proline 197 resistance in broadleaf weeds? UK farms, according to the results of the survey position, conferring resistance to metsulfuron, but (see chart). The number of confirmed cases may not to the triazolopyrimidine herbicide florasulam. be higher than the handful that official figures Less common in chickweed is the mutation at the suggest, with 4% of respondents saying they Tryptophan 574 position, which confers resistance have resistant broadleaf weeds. to both metsulfuron and florasulam. A further 19% suspect they have cases on the “Isolated cases of resistance in mayweed has farm, while 61% of growers said they recognise it been confirmed and we know of a few cases as a threat that they believe they’ve so far avoided where groundsel has been particularly difficult through careful use of herbicides. to control,” adds Dick Neale. “It’s a threat, and “There’s no doubt the incidence of herbicide growers should be aware of it. But resistance resistance in broadleaf weeds has increased,” is relatively simple and inexpensive to avoid notes Dick Neale. “There’s more awareness, which through using chemistry with different modes may be driving the increase, and for those with of action.” confirmed cases, they really know they have it, Stuart Jackson advises growers who suspect and have to adapt their herbicide practice.” resistance to get seed tested. “Those with The most cases of resistance have been confirmed cases will still achieve good control identified in poppies, mainly in eastern counties. with Pixxaro or Zypar, but should apply full label The mutation has occurred at a target site for ALS rates –– i.e. 0.5 l/ha and 1 l/ha respectively –– is effective on mayweed, for example. Note that herbicides in the plant, known as Proline 197, and with an adjuvant added for Pixxaro, and target Zypar contains florasulam, which will not control the sulfonylureas, particularly metsulfuron and weeds when they’re small. chickweed with the rare Tryptophan 574 tribenuron, are affected. “Make full use of other modes of action –– mutation. But Arylex is an auxin herbicide In resistant chickweed, found most commonly pendimethalin is good on poppies and clopyralid with no known resistance issues.”

26 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Weed control

Which of these weeds commonly occur on your farm?

Pixxaro is effective on poppies, which can be a problem in spring barley.

tend to be a cleaner crop. We also have spring barley in the rotation, and I note that Pixxaro is a nice fit for poppies, which can be a problem in the crop.” Relaxed approach makes for weed winners Using the rotation and more effective chemistry are two ways in which Colin Woodward aims to prevent broadleaf Three lucky CPM readers have each won 40ha what they needed to help them relax in the weeds becoming too much of a worry. Pixxaro for taking part in the CPM/Dow spring were deemed best by the judging panel. “We haven’t had any problems with AgroSciences survey. What’s more, the first 50 survey entrants have resistance, but it’s something to be aware Richard Dungait of West Farm, Morpeth, each received a pair of Bama welly socks. of. Meanwhile, cranesbill is one weed that’s Northumberland, Sam Paske in St Neots, The aim of the survey was to gather views on getting tougher to control, and weather Cambs and Philip Metcalfe of Foxberry Farm, spring priorities and how broadleaf-weed control always plays the biggest role in how the Richmond, N Yorks responded to the survey fits in. To take part in the next survey, make sure spring progresses. So we need chemistry and completed the tie-breaker question. we have the correct details for you by emailing that fits in with what we’re doing and takes Their replies to the question asking them [email protected] the burden out of weed control.” I

Zypar comes in for autumn use

Zypar has now joined Pixxaro as the second mayweed. It’s a compatible product that sits herbicide for UK growers from Dow happily in the tank with PGRs, trace elements, AgroSciences that contains Arylex. This is fungicides and other herbicides,” he says. formulated with florasulam, used in Spitfire, So how should growers use the two along with halauxifen-methyl, and is cleared for products? “Used at the T0 spray timing, Pixxaro use in both the autumn and spring. at 0.375 l/ha will pick up weeds left by the Autumn use is the key point of difference to autumn-applied residuals. Use the higher rate its stable mate. A contact-acting herbicide, of 0.5 l/ha if poppies have passed the four-leaf Zypar can be applied from early growth stages stage and add an adjuvant if there’s no EC through to GS45 in all winter and spring cereals formulation in the tank-mix –– if it’s partnered The key difference in the weed spectrum is that except oats. It controls cleavers, poppies, with straight chlorothalonil, for instance. Zypar is effective on brassicas and mayweed, cranesbill, fumitory, fat hen, chickweed, Alternatively, use Zypar at 0.75 l/ha, with no says Stuart Jackson. brassicas, mayweed, and volunteer beans, adjuvant required.” notes Stuart Jackson, and will add flexibility The advice would be pretty much the same fungicide timing can use Zypar or Pixarro to mop and an alternative mode of action to spring at the T1 spray timing. “Just bear in mind the up weeds that have escaped treatment earlier in weed control, too. higher rates may be needed for larger weeds,” the spring, as well as clearing out late flushes of “The key difference in the weed spectrum he adds. black bindweed which may come through in a is that Zypar is effective on brassicas and “Those growers who will wait until the T2 wet season.”

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 27

Liquid logic has Innovation Insight a way with weeds

Iain Learmonth is looking to control aggressive populations of cleavers and groundsel and potentially ALS-resistant populations of chickweed and mayweed.

blackgrass is a target. “Until now, a maximum of two applications of ALS The improved herbicides within a season “adjuvant properties have been allowed, which has restricted the choice of of the oil dispersion a spring herbicide when formulation resulted flupyrsulfuron (FPU) and in better weed Atlantis (iodosulfuron+ mesosulfuron) had been control. used as part of an autumn ” grassweed strategy,” he explains. Technical For Scottish agronomist Iain Innovation Insight Learmonth, the ability to successfully control aggressive populations of cleavers and groundsel and potentially ALS-resistant When Dupont scientists But there have always been a couple populations of chickweed and mayweed, finally created a formulation of niggles with them –– cleavers aren’t has become even more important. He controlled by the majority of SUs used in advises for Gardiner ICM, consulting on over to partner fluroxypyr with the spring, and then there’s the bewildering 9000ha of a fertile ribbon of land stretching sulfonylurea herbicides, it restrictions on sequencing and mixtures. from just North of Aberdeen to the Black Isle. Winter cereals constitute the bulk of wasn’t just the spectrum of Running out of steam his cropping with oilseed rape and the one-can solution that “When autumn residual herbicides start potatoes as a break. While pre and early running out of steam we see problems with post-emergence herbicides have afforded was improved. CPM tells broadleaf weeds,” notes Steve Cook of satisfactory control, there are limited the story. Hampshire Arable Systems. “And by May opportunities to use these, and weeds such weeds are often large so sulfonylureas can as chickweed often slip through the net. By Tom Allen-Stevens struggle to provide satisfactory control, ““I often find myself recommending an especially of charlock and cleavers which extra application after growth stage 32 to keep emerging throughout the season. clean up the crop,” he says. Sulfonylurea herbicides have long been “We have the option of going back in with Weeds such as pansy, hemp nettle, the mainstay of broadleaf weed control in Starane (fluroxypyr) for cleaver control, but mayweed and polygonums are perennial the spring. Low dose rates and a broad there are other weeds to consider too, so a challenges for him. “SUs are very useful at spectrum make them a farmer friendly product with a broader spectrum is needed.” what they do, if used sensibly, in terms of the addition bringing cost-effective, There are also restrictions on mixing and broad spectrum of activity they have and season-long control of a number of sequencing acetolactate synthase (ALS) their ease of use –– if you apply an SU, you culprits that perennially slip through the chemistry, he notes, and this can be a can usually be confident you’ve plugged net cast by the autumn residual herbicide. problem, especially for growers where any gaps.”

28 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Innovation Insight

The SU herbicides were introduced in address with this class of chemistry is that it the mid-1980s. It was a Dupont scientist, relies on one mode of action. The difficulty George Levitt, who first managed to capture has always been with the formulation.” the high potency from extraordinarily low Fluroxypyr, also introduced in the dose rates certain compounds within this mid-1980s, has long been the product of class of chemistry could exhibit. He choice for cleaver control. It’s a synthetic persisted in synthesising new molecules auxin with a high degree of activity and long after other chemists had abandoned selectivity for the weed. the SUs, and helped to bring actives such as metsulfuron-methyl, tribenuron-methyl Liquid formulation and thifensulfuron-methyl (as in Ally Max SX “Fluroxypyr is a liquid formulation. For a and Harmony M SX) to market. one-can solution, we needed to find a liquid Dupont has continued to develop the SU formulation we could tank-mix. But the chemistry, improving the formulation and main stumbling block has always been that the spectrum of weeds controlled by this SUs can lose their stability in a liquid –– remarkable low-dose class of molecules. that’s why you should never leave them in But for the past 30 years, there’s been a a spray tank for a long period of time,” recognised challenge the research team has explains Tim Obrigawitch. sought to overcome. “We haven’t had a Many hundreds of different formulations cleaver solution,” notes Dr Tim Obrigawitch, have been tested and millions of dollars The real strength of Provalia is its performance in global technical product manager for spent searching for the answer, he says. marginal conditions, notes Alister McRobbie. Dupont at its main facility in Newark, USA. “It’s eluded us for the past 27 years, but “What we’ve been looking for is a product eventually in 2013, we cracked it –– we other SUs and fluroxypyr and that could be that would provide a broadleaf-weed solution developed an oil dispersion (OD) formulation used at the right rate.” in just one package. The other aspect to that could take metsulfuron, stabilise it with It was the first time that such a L

Weed control boost from formulation fervour

The new LQM formulation in Provalia has some unique characteristics that alter the way it lands on the leaf, remains there and is rapidly taken up by the plant, points out Alister Mc Robbie. “Spray droplets that have a high dynamic surface tension (DST) will tend to bounce or run off the leaf surface,” he explains. “Tests have shown Provalia has a lower DST than either the tank-mix equivalent or competitor products. Droplets remain on the leaf surface which means the maximum surface area comes in contact with the leaf and as a result, you get maximum AI uptake.” A key point to note is that this isn’t about Plants above are shown 14 days after treatment. After just 30mins, much more Provalia is taken rainfastness, but enhanced uptake, he adds. up, compared with the tank-mix. In another test, pansy plants were treated with Provalia and the tank-mix equivalent. The Uptake of active ingredients into the plant

leaves were then washed using a solvent 75% –– some after 30mins and some after four hours. Plants were then assessed 14 days 70% after treatment. 65% “After just 30mins, much more AI was taken up by the plant in the LQM formulation, 60% compared with the SX tank-mix. We found 55% similar results with competitor products and with other weeds.” 50% Provalia LQM For best results, he recommends growers %

45% u Tank-mix target weeds when they’re small and actively p t a

growing. “However, because of the new k

e 40%

o 15 mins 30 mins 1 hr 2 hr 4 hr 24 hr

formulation, a full wash-out procedure is f

a c

Source:t Dupont

required,” he notes. i v e

i n g r e d i e crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 29 n t Innovation Insight

Performance in marginal conditions

l 100 o r

t 98 n

o 96 c

94 r

e 92 v

a 90 e l 88 C

86 % 84

82

80 Cold Normal Provalia LQM 1 l/ha Fluroxypr 135 GA l/ha Spitfire 0.75 l/ha Galaxy 1 l/ha

Source: Dupont lab study 2015; Spitfire contains florasulam+ fluroxypyr; Galaxy contains clopyralid+ florasulam+ fluroxypyr Steve Cook needs a product with a broader weed spectrum. “But what we noticed in the field was branded as LQM, and the UK growers are better spreading and adhesion to the leaf set to receive it first this season, following L combination had been made possible. But with this product. The improved adjuvant its approval for use late last year –– it’s due it was only during field testing that all of the properties of the oil dispersion formulation for commercial roll-out across other EU benefits of the new technology emerged. resulted in better weed control.” countries in 2018. “We’d aimed for a product that was stable It was launched first to Canadian Provalia LQM combines metsulfuron-methyl, and easy to apply. It also had to be farmers in 2015. “It was a huge success –– thifensulfuron-methyl and fluroxypyr into the compatible with a wide range of tank-mixes, many of them prefer a liquid formulation oil dispersion formulation. It’s cleared for including liquid fertiliser, without foaming and had been looking for a one-can use in winter wheat and winter barley from and be suitable for use on winter cereals. solution. But the market there is mainly 15 March, or GS21 up to GS39. Available All of these we achieved,” continues for spring cereals.” in a five-litre pack, the maximum dose is Tim Obrigawitch. In Europe, the new formulation is 1 l/ha, which will deliver 5g/ha, 30g/ha and

New solution sought for tough weeds

Weeds that are proving to be increasingly tough herbicide programme across the 445ha of to control in winter cereals are persuading Oxon arable crops Philip Barber grows, based at Friars grower Philip Barber to change his approach. Farm, near Witney. Clay over gravel gives him “Wild carrot in particular is becoming a ground that can lie waterlogged in the winter but problem,” he notes. “It may be that we is drought prone during summer months. underestimated in the past just how much of a “We won’t start drilling cereals until mid Oct, good job the old autumn-applied chemistry did. and these will always receive a pre-emergence But we’re now finding you need broadleaf-weed herbicide of flufenacet and pendimethalin, with control you can rely on in the spring.” a bit of diflufenican. We’ll then follow up post Resistant blackgrass dictates much of the emergence with flufenacet to bring it to the full rate for the season, with some extra DFF or Despite applying a robust autumn stack, Philip Wild carrot grows fast, and if you don’t deal PDM. It’s then a question of wait and see what Barber is finding an extra application of spring with it, you’ll have large plants competing with comes through in the spring.” herbicide is a regular requirement. the crop. Despite a pretty robust autumn stack, he’s finding an extra application of spring herbicide tribenuron-methyl) is the only herbicide that’ll is a regular requirement. “Cleavers will often touch it. But you still have to come back with germinate, but wild carrot is also becoming an something for the cleavers.” increasing problem. You see it in early spring, This year, he’s planning to try Provalia. “It’ll and if you don’t deal with it, you’ll have large be interesting to see how it does on the wild plants competing with the crop –– it grows carrot. I understand it’s faster acting and will fast,” notes Philip Barber. take care of the cleavers. It’s a liquid, that “I’ve tended to deal with it at the T0 timing, makes things easier. But the nice thing is that and sometimes risked going as late as T1. I’ve it’s a one-can solution that’ll take care of a very found full rate Ally Max SX (metsulfuron-methyl+ specific weed issue I have,” he notes.

30 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Innovation Insight

135g/ha of the three actives respectively –– roughly equivalent to mixing Harmony M SX with Starane. “But the new formulation outperforms the same products if you just tank-mix them,” notes Dupont cereal product manager Alister McRobbie. “Its real strength is in marginal conditions, so you can apply it earlier in the season when it’s cold. But equally, at the other end of the season, it performs well on larger, over-wintered weeds –– better than the current SU chemistry.”

Improved control Dupont trials from 2012-2015 have shown Provalia at both full and three-quarter rate outperforms fluroxypyr alone against Dupont trials in Lincs in 2015 show the efficacy of Provalia LQM on cleavers (left) compared with cleavers, and it sits well ahead of straight fluroxypyr at 135 GAI/ha. florasulam plus fluroxypyr. Studies with pot-grown cleavers under controlled conditions of 5-12°C have also shown growers and agronomists.” groundsel. It’s a particularly convenient improved control of Provalia ahead of Provalia also boasts an impressive weed and flexible formulation as well. competitor products (see chart on p30). spectrum, he points out (see table below), “It won’t be used exclusively, but Another key difference with Provalia is which takes in polygonums and volunteer prescriptively and well targeted applications there’s more flexibility with ALS sequences, oilseed rape. “The fluroxypyr also adds from GS32-39 will mean that the headache adds Alister McRobbie. “Up to now, another mode of action against chickweed, of dealing with those aggressive and hugely growers could only sequence two where resistance may be an issue.” competitive populations that have slipped ALS herbicides on a crop. With Provalia, Iain Learmonth used Provalia in trials through the autumn herbicide net, can be they can use it in sequence on crops last year in both winter wheat and barley. dealt with effectively.” where both FPU and Atlantis have “It’s not a game-changer, but it does Steve Cook has also seen the efficacy of been used previously in autumn improve efficacy, particularly on substantial Provalia in last year’s trials and reckons it programmes for control of bad blackgrass winter-hardened and normally difficult shows impressive knock down of most of –– a real improvement in flexibility for to control cleavers, chickweed and the key broadleaf weeds. He notes there’s a quicker activity on both small and larger Provalia LQM weed spectrum weeds, over a broader spectrum of species. “It picked up some weeds not Species 1 l/ha 0.75 l/ha Species 1 l/ha 0.75 l/ha adequately controlled before, such as Charlock SSScarlett pimpernel SSspeedwell and wild carrot. Chickweed SSScented mayweed SS “It’s not just about improved weed control, Cleavers SSScentless mayweed SSthough –– Provalia isn’t new chemistry, Common hemp nettle SSShepherd’s needle SSafter all. What it offers is a new formulation Corn chamomile S S Shepherd’s purse SSof actives that we haven’t had before. So it’s the one-can solution, easier mixing Corn marigold SSSmall flower cranesbill SS and three-way sequencing with other ALS Corn spurrey SSSow thistle S S herbicides that’ll be of benefit. It just Cut leaf cranesbill SSVolunteer OSR SS makes the job of controlling broadleaf Fat hen SSWall cress SSweeds in spring that much simpler,” Forget me not SSWild carrot S S he concludes. I Field pennycress SSRead dead nettle SS Groundsel SSBlack bindweed SS Hedge mustard SSCreeping thistle SS Innovation Insight Henbit dead nettle S S Knotgrass SS Mouse ear chickweed SSC F speedwell SS CPM would like to thank Dupont for kindly Orache SSFumitory S S sponsoring this article, and for providing Pale persicaria SSCornflower SS privileged access to staff and material used Parsley piert SSPansy S MS to help put the article together. Poppy SSI L speedwell MS MS Redshank SS

Source: Dupont; S susceptible, MS moderately susceptible

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 31

Spotlight on crop The indirect effect“ of cover crops is more useful than research any competitive effect. ”

Technical CPSB Conference

The great and the good “In the UK, the number of fungicides to the regulatory issues facing agronomists and control foliar pathogens, principally septoria, spray operators at the sharp end of product gathered at Peterborough has increased since 1990, with most crops use. And views were forthcoming! Arena last month for the now receiving four sprays. Despite this Jayne Wilder, a member of CRD’s increase, monitoring of commercial crops operational policy team, assured delegates Association of Applied indicates no decline in disease levels, with at they would be listened to and the initiative Biologists ‘Crop Production least 1% septoria on leaf 2 in all but the most was widely welcomed by those present, with favourable years,” he said. the workshop packed to the gills. in Southern Britain’ “This suggests a disconnect between The general consensus was an conference. CPM reports the intensity of use of foliar fungicides and overwhelming view that labels could disease pressure, which is likely to be be made less confusing and statutory on proceedings. neither economically nor environmentally requirements in particular should be clearer. sustainable.” Buffer zones were a further area where the By Lucy de la Pasture rules were perceived to becoming more Lost yield complex and clarity was deemed to be an His work looked at a large number of trials, issue, with many growers worried about An eclectic mix of researchers, agronomists conducted over many years, enabling him inadvertently ‘getting it wrong’. and wider industry converged on the East to establish an overall relationship between On the fundamental subject of whether of England showground to hear the latest disease level and lost yield. He reported that risk or hazard should be used as the future research findings, with a tightly jammed 1% infection on leaf 2 had a yield penalty of criteria for determining approvals, a return two days of presentations set to get the 0.67% yield. to a risk-based assessment was strongly grey matter ticking. The content proved to Septoria has a cost even in the absence preferred by delegates, giving plenty of food be rich pickings for those in attendance. of yield loss, he said, estimating the mean for thought for the CRD team to chew over With the focus initially on disease, AHDB’s spend on fungicides used exclusively for as they prepare for exit from the EU. Dr Paul Gosling presented his research into septoria control at £31.60/ha. Using these After lunch thoughts turned to blackgrass, the cost of septoria to the industry. As the figures, he concluded that septoria cost the which had a conference slot worthy of its most significant disease in wheat and basis industry close to 0.5M tonnes/annum in status as the UK’s most troublesome weed. of all fungicide programmes, surprisingly terms of potential yield, at a cost of around Rothamsted’s Richard Hull presented a little information is available regarding the £53M (at £125/t), rising to more than 1M paper which investigated the speed yield penalty from septoria, useful to assess tonnes in a high disease pressure year, non-target site resistance (NTSR) to the the success of fungicide programmes or or £170M. ALS inhibitor, Atlantis (mesosulfuron+ more poignantly, for regulators to determine Perhaps the highlight of the first day was iodosulfuron), occurred in different the impacts of restrictions on the availability a workshop held by CRD, aimed to help blackgrass populations. He looked at the of fungicides, he told delegates. them gather views from the field on some of cross-resistance pattern and in particular, L

32 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

CPSB Conference

even though they’d never been applied to the populations studied. However, there was no evidence of cross-resistance to flufenacet in the study, which was a very positive finding,” he said. In NTSR the molecular structure of a herbicide is more important than its mode of action, so cross-resistance need not automatically extend to other ALS-inhibiting herbicides, especially those with different molecular structures. In contrast, with target site resistance some degree of cross-resistance would be expected, Richard Hull reported there was no cross he explained. resistance to flufenacet where non target site The implication being that for such clear resistance to Atlantis was present. cross-resistance to all the ALS-inhibiting herbicides in the study, some common techniques to reduce weed populations,” Paul Gosling told delegates that septoria costs aspect in their molecular structures must he added. the industry close to 0.5M tonnes/annum in have made them vulnerable to the same In a further paper, Stephen Moss warned terms of potential yield. NTSR mechanism. The critical point was that that Italian ryegrass was a potentially even this had occurred solely through the use of bigger problem than blackgrass and

L whether this would have any impact on Altlantis, with no other ALS inhibitors having growers should avoid introducing the crop the future efficacy of widely used herbicide, been applied. into an arable rotation. flufenacet. “Italian ryegrass produces 10 times more “The area sprayed annually with Atlantis Novel methods seed per plant than blackgrass and is more hasn’t decreased much since its peak in Dr Stephen Moss presented some old competitive. 100 ryegrass heads/m2 can 2011, in spite of a slide in performance as research findings into some novel methods cause a yield reduction of 1.2t/ha, compared a result of target site and NTSR,” he told to control blackgrass that had never been with 1.0t/ha for blackgrass at the same delegates. before been published. His paper suggested population.” The research was carried out on different that late herbicide applications had potential On day two, attention turned to plant populations of blackgrass –– including one to reduce viable seed return. breeding and Penny Maplestone, British which had never been exposed to Atlantis. Based on studies with flamprop-M- Society of Plant Breeders, gave a fascinating The results showed repeated applications of isopropyl, he found that late applications in overview of developments in breeding the herbicide resulted in the rapid selection May when 10% of blackgrass heads had techniques and the potential they offer to of NTSR, probably by enhanced metabolism. emerged, consistently produced the best the industry. “This NTSR conferred resistance to overall control. Reductions of up to 90% in “There’s been a massive explosion in herbicides in four different ALS subgroups viable seed return were achieved with similar genomics, combined with other techniques, (including pyroxsulam, as in Broadway Star), reductions in the weed population in the which offers endless possibilities to change following crop. He pointed out that while the game in plant-breeding innovation,” flamprop is no longer available in Europe, this she told delegates. work highlights the potential of this approach “One of the rate-limiting factors in which deserves study with newer herbicides. plant-breeding programmes is screening, His work also highlighted the effect of although high-output phenotyping and row spacing on blackgrass populations, marker-assisted selection has speeded the concluding that narrower row widths had process up. But now there’s a move towards fewer blackgrass heads/plant. genomic selection which uses markers “On 6cm rows, there were 18-23% less heads than in 12cm rows but wider rows are more vulnerable. “It’s something to be aware of since there’s a current trend towards planting on wider row widths,” he said. His paper further revealed his work into cover crops and allelopathy, which had produced very inconclusive results and he questioned its practical relevance. “The indirect effect of cover crops is more useful than any competitive effect on blackgrass and allelopathy studies didn’t prove to have any relevant effects. In my Italian ryegrass shouldn’t be introduced into The outcome of a case in the European Court of opinion, greater emphasis should be placed arable rotations because it is potentially more Justice will determine the regulation around new on reducing seed return and more rational of a problem than blackgrass. breeding techniques. use of post-harvest stubble management

34 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 across the whole genome, making it possible to predict which lines will make the best parents. She described genome editing as ‘keyhole surgery’ for plants. The term covers a number of techniques, with the best known being CRISPR-Cas9. “It’s very specific and precise, giving breeders the ability to change just one thing. That means they can quickly select for a trait without bringing across the ‘genetic baggage’ that would Penny Maplestone explained the normally come with it and potential of new plant-breeding then needs to be removed by techniques. back-crossing within current breeding programmes,” explained Penny Maplestone. Dr Louise Ball, a member of Gene editing also allows Defra’s EU crops and GMO breeders to knock out or alter team, explained to delegates gene function or expression, as the current legal situation. well as incorporate new DNA “One of the issues is there’s no sequences. history of safe use for new “The beauty of these methods genomic techniques and no legal is that they give the plant breeder view has been forthcoming from the ability to develop products the EU Commission. They’re due that could have been made to publish a scientific explanatory through more traditional breeding note in the first quarter of 2017 techniques and without including but their legal view is awaiting any foreign DNA.” the outcome of a case currently The big question mark over in the European Court of Justice whether plant breeders will ever (ECJ),” she said. be able to realise the potential of France have asked the ECJ to these innovations remains, as consider questions regarding regulatory uncertainty continues genome editing, a ruling which to hang over them, she said. will clarify whether current EU One of the major issues GMO regulation should be surrounds whether the products applied to new breeding of new breeding techniques are techniques or not. However, a GMOs. Another difficulty lies with decision isn’t expected to be accessing genetic resources forthcoming until April 2018 so from different countries because the regulatory stalemate is likely they can choose to exercise their to continue, she explained. sovereign rights over them. Louise Ball emphasized “The Nagoya protocol was that the UK Government was set up to encourage member supportive of innovation and new countries to work together but plant-breeding techniques, with the rules are very opaque and Defra farming minister George complex, so plant breeders in Eustice actively promoting their practice have great difficulty in importance. knowing they are complying with “Although the uncertainty all the requirements under the remains, we’re inching forward protocol. Uncertainty means risk albeit very slowly and the ECJ for plant breeding companies, case will be very important. so the area remains fraught Ministers are committed to with difficulty.” innovation and science-based The definitive EU position regulation but ultimately on how new plant-breeding problems need to be resolved techniques should be classified with both legislation and public has been much delayed. perception,” she concluded. I

Brampton goes west

Blackgrass and“ wet soil go together, so you have to sort out drainage first. ”

Technical Blackgrass

A new trial site in Oxon puts strategies to be effective, particularly spring cropping on heavy land. The topsoil soil at the forefront of the is primarily good quality clay silt loam, but blackgrass battle. CPM went it overlies less permeable clay subsoil that can inhibit drainage and exacerbate along to find out more. blackgrass, Richard Hall explains.

By Paul Spackman Soil structure “Blackgrass and wet soil go together, so you have to sort out drainage first,” Soil structure must be the primary focus says Hutchinsons’ technical manager when tackling burgeoning blackgrass Dick Neale. However, this does not mean populations, say organisers of a new rushing in with the subsoiler, which can farm trial in Oxon. With herbicide-resistant make matters worse by bringing fresh blackgrass populations exceeding blackgrass seed to the surface and 5000 plants/m2, the new Hutchinsons’ disturbing natural soil structure, he warns. blackgrass centre at Mollington, near Solutions have to be tailored to individual Banbury, faces big challenges over fields. For example, closer inspection of coming years. waterlogging in one field at Mollington The firm took on four fields last autumn, revealed the cause was runoff from a nearby varying in size from 4.5ha to 17.2ha, which yard and public road which was entering Don’t rush in with the subsoiler, advises will showcase a range of chemical and the field through a gateway, not subsoil Dick Neale –– investigate what’s causing cultural techniques to reduce blackgrass compaction or high water table. Moving the the soil-related issues first. numbers, based on findings from its gateway and reinstating the ditch should Blackgrass Centre of Excellence at stop surface flooding without needing deep and any seedlings will be germinating Brampton, Cambs. cultivations, although mole ploughing would within the range of residual chemistry. “The aim is to apply the blackgrass be considered if subsoil clay is consistent Meanwhile, leaving deeper seed management techniques developed over enough, he comments. undisturbed allows natural depletion many years at Brampton, alongside other Dick Neale believes restricting cultivations of the seed bank at 70% per year. aspects specific to this site,” says trial to the top two inches (50mm) is key to Shallow tillage, combined with good manager and local agronomist Richard Hall. controlling blackgrass. Within this zone residue management further builds natural Tricky soil conditions are the main the grassweed can be encouraged to soil biology and structuring, which challenge at Mollington and addressing germinate then sprayed-off with a improves drainage, aids crop rooting underlying issues is essential for control non-selective herbicide before drilling, and improves productivity, he adds.

36 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Blackgrass

Crops that produce a strong tap root, Banbury blackgrass such as legumes, oilseed rape, linseed, mustard or tillage radish, are best at strategies: penetrating deeper into the soil, but a range of three to four species should be G Cultivation and drilling techniques – sown to provide different rooting depths shallow versus deep tillage and spread risk, he advises. G Spring cropping G Cover crops Spring cropping G Variable seed rates in spring barley Cover crops may have a role to play on G Herbicidal control in OSR heavy land by drying soil to depth and G Impact of varying flufenacet rates on enabling spring cropping –– a key tool in pre-em control. cultural blackgrass control. Two fields at Mollington are in spring barley this season, “It may look like you’re hardly doing with a range of seed rates and drilling anything, but just moving the top two systems being compared. inches is enough to encourage blackgrass Spring barley will only help reduce to germinate, while allowing the soil to blackgrass if grown correctly, Dick Neale aggregate naturally.” insists. This means getting a good flush At Mollington, shallow tillage is done of weeds prior to drilling, minimising Spring barley will only help reduce blackgrass if with an on-farm-engineered version of the soil disturbance at drilling, and sowing grown correctly and enough seeds are sown. tine and press-based Cousins Surface enough seeds to establish a crop that cultivator. outcompetes blackgrass and delivers Strong root growth is fundamental to a decent yield. are required for a 10t/ha crop, which improving soil structure and something “You must be realistic about how much based on 24-28 grains/ear, 915 ears/m2 that will be examined with cover crops seed will be lost, especially when sowing and three tillers per plant, equates to on the site to improve natural drainage. spring crops on heavy land. Yield is all 310-320 established plants/m2. At a “It’s easy to underestimate what roots will about seed numbers in barley.” seedbed survival of 70-75%, this means do,” says Dick Neale. Dick Neale says 22,000 barley seeds/m2 sowing 450-500 seeds/m2. I

Cultural “stacks” key to blackgrass control

“Stacking” cultural techniques is essential for compensate through tillering. From the very start effective blackgrass control, according to it’s an uphill struggle.” Hutchinsons’ Neil Watson. The concept is often Blackgrass should therefore be hit hard with applied to complex herbicide mixes, but has all available options to minimise seed return and equal merit for the range of non-chemical deplete the seed-bank as quickly as possible, options in the blackgrass armoury, he says. he adds. Delayed drilling, spring cropping, higher seed Reducing numbers below 12 plants/m2 allows rates, cover crops and cultivation techniques a static population to be maintained, however can all help reduce blackgrass pressure, but research shows this amount can still result in a The impact of cultural techniques is much greater their impact is much greater when used in a 5% yield loss, so a “zero-tolerance” approach when used in a coordinated way and integrated coordinated way and integrated with chemical may be better long term. with chemical options, says Neil Watson. options, he says. Attention often centres on “percentage Building the cultural stack control” but Neil Watson believes more focus G Soil – Improve structure and drainage to G Cropping – Use spring cropping as the must be given to plants that survive, as reduce waterlogging, improve crop growth, ultimate delayed drilling – spring barley blackgrass has an impressive ability to and facilitate spring cropping on heavy remains the most effective option. Maximise compensate for lower populations by producing ground. Cover crops with different rooting stale seedbeds and non-selective herbicides more tillers (up to 60 per plant) and larger ears characteristics could play a key role. before spring drilling. typically containing at least 200 viable seeds G Cultivations – Only work the top 25-50mm G Competition – Increase seed rates (up to per head. to keep blackgrass seed within a “kill zone” 450-500/m2) to compensate for likely lower This was clearly shown last season, when and allow deeper seed to deplete naturally. germination on heavy ground in spring and blackgrass tillered heavily and some ears were G Delay drilling – Maximise stale seedbeds ensure crop outcompetes blackgrass. almost double the average size of 10cm, he prior to sowing and drill after the main G Chemistry – Focus chemical control on notes. “In such cases there’s double the amount autumn flush. But this is only effective if a effective pre-emergence residual herbicides of seed return too. good flush of weeds can be established and aiming for 70-80% control. “You might achieve 90% control of plants, sprayed off. Beware of delayed germination in G Monitor – Tailor decisions to individual field but this is only equivalent to 45% control of high dormancy years such as 2016/17 and/or and seasonal conditions. Give it time – there heads given the ability of surviving blackgrass to when soil conditions remain very dry. is no quick fix.

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 37

My remit is “very much about proving the technology.” Robots take control

Features applying the technology to the actual equipment for the task in hand, starting Precision agronomy with a 40hp Iseki tractor. “I’ve worked in this field since studying Hands-free farming has as an undergraduate, initially coming across agrobotics through Professor Simon come a step closer with a Blackwell, here at Harper Adams,” explains ground-breaking research Kit Franklin. “We had prototype robots trundling around but we wanted to put them initiative underway at Harper to work in the field. Adams University. CPM visits Martin Abell (left) from Precision Decisions has Complete crop cycle been assisting Harper Adams robotics researcher to find out what it aims “People have experimented by automating Jonathan Gill and Kit Franklin (right). to achieve and reports parts of the process with many research projects going on across the world, but machine, no decision making –– it follows a on two new precision they’re snap shots. So far no one’s done pre-set course.” agronomy services. anything like this over a complete arable A front-mounted sensor will monitor the crop cycle, which was the big driver for route and stop the tractor if there’s anything in By Jane Brooks us. We aim to prove the technology by the way. “Agrobotics is a term that’s commonly undertaking our own field-scale automation used, but what we’re doing is more automation and Lucy de la Pasture project here at Harper Adams, which is than robotics,” he continues. a world first.” “Our software comes from the open-source In a world first, researchers at Harper The project launched in Oct 2016 with community so people all around the world Adams University plan to grow a hectare early testing of the automation system on an are doing bits of coding and adding to it of spring barley using robots, agricultural electric all-terrain vehicle. They’re now on the and the hardware is also developed from machinery and drones all controlled next step, which is incorporating the system an open-source background. from a laptop base-station. People are onto the 40hp Iseki tractor that’ll be used for “We’re not breaking new ground by forbidden, however –– once the area is drilling and spraying the crop. writing really clever new bits of new code fenced off, no one will be allowed to set “The tractor’s currently in the workshop but using existing technology. I think in foot in the field. having wires soldered and connected before other places people are too caught up in According to project manager Kit undergoing various tests,” adds Kit Franklin. developing from scratch rather than adapting Franklin the plan is to sow, grow and “We tested our systems on previous vehicles, what’s already out there.” harvest the crop using readily available so we know they work, but it doesn’t give The project has received a great deal of machinery, autonomous control systems us much time to get going as we plan to support from within the agricultural industry. and open-source technology. Equipment sow the barley towards the end of March Iseki have provided the tractor and Linak have preparations are well underway and all the or early April. loaned the use of the actuators. Numerous systems have undergone vigorous lab and “The machines will be controlled via a other companies have either sponsored the field testing. laptop, using a system essentially adapted project or come up with very competitive The single hectare plot has been chosen from drone technology. It’s similar to autosteer prices for items when they’re needed. –– it was sub soiled last autumn to get rid of in that the tractor is programmed from the Precision Decisions of Shipton, York have old tractor track ruts and fencing is well laptop to follow a pre-determined path. been a strong presence in the agricultural underway. There’s just the small matter of There’s no artificial intelligence in the technology market for a number of years,

38 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Precision agronomy helping farmers integrate right. The business-scaling case precisionagronomy and new is something we’ll be trying to technologies into their businesses. understand as the project Managing director Clive Blacker evolves. I think it’ll be a sharp explains why he decided to get but long-term learning curve involved in the project. to properly understand the “There’s huge enthusiasm for scalability of autonomous the project from the robotics team field-based systems. But we’ll at Harper Adams. Kit Franklin and gain an insight into the production Jonathan Gill are two very bright capabilities of this type of system, lads working in the unmanned so we can be realistic with the aerial vehicle (UAV) and robotics figures when we’re looking at sector developing some of these development opportunities.” prototypes. They’re the main He believes two potential driving force behind the areas that may provide the project and our involvement biggest benefits are in reducing is from the perspective of compaction and lowering industry knowledge and cultivation costs. “There may be a staffing requirements. lot of synergies and benefits by “A lot of development is still going with smaller machines. needed to get the technology But the million-dollar question is L

Momentum builds for the digital drive

the benefits. But technological innovations have led to a more favourable cost/benefit ratio, particularly when it comes to areas such as agronomy. Algorithms to interpret the data are also being refined, leading to better application of fertiliser, for example. Technological innovations have led to a more favourable cost/benefit Adjusting to the jargon ratio for capturing data. Open source, broadly speaking, is shared software with the Sensors, software and computer original source code being made modelling have been huge steps freely available to anyone by forward for agricultural processes, the authors of the program. such as in matching fertiliser This allows the software to be applications to crop needs. They’ve redistributed, modified or also enabled progress in agricultural enhanced by anyone with research, particularly in areas such the knowledge to do so. as plant health and growth. Source code is the list of Much of the data isn’t freely commands in a piece of software shared, however, as access to the that computer programmers can results of big-data analysis manipulate to improve, change or by large corporations, as well as fix the way a program works. within the scientific community, is Big data refers to the ability to often restricted. But larger UK examine and extract information farmers, that have the available from multiple sources. This has resources to gather the data, are been made possible in recent years more willing to exchange what by more affordable technology they collect. developments and greater And the potential in agriculture computing capability. Data storage is vast –– huge amounts of data and communication systems such can be generated during crop as mobile phones and remote growth. In the past, the cost of sensing have also enabled more capturing data often outweighed data gathering to take place.

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 39 Precision agronomy

L obviously how many do you need and is it they start talking about doing it for real.” working collaboratively and not crossing cost effective?” Although by no any means a commercial each other’s paths.” Clive Blacker also explained that the product, the hardware and electronics on the Looking at future applications for the project is purely an autonomous robotics Iseki costs around £10,000 with the tractor system, Kit Franklin believes there are parts of evaluation and given the time limitations itself in the region of £15,000. That makes the world that would adapt to it far easier than they may not able to give the cropping side the cost of a robotic system, including we would here in the UK. “In terms of scale, the attention to detail they would like. “We multiple small units, not really much different our tractors are big –– in other parts of the did some basic hand scouting before to buying a single, big horse power tractor, world they’re still farming with tractors that being banished from the field, in terms of he points out. are 50hp. digging some soil pits and doing some “I was recently in India where it’s completely penetrometer tests.” Rice combine normal to farm with tractors around 50hp and The team will be using a vineyard drill, “We originally planned to use a rice combine they’re farming a huge area. Turkey is similar which fits the size of tractor and in common as they’re small, have tracks and are easy to although their average tractor is about 65hp, with larger drills will allow fertiliser placement control. But we’ve ended up with a Sampo but again lots of small tractors farm a very with the seed. Remote-sensing drones trials combine that’s the size we wanted but large national acreage. will be used to monitor the crop, as well as not quite what we first imagined using. It’s on “In these parts of the world using robotic N-sensor technology, so variable nitrogen wheels not tracks and a little longer than we small tractors isn’t that big a step. Also, places rates could be applied. had planned, which makes our confined like Japan are facing huge problems with an “Along the way we intend to be as space a bit more of an issue compared with aging farming population and no young precise as possible –– we have a very clever an Asian combine, but it should be fine. people interested in farming. Just because 6m sprayer with section control, but that’s a “Obviously the work we’re doing is on one these markets use small tractors doesn’t side issue. The key is whether we can do the machine at the moment. But rolling forward, mean they’re opposed to technology. Actually, process,” adds Kit Franklin. “I hope that it the whole idea is to have lots more machines they’re possibly more receptive than we are opens people’s eyes and awareness, and that of this size of 40hp or so out in the field and have a better infrastructure –– they’re on L

Farming focus for new drone package

Drone-assisted precision agriculture firm Drone raw data into useable on-farm information,” notes AG has unveiled a new system that promises Hugh Wrangham of Drone AG. weather-proof agricultural data collection with “AeroView provides an intuitive and easy-to-use support from “powerful” cloud-based farm platform with analytics which simplify the process management software. end-to-end and gives our clients the information The Storm Agri Pro is a robust rain and they need to make better decisions on the ground.” wind-resilient enterprise-level quadcopter that Built by Drone AG’s parent company in the UK, carries the latest sensors for agricultural remote the hardware benefits from high-end components sensing activities, claims the company. Data from leading drone manufacturer DJI. The UAVs can processing will be handled by software partner, cover large areas quickly, says the company, even The new drone can cover large areas quickly, Aerobotics, through its cloud-based platform, in adverse weather conditions, and feature dual even in adverse weather conditions, while a AeroView. batteries for up to 30mins flight time. Sensor multi-spectral sensor allows analysis of crop “While the data collected by drone systems can options include Parrot’s Sequoia multi-spectral health and cropping defects. be extremely useful when assessing plant health sensor, developed specifically for calibrated analysis and identifying weed growth, for example, we’ve of crop health and cropping defects. data, analyse it, add prescription rates and export experienced issues with the process of turning the “The drone system is designed to be versatile field maps, all with just a few clicks. and robust, but also modular and easy to upgrade,” Processing takes less than 24 hours, delivering The AeroView platform allows you to import and notes Hugh Wrangham. results back to the grower that can be create field boundaries, plan UAV flights and Over the past two years, Aerobotics has worked ground-truthed using a tablet or smartphone in upload the data, all with just a few clicks. with hundreds of farmers across South Africa and the field or annotated with GPS precision. Data Australia to improve their yields and reduce costs, can be exported in formats directly compatible claims the company’s James Paterson. “We’ve with precision agriculture machinery. designed our system to provide what we believe The drone systems are supplied in a package is the most user friendly platform currently on that includes a day’s training on safe and lawful the market, packed with ground-breaking data flying, as well as how to use the systems to analytics.” gather aerial data autonomously and subsequently Advanced data quality, ground-truthing, data analyse results in AeroView. interpretation and export capabilities retain the Prices start at £7200, including training and precision of the high-resolution information one month’s software and support. The enterprise captured by the UAV and make it available for farm software and support package costs £150/month, use, such as with variable-rate applications. This is with 100ha of data processing included as supported by the AeroView platform that allows you standard and additional processing charged to import and create field boundaries, upload UAV at £1/ha.

40 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

Precision agronomy

segregated on their own. The same thing increasing the size of the horsepower of the could be done with tractors. equipment so we get more productivity from “In terms of the UK, I think that this kind of less labour. But equally that has a knock-on autonomous farming is the way of the future. effect with machine accuracy because it It takes one man to drive a 200hp tractor reduces the precision we can actually apply. and you could put him in charge of four “I honestly don’t think we’ve really started autonomous tractors that do less damage to precision farm at all properly yet. I believe and use less energy.” opportunities are going to come to us at such The 40hp Iseki tractor that’ll provide motive Clive Blacker is already looking to the a pace in the future that we really haven’t power for the project. future. “I’d like to think that once we’ve proved quantified them yet.” I

L 4G mobile communications all over the the concept and fine-tuned the vehicles then country in India, for example.”One issue is perhaps we could look into a longer term Eratum safety, but Kit Franklin points out that in project. Then we could really investigate Contrary to how it was presented in the March issue of CPM on p58, Rob Holmes Australia, companies such as Rio Tinto commercialising it. of Park Style Farm, Derbyshire, applies just “In agriculture, we’ve continually battled operate driverless mining trucks in what is 50kg/ha of urea on his OSR at drilling. essentially a safe environment where they’re to reduce our costs through scale by

Omnia stimulates the mind

To Latin scholars, the name given to new precision Andrew Troughton to put Omnia through its paces farming system, Omnia, immediately conveys the on his farm near Tewkesbury in Glos. Tredington ambition of those behind it. Omnia promises to be Court is on heavy clay soil in an arable rotation of ‘all things’. But the big question is whether it deliv- mainly winter wheat and oilseed rape, with spring ers on its promise where so many systems haven’t beans and spring barley recently introduced to help succeeded in joining the dots of precision tech- with blackgrass management. niques to make sense of the bigger picture. “We’ve been operating reduced tillage Hutchinsons’ agronomist and Nuffield scholar, practices for the past 7-8 years in an effort to Ben Taylor-Davies, describes himself as a bit of a improve soil structure. The recent introduction of a maverick. He has a reputation for saying what he new drill with the capacity to vary seed rate, raised thinks and that doesn’t necessarily mean towing the question of how to best utilise it –– which is the company line. So when he says Omnia has where Omnia comes in,” explains Andrew Oliver Wood suggests businesses new to impressed him, then the reasoning behind his Troughton. precision farming concentrate on specific statement is likely to have been well thought “We had historic yield maps from GPS systems areas to begin with. through. on the combine as well as our own knowledge of “Precision farming is good for creating pretty the farm, so with Omnia we could use this and soil pictures but as an agronomist, I need to be able to mapping to input a background for the system to rates was planted this year. turn this into meaningful advice and if I’m not in generate a plan for variable-rate drilling,” adds “The lowest seed rates were 170kg/ha, rising agreement with the model, then I need to be able Ben Taylor-Davies. to 300kg/ha in some areas so there was a much to over-ride the output,” he says. The farm started to produce yield map data in bigger variation. We’ve used more seed but hope The way Omnia has been designed allows 2014, which revealed some areas of fields were to have more plants established and a better crop for this. Different layers of information can be very high yielding and some very poor, but like as a result,” says Andrew Troughton. inputted, which may have been generated by other many farms the mapping data wasn’t really utilised But the thing Ben Taylor-Davies most likes precision systems, such as soil or yield maps. They for more than identifying possible problem areas. about his Omnia experience is that it makes can even be built from using tacit knowledge of the For a farm business that’s new to precision him think. farm, such as areas in fields where slugs are technology, like Andrew Troughton’s, it’s best to “Omnia is about agronomy. It makes you problematic or rabbits habitually graze, and concentrate on one area to see how it goes and consider the whole field and all the factors that manually inputted into the system. identify a benefit before using more widely, may affect seed rate on this farm. The system This autumn, Ben Taylor-Davies convinced suggests Oliver Wood, Hutchinsons’ Omnia filters all these factors, just as an agronomist’s technical manager. brain would do every time they make a decision, Omnia analyses layers of information which can be “When RDS in the cab is a new experience, it’s but instead of an overall average solution, Omnia manually inputted or downloaded from other data useful to get a feel for it so that the technology isn’t enables lots of different calculations to take place capture systems where it’s widely compatible. overwhelming. Varying seed rates is the most at the same time in producing a recommendation important place to begin when looking at precision –– enabling precision at the point of application. farming for the first time,” he adds. “Most of all, I like the fact that I can still modify At Tredington Court, Revelation winter wheat was the recommendation produced by the system so drilled in the third week of Oct, after three stale that if I don’t agree with the recommendation or seedbeds to help reduce blackgrass populations. there are other factors to consider that aren’t In the past, a seed rate of 185-200kg/ha would already built into the layers of information Omnia is have been standard on the farm but using the using, such as soil temperature or poor seedbed Omnia system a much larger range of seed conditions, I can tweak the output.”

42 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

What we want“ are strong plants that flower to the floor and pod to the floor. ”

Richard Wainwright probably holds the current unofficial world record for the highest spring bean yield, but reckons the crop’s potential is much higher.

Richard Wainwright took up the challenge, laid down by PGRO around 18 months ago, to steer his crop towards a double-digit yield (see panel on p47). He farms a total of 600ha at Birch Farm in a family partnership with brother in law Peter Armitage and father in law Ian. Whether the clay over gravel or silt over limestone soils on the edge of the N Yorks Moors are capable of such an achievement remains to be seen. But he reckons the crop has plenty of potential that Tapping for the most part remains untapped. Rescue crop “A lot of people grow spring beans as a into pulse rescue crop –– it’s regarded as a poor man’s break crop that you don’t have to spend money on, so it gets no love and attention to detail. But year-on-year, beans perform potential better for us than oilseed rape, and just look at how much time and resource is lavished by most growers on that crop,” he points out. Features Besides a keen determination to give the crop everything it needs, he has a second Spring beans secret that secures a fertile tilth and a crop that’s fit to flourish –– muck. The farm has Attentive agronomy and 1400 head of cattle –– predominantly You’d have thought Richard Wainwright continental finishers –– while 1000 store plenty of manure helped one would be savouring his achievement, as lambs are brought in each year to graze N Yorks grower achieve the he stands for photos with his crystal overwintered stubble turnips that rotate decanter and bottle of single malt, while around the 485ha of arable and precede the highest UK yield with his cupping a handful of spring beans. The beans. The soils receive rich rewards from spring beans, at around 70% prize trophy was awarded for the highest what these beasts leave behind, reckons verified bean yield from the 2016 harvest Richard Wainwright. above the UK average. –– his silty loams over limestone near “A trailer load of muck adds far more to CPM visits and discovers Stonegrave in N Yorks brought in a healthy the soil than just its nutrient value –– it’s a 6.81t/ha crop of Fanfare. magical soil conditioner,” he enthuses. Up to the potential may be “It’s actually our lowest yield of the past 50t/ha can be applied, ensuring compliance even greater. three years,” he remarks. “I’d expect to get with regulatory guidelines, and steered at least 7.5t/ha, and there have been times towards achieving optimum output from a By Tom Allen-Stevens when the yield hasn’t been too far away from seven-year rotation in which two winter the magical 10t/ha.” wheats are followed by either winter barley

44 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 L 45 arable extraarable 2017 march Spring beans Spring The variety is currently Fanfare, and it’ll be and Fanfare, The variety is currently grown for the second year in 2017. “We’ve grown need to Fuego, but felt the grown previously had 2-3 years on the change. Fanfare’s a consistent PGRO list and has shown it’s The bean crop’s drilled in around mid-to-late The bean crop’s “corrugated” March into a seedbed that’s to prevent the soil from capping. crop production magazine so drill , 2 . That’s way below . That’s 2 We’re aiming for 35-40 plants/m We’re “ Firstly, the DTS establishes at 30cm rows, the DTS establishes Firstly, heavily on pollinators to “Beans rely nd Richard Wainwright reckons a higher reckons Wainwright nd Richard the rate currently recommended by PGRO, recommended the rate currently to drill at this important are reasons but there rate,” he explains. a down in crowding seed rate would result The second, and arguably more the rows. down to pollination. important comes reason, set, so you have to focus your pod improve mind on doing everything to you can What we want the crop. encourage them into and plants that flower to the floor strong are That means an open canopy pod to the floor. and the pollinators –– that brings in the light too –– so that not just bees, but insects every flower makes a pod.” at about 40-45 seeds/m at about 40-45 e ch ect om early ough and ess, and this is t do is mor ought in fr elatively r s r otation with the plough e br ound mid-to-late Mar ou want to leave the soil to tunity.” The total cost of the tunity.” e lambs ar e winter barley and in front of the e winter barley and in front om ploughing and you can dir tant than what you do.”

efully timed. “Y The bean crop’s drilled with a 4m Sumo The bean crop’s The 6f Kuhn Vari-Master is followed with a The 6f Kuhn Vari-Master The crop’s drilled with a 4m Horsch The crop’s Generally a Sumo five-leg subsoiler is the Generally a Sumo five-leg And the suggestion that a spring crop that a spring And the suggestion

nd OSR or spring beans. nd OSR or pread the workload.” the pread impor Sheep on fodder beet precede the bean crop. DTS, aiming for ar –– sometimes what you don’ car nap and work it when the surface is dry machinery, he adds. machinery, miss the oppor is £120/ha, including crop over-wintered pass of a 5.5m Simba Cultipr in-crop graminicides to ensure we don’t we don’t graminicides to ensure in-crop button twice in the r so we use pre-emergence glyphosate and so we use pre-emergence the reset But we like to press drill the crop. –– befor beans in spring.” into a seedbed that’ capping. the soil from “corrugated” to prevent turnips. Both are clear-up crops for weeds, crops turnips. clear-up Both are there’s no excuse for skimping on stubble there’s The stor seed on top. “But just like the bean crop, Store lambs Pronto, that does little more than scatter the that does little more Pronto, explains Richard Wainwright. explains Richard good start and help keep the moisture in,” good start and help keep the moisture away fr dress this with 12t/ha of muck to give it a dress looking to get We’re the soil just has to dry. stubble turnips straight in. We’ll often top stubble turnips straight in. We’ll Nov and usually leave the land in Feb. “Then unit. But if it’s really dry, we can drill the dry, really unit. But if it’s trailed Trio, with an extra front-mounted disc an extra front-mounted with trailed Trio, we aim to make a pass with the Sumo 3m we aim to make a pass depends on how much moisture there is –– there moisture depends on how much the wheat’s taken off. “What we do then taken off. the wheat’s first piece of kit to follow the combine after first piece of kit to follow s same or better than winter crops and help than winter crops same or better margin terms, perform spring beans the dismissed. “That’s a load of rubbish. In gross a load of rubbish. “That’s dismissed. doesn’t work on clay soils is smartly work on clay doesn’t a Spring beans

graminicide to keep grassweeds in check. point is that the crop must be healthy at Chocolate spot and downy mildew are the pollination so that it doesn’t abort pods.” main disease threats with an azole plus He’s slightly more relaxed about bruchid chlorothalonil sprayed in June and July. beetle, however. “Up here, we’re the last But the July application is tank-mixed with people to get it. So we just pay attention to Amistar (azoxystrobin), which does more BruchidCast, which gives us plenty of than just protect the crop, he reckons. “With advanced warning. We’ve always managed our open canopy, I’d hope the crop is less to achieve the human consumption susceptible to disease. What we’re trying to premium, not that it brings in much extra create is a sunlight factory and transfer all of at the moment.” that energy into the pods. The Amistar Harvest is the point that’s critical to brings more value in terms of greening,” making that grade, he believes. “Once you explains Richard Wainwright. spray the diquat, that sets the clock ticking, and you want the crop in the shed within Micronutrient programme three weeks. We apply a pod sealant, too, That’s also the philosophy behind a because the pods can be very brittle, micronutrient programme that sees a total of especially if you have a hot Sept.” £45/ha invested. This starts with Nutriphite He aims for a moisture content of 18% or peak, a phosphite supplement, made with less off the field and circulates ambient air every application from two-leaf stage up to through the crop once it’s in the barn to The beans get a tonic at every pass because a first pods. There’s plenty of manganese also bring it under 17%. “Then we’ll pass it healthy crop mends itself, making the nutrient applied –– the soils are prone to deficiency through the continuous-flow dryer up to four programme arguably more important than the –– and molybdenum and boron are times in batch mode, with just warm air –– if fungicides. tank-mixed in as the first flower buds become it’s too hot the seed will split and stain. visible. The crop’s then given a potassium “Then the crop goes back on the floor

L yielder that doesn’t fall flat, which is and sulphur boost when it starts to pod up. important with the amount of muck we “That’s when beans are particularly hungry apply across the rotation.” for nutrients,” he points out. Following a pre-em herbicide of Nirvana “We want to give the beans a tonic at (pendimethalin+ imazamox), crop protection every pass. A healthy crop mends itself, starts in May with an insecticide often so the nutrient programme is arguably more applied for pea and bean weevil and a important than the fungicides. The crucial How do beans stack up? £1000

£800

£600

£400

£200 Beans rely heavily on pollinators to improve pod set and an open canopy helps bring them into £- the crop, so that every flower makes a pod.

-£200 Spring beans: agronomy cost

-£400 (/ha) Seed £136.35 -£600 Gross margin Variable costs Fungicides £45.70

Winter wheat Winter barley Oilseed rape Spring wheat Spring beans Average Herbicides £100.92 Yield (t) 9.48 8.80 4.65 7.35 6.81 Insecticides £24.93 Price (/t) £132.00 £120.00 £248.00 £132.00 £162.50 Trace elements £45.15 Output £1251.36 £1056.00 £1153.20 £970.20 £1106.63 £1107.48 Variable costs £409.60 £350.13 £426.70 £315.00 £365.07 £373.30 Pod sealant and adjuvants £12.02 Gross margin £841.76 £705.87 £726.50 £655.20 £741.56 £734.18 Variable costs £365.07 Source: Birch Farm, 2016 harvest; all values are per ha except where specified Source: Birch Farm, 2016 harvest

46 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Spring beans

What’s left behind is pretty impressive, however –– a cursory inspection of the soil that bore the winning crop, now in wheat, reveals a friable crumby structure, and a crop well set up for the season ahead. “If conditions go well, it’s mint –– it’ll give you a fantastic entry for wheat. But if the weather turns against you it can be a disaster. Beans can turn your last week of harvest into a two-month struggle,” notes Richard Wainwright. “If you’re lucky, you get soil in such good condition you could cultivate it with a thorn Richard Wainwright sells the crop in four thirds bush. But if it’s a late harvest, it can be touch and as long as the sample is pale with no and go –– we’ve harvested beans and bruchid damage, it’s a desirable product that drilled the wheat on the same day. gets a premium. “But I think the benefit to the following crop is sometimes overplayed. You do get residual N, but sometimes this doesn’t on what the weather does.” mineralise, so don’t rely on it –– it depends And that’s also the pivotal factor for The crop’s given a potassium and sulphur boost prospects in 2017 and beyond, he says. when it starts to pod up. “Various weather events mean the land still needs to dry out before we can drill this with pedestal fans. To bring it down to 15%, spring, but forward prices are good so it may need to go through the dryer again, there’s plenty of potential for good gross and that last 1% can be hard to achieve. margins. There are EFA rule changes Keep the crop in the dark, though, as light coming in for 2018, and these are annoying during storage will also discolour it.” as they amount to meddling by the EU. But The award-winning crop itself has already they don’t change the fact that beans are an left the farm. “I generally sell the crop in four excellent break crop. thirds –– I take a conservative estimate on “Whether we can achieve the 10t/ha crop yield when selling forward, so there’s a –– again, much depends on the weather bonus surplus sold on the open market after and we’ll need all the ducks lined up. All we harvest. As long as the sample is pale with can do is set the crop canopy up to make the most of the sunlight, and then if we get no bruchid damage, traders get excited as A cursory inspection of the soil reveals a friable the right weather at flowering and through it’s a desirable product and you can get a crumby structure, and a crop well set up for the pod set, who knows? Maybe we might premium. I don’t have a fixed outlet and look season ahead. for the best deals on the day.” just do it.” I

What is the world record yield for field beans?

The truth is, no one knows, according to Roger believe the genetic potential to be. Our own we haven’t gone as far as to get this officially Vickers of PGRO. “We’re not aware that a world plot trials along with anecdotal evidence from recognised. However, we’re convinced there are record has actually been set for field beans, or growers suggest we’re not far off a double-digit growers out there who know they can beat this, fava/faba beans as they’re known globally.” figure,” continues Roger Vickers. and we’d dearly like them to enter their crop so One leguminous crop that has broken the The first grower who manages to attain the we can learn how to push the potential 10t/ha barrier is soybean. According to Corn and “challenging but achievable” officially verified returns,” notes Roger Vickers. Soybean Digest, a new world record of 11.5t/ha yield of 10t/ha before 2020 will win PGRO’s was set last year by Randy Dowdy, a grower in Bean Yield Challenge. The prize is a four-night Georgia, USA. Poultry litter and a cover crop trip to France for four people, including an preceded the Roundup Ready soybean crop, overnight stay in Paris, while each year while understanding its nutrient needs and there’s a prize trophy awarded for the highest insect pressure were the keys that unlocked yield entered. the high yield, says Randy Dowdy. To qualify, growers must register their crop As for field beans, the UK average bean with PGRO by 1 July in the relevant harvest yield is around 4t/ha, although official national year. Harvest must then be independently statistics are not available for the crop. “We witnessed and verified –– the full rules of entry think the UK grower would achieve the highest are available on the PGRO website. yields in the world, but we set the target for the “So far as we know, 6.81t/ha is as close as PGRO Bean Yield Challenge based on what we we have to a world record bean yield, although

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 47

Bring on Brexit There’s so much“ opportunity for the hungry.”

Features Conference Grab the opportunities that Brexit has to offer and be a good future for farming.” His family has been based at Hyde Hall, look forward to the future, Great Fransham since 1955, when the even if that means the farm was just 81ha. Today, the business comprises the home farm and four contract loss of subsidies and a farms, totalling 1960ha of cropped area, re-structuring of your together with 14,000t of grain storage. businesses. CPM reports Experimental crops from a recent conference, With a wide range of soil types –– from chalky boulder clay to blowing sand –– organised by Väderstad. the farm has experimented with various crops over the years, but has now moved By Louise Impey away from growing specialist, minor crop species such as asparagus, daffodils and Farming should be able to stand on its blackcurrants. own two feet and not rely on subsidies “While we’ve some land suitable for these or diversified business activities to thrive, niche crops, they all have their challenges,” Ed Salmon is aiming to work towards being able believes one young Norfolk farmer. he says. “They required time spent on to run his business without the need for subsidy. While any change means that there’ll be marketing and dealing with the public –– a few years of pain, the post-Brexit farming things which aren’t our natural strengths.” Soil structure, timeliness, rotation and landscape is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity They also involved expensive, specialist agronomy are all important cornerstones of for those with hunger and enthusiasm for the machinery, additional management time and the business, which has four full-time staff. challenge, says Ed Salmon of NE Salmon, proved to be inefficient unless large areas “We look at the capabilities of the soil near Dereham. were grown. first,” he reveals. “We plan to keep He farms almost 2000ha on a mixture of “Unfortunately, too many of them were increasing our yields and make the most of owned and contracted land, and sees plenty a nuisance when we were busy with our vertical integration wherever we can, getting of reasons for optimism about the years mainstream crops. And the chemical options closer to the consumer by growing human ahead, even as subsidies reduce or are for them were very limited, and getting even consumption and seed crops on contract.” removed. fewer.” As a result, the current system at “Our aim is to work towards being able Today, his focus is to play to the strengths N.E.Salmon is based on a nine-year rotation, to run our business without the need for that the farm and its management team mainly growing cereals and herbage seed. subsidy,” he says. “Providing we can has, so that he can harness his passion On the contract farms, the rotations are five continue to adapt and change, there’ll for farming. or six years, depending on the crops being L

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Conference

L grown, the weed control challenges and believe in investing in our crops to get the power/machinery and labour costs, looking suitability of soil type. To his mind, anything best from them. So variable costs aren’t for ways to do more with less through better less than five years isn’t a rotation. where we’ll be making savings –– cutting machinery efficiency, a wider rotation and “On the light contract-farmed land we our input use would be a false economy.” taking on more land of the right type. have potatoes and maize in a 12-year He accepts that the loss of subsidies “Wherever possible, we’ll be working rotation, helping with PCN control to would be a short-term blow, but he has a with our neighbours to share kit and labour, futureproof the crop as well as reducing vision of how his business can respond so making use of joint initiatives and efforts.” the impact of soil damage.” that every part of it’s performing. Having counted 64 different items of kit, Ed Salmon hasn’t experienced the yield “The focus will be on fixed costs. The UK ranging from small to large, in the farm’s plateau that others have seen over the past has much higher fixed costs than other workshop, Ed Salmon is determined to decade, with winter wheat yields rising wheat producing countries, so it’s something reduce this tally and streamline the fleet steadily from 8.7t/ha to 10.8t/ha. that we can all improve on.” –– releasing capital and bringing down the “For us, yield is king,” he stresses. “We As a result, he’s been scrutinising his depreciation bill.

New Zealand points to a productive path

kiwi fruit and avocadoes came about. Meanwhile, both marketeers and traders. They’re also well some farmers took the opportunity to get bigger.” travelled, open to new ideas, connected to their In general, the farming industry adapted consumers and very passionate.” quickly, becoming more diverse and productive, Their future challenges are similar to those he notes. faced by UK farmers. “The environment, “It restructured and explored new markets. especially nitrate limits, is a real concern. There was a significant change in attitude and Biosecurity and resistance to agrochemicals farmers became earlier adopters of technology are other big issues.” and innovation.” Nick Brookes’ final point is that New Zealand While there was huge investment by private farmers made their most progress when they companies into agriculture, the government were under economic pressure. “There’s no advisory service went from being free to the doubt in my mind that UK farmers can do the The loss of agricultural subsidy spurred New user having to pay. As a result, levy organisations same. Be flexible, adopt new technology, Zealand farmers on, notes Nick Brookes. such as FAR (Foundation for Arable Research) participate in research and scrutinise your costs. took over previous government research and In the words of Henry Ford, change now before The loss of subsidies in 1984 was the single best used UK research findings and genetics to boost change is required.” thing to happen to New Zealand’s agricultural productivity. industry, says kiwi fruit grower and consultant Nick “Today, agriculture is larger than it was in New Zealand – farming facts Brookes, who farms on the Canterbury Plains. subsidy days. New Zealand is the biggest exporter • Population of 4.69M people – 76% in Prior to that, production was supported heavily of white clover and carrot seed in the world.” North Island with nearly 30 different subsidies being in action, Irrigation has been key to this success, points • Total land area of 26.8M hectares supplying 40% of a farmer’s income, compared out Nick Brookes. “It was the turning point. While • Maritime climate – average temperature with just 2% today. we get plenty of rainfall, its timing can’t be relied 10°C South Island, 16°C North Island “We had minimum prices for wool, beef, upon. In New Zealand, you’re only ever two weeks • Agriculture accounts for 12% of NZ’s total sheep, grain and dairy products,” he recalls. away from a serious drought.” workforce “There were also fertiliser, irrigation, transport and Adopting irrigation resulted in higher yields, • 90% of New Zealand’s farming output is land-development subsidies, along with income better consistency, greater crop diversity and more exported support, tax relief and free government services.” sustainable production. “Returns went up, land • Agriculture accounts for 55% of NZ’s total However, productivity was stagnating, as the prices rose and vegetable seed production exports focus was on making subsidies rather than became possible.” making money, he reveals. “Farmers were happy, On irrigated land, 6-8 year rotations based on but inefficient.” high value crops are possible, allowing growers to The sudden removal of all production support exploit lucrative markets, explains Nick Brookes. and export incentives was a tough time, “We have an abundance of sunlight and crops acknowledges Nick Brookes, which resulted in grow all year round. But our soils aren’t special, a small number of farms going out of business. which is why irrigation is so important.” “Unemployment benefits were made available Against this background, machinery and to those below the poverty line and grants were cultivation changes have taken place –– with less paid to farmers who had to leave the land. Initially, intensive cultivation practices becoming common fertiliser and pesticide use fell by 50% and land and growth in the strategic use of contractors and values plummeted, but they recovered over time.” machinery syndicates. Irrigation has been key to success, resulting in However, it also spurred farmers on –– “In 2017, the top New Zealand farmers are higher yields, better consistency, greater crop business efficiency was reviewed and the diversity skilled in agronomy and irrigation management, diversity and more sustainable production. of agriculture increased. “It was how the growth in have a model that works year on year and are

50 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Conference

“Anything that hasn’t been used in the to reduce establishment costs. past 12 months will be sold. There’s too “On our soil type, it’s not a viable, reliable much equipment on the farm.” system,” he notes. He’ll also be making good use of Otherwise, he plans to keep increasing benchmarking, to see how his costs yields and employ forward marketing compare with those of similar businesses, strategies, to try to even out the volatility but will only use direct drilling in an that farm businesses are subject to. opportunistic fashion, if conditions allow, Learn from others “We’re tapping into farmer-based activities, such as the YEN network and the Monitor Farm programme, to learn from others and question our way of doing things.” A 12m Controlled Traffic Farming system was introduced in 2016, so that he could reap the benefits of improved timeliness, fuel savings, better soil health and reduced Yield is king, so variable costs aren’t where cultivations. savings will be made. “It’s early days, but other businesses have seen fuel savings of up to 50%. We’re coming on the heaviest land. aiming to make fewer passes at wider 12m Ed Salmon’s final point is that post-Brexit widths. With our track-based system we there’ll have to be some adjustments, both haven’t needed to subsoil for ten years, but to farmer expectations and to the economics our speed of operations and timeliness of growing crops. “Rents will have to should get better. come down and machinery prices, which have rocketed recently, will need to be Determined to reduce the tally of unused kit, “We’re only trafficking 13% of the field, re-considered. Ed Salmon plans to release capital by selling rather than the 80%+ that random trafficking “But there’s so much opportunity for equipment that hasn’t been used in the past involves.” the hungry –– it’s an exciting time to be 12 months. Initial trial results indicate that yields may rise, with the greatest increases in farming.” I

The domestic “ demand is predominantly for distilling varieties”

New barley hits the Features right note? Spring barley

With a 10% yield Limagrain Les Daubney. “But we’re looking improvement on Concerto at a 700,000ha crop for 2017, which means a large surplus for export or feed. and even better quality, That’s fine, just as long as export demand LG Opera may get top billing remains where it is.” The distilling market revolves around the from maltsters. CPM reports. single malt distilleries in Scotland. With whisky being the UK’s single largest By Tom Allen-Stevens exported food and drink item, it’s a strong market, notes Limagrain senior barley breeder Mark Glew. But it has particular A strong domestic demand for malt along requirements when it comes to varieties. with promising new varieties and a steadily expanding UK area are set to Maximum alcohol keep spring barley prospects buoyant “You can’t easily expand a single malt well into the post-Brexit era, according to distillery, so to increase production you Limagrain. Its new dual-purpose variety have to go for maximum alcohol output. LG Opera has come on to the AHDB That makes marginal gains in hot water Cereals and Oilseeds Recommended extract (HWE) particularly significant. This List with a 10% yield advantage over was the breakthrough with Concerto –– it Marginal gains in hot water extract are particularly market-leading stable mate Concerto and was never the highest yielding variety. significant to distillers, says Mark Glew. has the promise of even stronger quality. 0Its success was down to its quality.” Concerto alone accounted for more With malting variety selection driven by than half of all domestic purchases of HWE, and maltsters excited by fractional on HWE –– the highest on the RL –– and malting barley in 2015 (see chart on p53). gains, LG Opera, currently under test, has that can make all the difference. At 1.35%, But the area grown to the variety is falling particularly bright prospects, he notes. LG Opera’s nitrogen content is the lowest away, along with other dual-purpose types, “One thing that can skew HWE results is on the RL, and the lower the grain N, the such as Odyssey and Laureate, according a variety that loses its husk. But maltsters better the spirit yield will be.” to NIAB seed stats. Brewing mainstay need the husk –– it forms a filter in the So how does it perform in the field? One Propino is taking up the slack, while distilling process that the wort runs thing to note is its maturity, continues Mark relative newcomer RGT Planet is set to through. Also, it makes up about 5-7% of Glew. “It’s earlier than Concerto, and that take significant market share in 2017 as grain weight, so growers also lose out if means a lot as you get further north. the area sown overall rises. a variety skins easily.” What’s more, earlier varieties tend to “The domestic demand is predominantly While Concerto is moderate for be the ones with lower RL scores for for distilling varieties –– broadly 60% of UK skinning, Opera appears to be “among the brackling, but LG Opera has good malt goes for distilling,” points out very best”, he says. “It’s also 0.2% higher brackling resistance.

52 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Spring barley

”Limagrain’s Ron Granger has been seedbed or you’re drilling later. This would studying a number of spring barley especially be the case with a low tillering Seed market shares by variety varieties at the breeder’s agronomy trial variety, such as Concerto.” sites in Norfolk and Scotland for the past As yields increase, specific weight of three years. “Spring barley growing is very newer varieties is decreasing, he notes, traditional. But if newer varieties yield 10% with Sienna bucking the trend. But tiller higher, should we be looking again at how counts are going up. “That’s where the we grow them?” yield is coming from,” reckons Ron On seed rate, his conclusion so far is Granger. Taller, higher tillering varieties that 350 seeds/m2 is the right place to should be used in a blackgrass situation, start. “It works with most varieties, but with Ovation, Sienna and Olympus the you’d look to raise it if there was a poor varieties he’d recommend. “Most varieties yield well where you have the correct tiller numbers –– Domestic purchases of spring Source: NIAB Seedstats barley, 2015 775-800/m2 should be the aim. But it’s where most growers fall down. So use the seed rate to set the basis, then adapt this would prompt a late take-up of your nutrition strategy to retain as many as nitrogen,” he cautions. It’s an area that you can.” needs more work, he adds, with scope for With distilling varieties, this is a further improvement in yields using rates balancing act, with the aim to keep grain above the restrictive limits set by Fertiliser N below the contract spec of 1.65%. But Manual RB209. he’s finding in most cases that an extra LG Opera is currently under test for IBD 30kgN/ha applied at tillering, on top of the approval with results expected in May standard 120kgN/ha in the seedbed, 2017. If it achieves provisional approval, brings around an extra 0.5t/ha of yield. it will go through to commercial-scale “In 2016 trials, grain N stayed well tests, with results due in May 2018, so the below the 1.65% limit, so the extra N was earliest commercial fully approved crop well worth it. But we had good growing wouldn’t be processed until Britain is Source: MAGB conditions, and if there was a dry spell, trading outside the EU. I

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 53 , e y L um, s not owers ar ust is a e in the usoe. Having einstated as the esistance gene.” own r . owing the well esistance looks fine ust r ust becomes an issue s something gr eady gr s limited data and it’ est or elsewher e’ . “It has been an emotional own r s likely to be r s septoria resistance really s septoria resistance es in the lower risk quadrant. s yellow r esistance, as it tops its categor owers alr ust issues last year Graham was first recommended in 2016 Graham was first recommended y Barker ucial –– if it’ r gronomics, including a step forward in including a step forward gronomics, Using French parents, Syngenta has Syngenta parents, Using French e that if br “ new genetics to the UK, whereas introduced from crosses RL are a lot of varieties on the or Timaru.” Hereford good yield and because it combined a is the This resistance septoria resistance. it performslikely reason particularly well in RL head of the says Simon Oxley, the West, it performsat AHDB. “In Scotland, less well, suited to England.” a variety more so it’s onomists still focused on septoria as the The variety’ “It’s eyespot score looks relatively low on looks relatively eyespot score “It’s Graham’ Growers have been veryGrowers keen on this On the AHDB Relative Risk graph, For gr owers got wound up about yellow rust, esistance, lodging and untreated yield, esistance, lodging and untreated All-round package for septoria of 6.7, Graham also With a score and a high score has a good yellow rust a good yield, meaning it’s untreated Brooke. package, says Samantha all-round both from comes The septoria resistance stacked with a series of genes parents, together to give it a solid package, she a fairly safe variety points out, meaning it’s In one particular trial, it was difficult to grow. and between the treated to tell the difference plots, she adds. untreated as good as “It’s stands out to Barry Barker. scores, and in Agrii’s anything out there comes out comparable to Cr Graham in your armoury will be a bonus, whether in the W says Richard Torr. “Although last year Torr. says Richard gr agr key issue –– it’ potential weakness, scoring 5, but a lot of are 4, so growers around varieties score awar they have to deal with it,” he adds. the RL, but ther main disease threat going forward.” main disease threat to Bar year for a lot of people with yellow rust, but Agrii rates Graham at 8. Br country.” septoria r that cr established varieties JB Diego or KWS Santiago, Graham is a choice which yields better and has a better disease spectr It also survived the explains Simon Oxley. yellow r to disease which ranks varieties according r Graham scor worried about they should choose varieties with the Pch1 Rendezvous r t put emio est cial . ooke, seed antage ” oss between Pr y Barker at Agrii. r bonus. Having Having t.” , Graham proved a popular , Graham proved Graham in your Graham “ armoury will be a d-endosperm feed variety that was owers.” esting, adds Bar ound package that should do well on Despite being new to the table last year, In 2016, its first year of commer The parentage of Graham is quite The parentage m; even if its out-and-out yield doesn’ ed in France –– a cr Chris Guest at Gleadell says that Graham was one of the first varieties to sell out. a nice It’s the sign of a decent variety. “That’s all-r far it at the top of the list, as it has lots of useful attributes which will be of inter to gr inter availability choice, says Samantha Br sales manager at Syngenta. “Graham is a har br and Exper wheat from Syngenta, its yield also comes in at 104% of the control across the UK West,and 106% in the offering growers a combined yield and disease adv mers arable extraarable 2017 march Septoria tritici Features d Group 4 feed offering far , y finds out more. A har By Melanie Jenkins Insiders View wheat growers and wheat growers CPM Disease resistance is Disease resistance

crop production magazine e in its categor that many may warm to. warm that many may eals and Oilseeds Recommended List,

offers a disease package and important feature for and important feature

54 Graham has the joint top Graham scor Now in its second year on the AHDB on in its second year the Now Cer

security against the biggest yield-robbing disease in the UK.

friend?

for a farmer’s a for The new name new The

Syngenta’s variety,Syngenta’s Graham, becoming a more prominent becoming a more

Insiders View

Brooke. “In areas where blackgrass isn’t a problem and farmers want to drill early –– before 15 Sept –– Graham is especially suited due to its autumn growth habit.” Barry Barker concurs that Graham is suited to early drilling, but growers with blackgrass issues might not want to do so. “It’s medium to high tillering, meaning seed rates can be reduced accordingly. In terms of grassweed competitiveness, Graham is about average.” On the limited trials data so far, it’s more suited to medium and heavy soils, rather than lighter ones, but more will be learnt after its first commercial year, he says.

Very consistent Graham has a score of 6.7 for septoria and a UK According to Chris Guest, heavy land is yield 104% of treated control. where Graham is going to perform best. The septoria resistance comes from both parents, “But it’s likely to do equally well on light with a series of genes stacked together to land and should be fairly consistent.” Over helps to spread the risk and workload.” give the variety a solid package, points out the four years of trial data, the yield has She recommends that growers keep an Samantha Brooke. only varied by four percentage points, eye on the growth habit of Graham as it may suggesting Graham is very consistent, as need nitrogen and fungicides at different there are varieties that swing by as much times to other varieties, as well as remaining L “Graham performs above average, as 10 percentage points, he says. aware that at stem elongation, it’s very fast. meaning growers who’ve grown Once spring arrives, stem elongation is As a stiff variety, Graham will need JB Diego should find Graham relatively really quick, explains Samantha Brooke. minimal PGR and should only need straightforward.” “Graham catches up with and overtakes monitoring and treating as appropriate within In the autumn, the variety has a prostrate other varieties. From growth stage 31 a standard disease programme, suggests growth habit, covering the ground very low, onwards, it speeds through –– behaving Barry Barker. “Due to Graham’s resistance, and it’s slow before stem elongation, so is similarly to Gallant in our trials. The feedback it’s a case of manage as you go –– it has a suitable for early drilling, explains Samantha we’ve had from growers is that Graham reasonable response to fungicides.” Norfolk seed crop pushes yield above farm average

Graham can deliver record-busting farm yields tillered well and we made a conscious effort to in the East, alongside its strong RL performance keep as many tillers alive as possible.” in the West, if the experience of seed grower Crops are grown in a four-year rotation, William Runciman is anything to go by. comprising sugar beet, followed by vining Farming approximately 200ha at Croxton peas, potatoes or maize, then two years of Farm, Fulmodeston, near Fakenham in Norfolk, winter wheat. he’s grown Graham for seed for the past two Yellow rust and septoria are normally the seasons, with 24ha each year in the same field. main disease concerns. But he found even a On both occasions, the crop yielded at least standard fungicide programme kept Graham 10t/ha, as well as producing a good grain “remarkably clean”. sample. Normally he says the farm struggles “Since we started growing Graham we’ve to push winter wheat above 8.75t/ha. forgotten what disease pressure is. We’ve not More impressively, these yields were had the panics in the season that we used to William Runciman is thrilled with a wheat yield achieved on fairly light loam, and last year, that have. Our agronomist commented that while of 10t/ha from Graham, grown as a second was as a second wheat, after drilling in early Graham responds well to a full fungicide wheat last year on fairly light land. Oct, and in a season of heavy rain. programme, it is a flexible variety which allows “Last year’s weather brought us 180% of more time to apply fungicide. It’s been a lot our average rainfall, which for other crops was easier to grow. crop escaped BYDV, while at the other end of disastrous. So I’m thrilled at 10t/ha,” William “I think there was a lot of yellow rust the season, William Runciman capitalised on Runciman explains. pressure last year, but not in Graham. Also, Graham’s early harvest to get land promptly “We upped the potash a bit, because our septoria can be a problem later, but we didn’t cleared. indices are inherently low, and I did increase have to worry about it. We just sprayed as “It seems to produce a lot of medium-sized the nitrogen a bit to push yield. But we only normal and kept the flag leaf and leaf two clean ears very easily, which we want, rather than a used a very light touch of growth regulator. The without much trouble.” few very big ears. I think that’s where its yield standing power was absolutely brilliant. It also Last year’s Oct drilling date also meant the comes from,” he concludes.

56 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 Insiders View

a feed wheat, this isn’t so much of a big issue.” It’s a struggle to find many other things that are wrong with Graham, he adds. “Though some may get hung up the fact it’s not the highest yielder, Graham is right up there in Agrii’s three-year trial data.”

Successful introduction Graham had a very successful introduction to a crowded market of good hard feed wheats, according to Richard Torr, seed sales manager at Wynnstay. “We saw it for the first time last year with our seed growers, who did very well with it.” In terms of market share, Graham will have taken around 3.5% this year, but next year this could be more like 5% or above, In Agrii’s scores, the variety comes out says Chris Guest. “Naturally it will take comparable to Crusoe on septoria, and this market share from JB Diego and probably really stands out for Barry Barker. Chris Guest notes Graham has a nice all-round some from Reflection and other older package and sold out last year – the sign of a Group 4 material. It has a considerable yield decent variety. increase on Grafton and Relay, so may take demand for it. With early maturity and stiff from those too.” straw, there’s a strong case for having some The difficulty this year is that there are a According to Samantha Brooke, the Graham on the farm –– it makes perfect lot of new varieties on the RL, says Chris all-important factor for Graham is its early sense for it to be one of two or three varieties Guest. “It’ll be an interesting year in terms of maturity: as other high yielders take longer that farmers grow. It would be wrong not to seeing what farmers do.” There could be a to mature, it can help to spread the risk at consider it as it’s one of the best wheats in swing back from Group 1 varieties, but this’ll harvest. It’s the fifth earliest variety on the RL terms of overall package.” depend on what prices do in May, June and at -1 of control. “In the field, Graham looks Samantha Brooke agrees that Graham is July and what premiums look like for 2018, clean with a tapered ear –– it looks very a solid variety to have in the portfolio. “It’s a he says. even, especially when in ear and ripening,” good all-round feed variety that has decent It will inevitably take market share from she says. grain quality and is the first variety since JB Diego and may take from Evolution, Graham is similar in maturity to Syngenta’s Grafton that can be drilled early and is early Relay and Dickens, suggests Richard Torr. new hard Group 4 variety, Shabras, and the to mature.” “It does have better disease resistance and existing variety Grafton, says Chris Guest. The most important factors for farmers are a higher yield than many, in a very crowded “For those growing a lot of feed wheat, yield, marketability and disease resistance, market place, so we expect a good solid having an early maturing variety is great as it adds Chris Guest. “Graham is a good can give a spread of harvest dates and a all-round, farmer-friendly variety with a lot good entry to oilseed rape.” Even though the Graham at a glance of positive attributes and its market share is area of OSR has fallen, it’s still an important likely to increase.” I option, he adds. UK yield (% treated control) 103.5 Looking at its specific weight, this could East region 102.7 be higher, warns Barry Barker. “However, as West region 106.1 North region 100.0 Untreated yield 88.4 Protein (%) 11.1 Hagberg falling number 275.9 Specific weight (kg/hl) 76.1 Resistance to lodging without PGR 6.8 Ripening (days +/- JB Diego) -1 Disease resistance Mildew 8.0 Yellow rust 8.0 Brown rust 5.0 Septoria tritici 6.7 Eyespot 4.0 In one particular trial in 2016, it was difficult to Fusarium ear blight 6.0 tell the difference between the treated and In the field, Graham looks clean and even with a Source: AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds Winter Wheat untreated plots. Recommended List 2017/18 tapered ear.

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 57 and it will continue to do so. cage for on-site displays with a shows have moved towards However, its focus has nearby field hosting trial flights. two extremes: focusing on one remained the same –– to add The Specialist Crop Zone will specific area or expanding into value to farming businesses, explore how farmers can add different sectors. Cereals and help them improve value with niche crops, and remains dedicated to the productivity and profitability the Fields of the Future exhibit arable sector, while also across the board. will offer a Tomorrow’s World providing a one-stop shop for This year, for the first time, style glimpse into emerging visitors. No other event offers Cereals will be run by a joint technology. treated and untreated crop venture between Haymarket Of course, Cereals 2017 will plots to compare, working and Comexposium, one of still feature the ever-popular demonstrations of cultivation the world’s leading event trial sites and machinery and spraying equipment in real organisers and owner of SIMA, demonstrations, with the field scenarios, and on-site Life begins at 40 a five-day agricultural show in Arable Conference focusing drone flying. In one day, Paris which attracts over on the hot topics of the day. visitors can see all the It’s hard to believe that 238,000 visitors. The joint There’ll be new equipment, suppliers and advisers they Cereals is 40 years old –– venture aims to leverage the new varieties, and fresh need, without having to visit looking back at the 1987 strengths of both sides –– business advice, alongside any other show. show guide brought a wry Haymarket’s experience in favourite old features and Agriculture is changing, smile to my face to see how delivering practical, outdoor familiar faces. with all the threats and some of the adverts and events and Comexposium’s Times are tight and marketing opportunities that brings. Yet machinery had dated. And yet, extensive network and budgets are being squeezed, our key message remains there’s so much that hasn’t showcasing of technology for so we have to work harder unchanged from the 1987 changed. That event guide high performing, sustainable than ever for our exhibitors guide: “A day spent at Cereals spoke of cereal surpluses, agriculture. and visitors. Advanced adult could be one of the most effective marketing, and We’re still working on the tickets are only £20 and cost-effective ways to spend producing to meet consumer details of how the joint venture students £12, so we reckon your time this year, and you needs. Not so very outdated will influence Cereals 2017, but visitors really are getting value will reap the benefits this year after all. I think this kind of investment for money, particularly when and next.” Roll forward another 10 years. can only be good news for they plan their day to get the Jon Day has been event Having amalgamated with the the sector, recognising the most from what’s on offer. director of the Cereals Arable Farming Event, Cereals long-term growth potential of And it’s that focus on value event since 2008. The 2017 1997 was all about technology the event. for the arable business that event takes place on and business skills. Features This year sees some exciting comes to the fore as Cereals 14-15 June at Boothby included precision farming and new and improved exhibits, 2017 approaches. Over the Graffoe, Lincs. alternative crops, with seminars with cutting-edge technology past decade, agricultural on genetic modification and the rubbing shoulders with introduction of area payments. practical advice. In response Cereals remains the only event that offers working demonstrations of By 2007, we were moving to feedback, we’re introducing spraying and cultivation equipment, crop plots to compare, on-site drone into a Brave New World: knowledge trails, making it flying and the opportunity to see all the suppliers and advisers you need. decoupled support, climate easier for visitors to find the change and biofuels featured technical information and heavily. But there were also advice they’re looking for. some chilling portents. The These will focus on adding phasing out of IPU and value and cutting costs; trifluralin herbicides heralded managing blackgrass; the start of a trend that has precision and efficiency; only increased in pace. getting the most from oilseed So what have we learned rape; plus business planning from the past four decades, and Brexit. and how can those lessons We’ve also made the popular feed into Cereals events for displays bigger and better the future? than ever so you don’t have to It’s clear to me that change fight through the crowds. The is nothing new. The event has Soil Pit will now be a massive always adapted to reflect and 20m long, and the Drone Zone lead on the issues of the day, will be split to include a huge

58 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017

With sugar “beet you’re not a grower, you’re a driller. ”

Tips for beet Roots Sugar beet weeds newbies

Sugar beet has been adopted Improvements to beet loader design and and a careful variety selection. as a blackgrass solution by a advances in tyre technology mean soil “KWS Siskin averaged 10.75t/ha and damage is no longer the threat it once while it made specification, the premium Suffolk grower after a long was, but what ultimately persuaded him was poor, but this was offset by being absence from growing the to return to the crop was blackgrass. cheaper to grow than other milling varieties,” he says. crop. CPM asks guidance Rampant blackgrass He has come to see rotation as the best for newcomers from an “We considered growing sugar beet means of gaining control of blackgrass four years ago when contract could be and sugar beet will be followed by spring established grower purchased for £2/t, but at the time wheat barley to give two consecutive years of and agronomist. was still more profitable. But back then spring crops. we didn’t have a rampant blackgrass “A proactive rotation is our best chance By Lucy de la Pasture problem. Today, we have it in patches, but of tackling blackgrass. We’ll use the if we’re not careful it will soon be across opportunity afforded by sugar beet to and Rob Jones the whole farm,” he says. make it the priority weed. A lot will depend He regards blackgrass as one of the on soil conditions, but if favourable we will principal threats to farm profitability and is make good use of residuals and Centurion Some 42 years after the UK joined the changing his rotation dramatically in the Max (clethodim) before focussing on European Community, growers can once hope of reversing its progression. broadleaf weeds.” again produce sugar beet without first “Our winter wheat area has fallen from Fortunately, although there have been needing to obtain an entitlement. For 78% of the farm to just 22%. This is partly no major changes in active ingredients some, this is an opportunity not be to due to poor market prices, but also available for use in sugar beet, formulations be missed while for those wishing to because in 2016, we spent £130/ha on have improved greatly in recent years. continue growing the crop, it’s motivation autumn herbicides which is simply not So Richard Styles is hopeful broadleaf to maintain improving performance. sustainable.” weed control won’t be compromised by One new grower is Richard Styles of Despite this level of spend, his costs of the need to keep on top of blackgrass. Tudor Farms, Debenham, Suffolk. After a production for wheat would be in the top “In Betanal maxxPro (desmedipham+ 27-year absence he will grow sugar beet quartile of the industry at around £110/t. ethofumesate+ lenacil+ phenmedipham)

again on his heavy land farm this spring. This he attributes to good average yields we have a herbicide with a good crop L

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 59 Sugar beet weeds

heavy land sites, while fungicides have enabled us to maintain canopy health through the autumn.” So, what would be the best advise he’d share with any new or returning grower? “Establishment is the basis of reliable performance. I often say that with sugar beet you’re not a grower, you’re a driller because if you get that wrong you’re finished. The weather has an influence of course, but if you start well you’re well placed to take on Mother Nature.” Herbicide selection is still a consideration, but not to the extent it once was, he reckons.

Formulation change “Chemicals have improved markedly in Chris Rutterford says that although the active the past decade. The active substances substances are much the same as 30 years ago, are much the same as 30 years ago, but formulation has changed dramatically. formulation has changed dramatically with the development of oil dispersion (OD) Pat Turnbull advises sprays are based on the L safety profile that supports a flexible mixes. They’re now far safer and more crop’s growth stage, because as the size of the approach. I’m confident that with some effective.” beet seedlings increases they can cope with favourable conditions we should achieve Sugar beet agronomist Dr Pat Turnbull stronger herbicide mixes. our goals,” says Mr Styles. adds to the advice to new growers. For Christopher Rutterford of Little “Controlling weeds early in sugar beet is reduce yields by 10%. Bad weed control Thornes Farm, Swaffham, sugar beet vital if growers are to achieve a low unit can knock yields by 30%.” represents the most profitable break crop cost of production and it’s the key to Pat Turnbull says that weed control in option available. achieving higher yields. sugar beet has always been about finding “We’re aiming for upwards of 80t/ha, but “Getting control strategies right is the right strategy. The move towards having even at 75t/ha it competes strongly with important, or you’ll always be playing a single, high-tech sprayer on the farm cereals. The interest in the crop from catch up and in the long run this will be covering a large number of hectares and new growers isn’t surprising,” he says. more expensive. Hit broadleaf weeds hard a wide range of crops, has meant that He believes that sugar beet growers and early, using a mix of contact and the multi-pass herbicide, low dose, have benefitted considerably from other residual-acting herbicides,” she advises. post-emergence strategies, applied at close people’s efforts. “Compromising weed control can soon intervals have become more of a challenge. “Breeders have made great strides tip the balance to a position that you can’t “Growers simply don’t have the time to in variety potential, while machinery come back from and it’s the taller weeds get so many applications on the crop at manufacturers have done much to that are the real problem. An infestation of such a busy time of year, so adopting a address concerns over compaction. This just one tall weed species/m2, such as fat two-spray programmme known as has done much to support the crop on hen or redshank, in a crop can potentially ‘Broadacre’ that uses robust multi-active L

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flushes of weeds emerge. And it’s important “Some growers might include Debut that sprays are based on the crop’s growth (triflusulfuron-methyl) in the first application, stage, because as the size of the beet if there’s an early emergence of actively seedlings increases, they can cope with growing weeds, but typically we find it’s stronger herbicide mixes,” she says. most effective when applied as the second She says for some growers a move that spray 10-14 days after the first, specifically relies on a two-spray Broadacre programme for brassicas, cleavers and some is perceived as risky, especially when large polygonums such as redshank and pale numbers of weeds emerge early alongside persicaria. This is then usually followed the sugar beet. with a final Debut-based spray. “Debut also adds to blackgrass control. Both anecdotally and in BBRO trials, carried Weed control is one of the keys to higher yields Broad spectrum “We often recommend a broad-spectrum out at Brant Broughton in Lincolnshire in and getting control strategies right is important, system on some farms where the two 2013, they showed that two applications of or you’ll always be playing catch up. strong hits with triflusulfuron-methyl and triflusulfuron-methyl added to blackgrass ethofumesate are used at the second and control compared to a standard mix,” adds

L herbicide mixes can have a positive the third post-emergence timings. With this Pat Turnbull. I impact on control.” approach, it’s normally a grower’s preference According to Pat Turnbull, critical to to apply a pre-emergence herbicide and the success of the ‘Broadacre’ approach the product of choice is chloridazon as a is the application rate of key actives relatively cost-effective start. This pre-em triflusulfuron-methyl and ethofumesate predisposes the weeds to post-emergence –– the latter included as the ‘activator’ –– sprays and gives a little more timing depending on the weed threat, but if weeds flexibility,” she explains. are bigger, or the spray has been delayed, “The first early post-emergence herbicide then raising the rates of these two are application must be at the cotyledon to one essential and should be adjusted true-leaf stage, with a robust mix based on phenmedipham, ethofumesate, metamitron accordingly. Tall weeds have a dramatic effect on potential and desmedipham, giving safety and early “Weed control in sugar beet must be crop yields in sugar beet. programmed, with applications timed as broad-spectrum control,” she advises.

Life after linuron There’s no “‘one-size-fits-all’ herbicide strategy ”

Roots Potato weed control

Potato growers received compatibilities since the approval of an unwelcome, if not entirely metobromuron in 2015 (sold as Inigo by CAS-Hutchinsons but more widely unexpected, Valentine’s day as Praxim). present from CRD in Feb –– No buffer zone the issue of a withdrawal “Inigo benefits from having no requirement notice for linuron. CPM for a buffer zone and no variety restrictions, though it does need a residual tank-mix investigates the alternatives. partner which could negate this advantage. But there’s always the option of applying it By Lucy de la Pasture alone to the headlands where buffer zone requirements of partner products make it impossible to apply as a mixture,” The writing has been on the wall for he explains. linuron for a while, but for many growers For habitual linuron users, the cost of its withdrawal means a step into the herbicide treatments is going to increase in unknown. Linuron has been a mainstay their programmes, but Dave Valentine points Dave Valentine has been investigating herbicide of potato production for the past 25 years, out that to get the best out of Inigo, don’t programmes using alternatives to linuron for the with 65% of ware crops receiving be tempted to claw back on cost by cutting past two seasons. treatment according to the 2014 Pesticide the rate. Usage Survey. On light soils, he’s been getting good potato specialist, Reuben Morris is in full So while some growers may be buying results using 2.5 l/ha Inigo with Defy agreement with after three years of testing linuron forward and stocking up before it (prosulfocarb) or with Gamit (clomazone) at the Frontier Holbeach 3D demo site. disappears from the shelves on 3 June, the plus Stomp (pendimethalin) mixes where “When Praxim was first introduced in our most savvy are also experimenting with wild oats, cleavers or polygonums are trials, there were a few issues around ironing mixes to find the best alternative herbicide present. out the rates but we found that when the programmes on their soil types. “On heavier land, the rate of Inigo needs rates were kept up (2.5-3 l/ha), weed control It’s a sensible approach –– no one wants to be kept up to 3 l/ha and the addition of was most effective. The important thing in a to be left wondering what to do on 3 Jun 0.5kg/ha Shotput (metribuzin) makes it Praxim tank-mix is to keep each herbicide 2018 when linuron can be used no more, more robust. It’s a pretty soluble combination partner at an effective rate,” he comments. says agronomist Dave Valentine of Chemical so also works well under reasonably dry “Used at 3 l/ha, there’s a big difference in and Agricultural Services (CAS), part conditions,” he says. the weed spectrum covered by Praxim, of Hutchinsons. Based in Lancs, he’s Making sure an adequate rate of which has less gaps. Tank-mix partners

been looking at different mixtures and metobromuron is applied is something chosen need to cover any holes in the L

crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 63 Potato weed control

Herbicide treatments and costs applied at Elveden

Treatments 5 and 8 were the stand-out mixtures at the Spot Farm demonstration. Reuben Morris advises growers to use an Source: AHDB Potatoes. adequate rate (2.5–3 l/ha) of Praxim (metobromuron). L Praxim spectrum if you adjust its rate Graham Tomalin, VCS Agronomy. down. With metribuzin as a partner, a safer “There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ herbicide mix to use is 3 l/ha Praxim plus 0.25kg/ha strategy for potato crops and three-way a three-way mix of 2 l/ha Praxim, 3 l/ha Defy Shotput on more sensitive varieties and mixes are most likely to be the way forward and 200g/ha Shotput. lighter soils, though 2.5 l/ha plus 0.5kg/ha to provide a broad spectrum of control,” “These programmes cost more than the will provide robust control in most situations,” he comments. standard treatment, 1.35 l/ha Afalon (linuron) he advises. in combination with 2.2 l/ha Stomp Aqua There are no variety safety issues to Herbicide performance (pendimethalin) and 200g/ha Shotput, that consider when using Defy (prosulfocarb) Graham Tomalin has been leading the was applied at the site,” he comments. as a partner to Praxim, but tank-mixing can herbicide work at AHDB Potatoes Spot Farm Agrii agronomist Matt Alford confesses to be problematic if rates are too high, he East at Elveden, where the performance not having been a big linuron user, having comments. of combinations and individual active mostly used Artist as the foundation of his “With prosulfocarb, it’s best to keep rates ingredients has been compared to standard weed control programmes in recent years. as high as possible without compatibility applications containing the three standard So it’s very much business as usual for becoming an issue, otherwise weed control herbicides –– linuron, metribuzin and him and he’s not overly concerned about drops off. That means using 2.5-3 l/ha pendimethalin –– on a medium sand the loss. Praxim with 3 l/ha prosulfocarb, which is a soil type. “There’s definitely life after linuron. It’s very safe mix and can be used right up until Part of the demonstration looked at crop going to cost a little bit more but it’s possible near emergence,” adds Reuben Morris. safety, highlighting the phytotoxic effects to get as good or better weed control –– Paying much closer attention to the weed metribuzin and clomazone can produce. something you can’t afford to get wrong in spectrum present in fields is going to be the “If you increase rates of these actives potatoes,” he says. key to getting successful weed control, this is something you need to be aware With a significant number of early believes independent potato agronomist of, particularly on light soils,” he notes. potatoes under his wing in the south-west of The weed screen that took place at England, he has crops on a range of soil Elveden last season provided some useful types, from a herbicide-problematic sand on insight into the activity of different mixtures the North Devon coast to sandy-clay loam on the weeds present –– groundsel, in Somerset. small nettle, cleavers, flixweed, annual For the past two seasons, he’s moved meadowgrass (AMG) and cranesbill –– towards basing his programmes around though disappointed in that weeds that had Praxim at 2.5 l/ha on the majority of his been expected, including fat hen, black spuds, increasing to 3 l/ha on occasions, bindweed, knotgrass and mayweed, failed and adding other actives according to the to put in an appearance. weeds present and variety being grown. “The demonstration has been modified “We can’t afford to cause a check in this year and hopefully the host field will growth on early crops so the crop safety provide a weed spectrum to fill in the gaps aspect of Praxim is a plus. Last season where no information was gleaned last year,” I used Artist as a bolt-on to Praxim and got he says. good results, and it’s especially useful where Providing the best overall control in the AMG is a problem. I also used Praxim in Three-way mixes are likely to be the way forward, demonstration, two tank-mixes stood out. combination with clomazone and intend to believes Graham Tomalin. One contained 3 l/ha Praxim and 1kg/ha try further tank-mixes this spring, including Artist (metribuzin+ flufenacet) and the other Praxim with Defy and also with Artist in L

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Potato weed control

improvements can often be made. side of the ridge which will result in poor “Leave the ridges a week to 10 days to weed control, so be careful,” he warns. settle before applying a herbicide. I prefer “The addition of a drift retardant, such Defy nozzles, facing alternately forward and as Backrow, takes out the fines and by back, to get good coverage over the ridges. evening up the droplet size, coverage over They’re a difficult target with steep sides and the ridge is better. When conditions are a bit all our tests with water sensitive paper have dicey, this can help get the best out of the shown the angled nozzles to be head and herbicide,” adds Matt Alford. shoulders above the rest,” he comments. Of more concern to all agronomists than “Setting up the sprayer is important, the herbicide losses at the early timing is with the boom height set at 50-60cm above the gap that would be left at the desiccation the ridge and a forward speed of 10km/h. timing if diquat becomes another casualty of I tend to recommend a water volume of the EU’s pesticide regulations. 250-300 l/ha, depending on the label, and “It would be a steep learning curve with it’s important to remember that if clomazone just Spotlight (carfentrazone-ethyl) and is applied in the mix, the spray quality must Gozai available and neither capable of be coarse.” quickly burning down the foliage as diquat Graham Tomalin adds that the worst does. That means crops will likely need Matt Alford says life after linuron is going to cost conditions to watch out for when applying to be flailed to remove the leaves before a little bit more but it’s possible to get as good or herbicides is when it’s windy across desiccation. I’m planning on investigating better weed control. the ridges. the alternatives to this timing further this “This will give uneven deposition on either season,” says Dave Valentine. I L combination with clomazone or linuron. The future for diquat is widely expected to follow the same course as linuron, though a New Amistar approval adds alternaria protection definitive statement has yet to be made on its future. With nearly every hectare of The new addition to the Amistar (azoxystrobin) potatoes receiving a diquat treatment at label means foliar treatments targeted one or other end of the season, its loss specifically at stopping infections of alternaria would be a major blow. There are are now available, giving growers and alternatives in Gozai (pyraflufen-ethyl) and agronomists a season long programme to help Shark (carfentrazone-ethyl) for early season prevent pathogen strains from June through weed control but both products have gaps to harvest, advises Douglas Dyas, Syngenta in their weed spectrum, says Matt Alford. potato field technical manager. “We have to be careful with early lifting “Alternaria has been an increasing problem crops and don’t want to hit the crop with in some recent seasons. The increased area of diquat and set it back. We generally try and varieties that are more susceptible to infection, get it on before the ridges crack but spend combined with prolonged periods of stressful weather conditions, has led to serious our money on a good residual stack, as we Alternaria control has been added to the Amistar outbreaks in some seasons.” always get enough moisture to keep tickling label for 2017. the residual activity up in early season. He advocates that alternaria must be “I’ve used Shark early and it has worked tackled preventatively, in conjunction with well but I tried Gozai last season to get the late blight fungicide programme. He highlights that best results will be some experience with it and thought it gives “Growers should look to start alternaria achieved where growers use fungicide something over Shark, being stronger on control as soon as conditions are conducive to protection in an integrated crop management difficult weeds like cleavers, black infection, typically from the end of June, but (ICM) programme, including variety selection nightshade, field bindweed and knotgrass.” remaining aware of risk factors for any and aiming to avoid high risk stress factors, Dave Valentine has also been replacing individual crop.” such as soil moisture or nutrient stress. some of his diquat usage with Gozai or He recommends using up to three A further change to the Amistar approval in Shark for pepping up contact activity on applications of Amistar, aimed at protecting potatoes has seen the removal of the overall emerged weeds. He had good results on against alternaria, in conjunction with Amphore treatment of seedbeds pre-planting at 6 l/ha. volunteer oilseed rape by adding 0.3 l/ha Plus, utilising its combination of a robust However the 3 l/ha in-furrow application Gozai to his residual stack of Inigo and application rate of difenoconazole, to give remains unchanged for black dot and Sencorex (metribuzin). effective prevention of A. alternata and rhizoctonia. “If a tidy-up is necessary just before A. solani, along with its built-in full rate of Growers with stocks of old label Amistar can plants emerge then 0.3-0.4 l/ha Gozai plus mandipropamid (Revus) for blight control. still use it to make the 6 l/ha overall application methylated rapeseed oil is in a very similar “This approach should be sufficient to offer at planting, with a use up of old label material bracket to diquat in terms of both price protection for crops throughout the season. by the end of August 2018. Old label Amistar and performance,” he adds. Growers will have to add a blight fungicide can also be used for the new foliar alternaria Given the old adage that 50% of good with their Amistar treatments depending on treatment, but a copy of the authorisation letter weed control is in the application, Matt previous treatments and within CAA and must be downloaded from the CRD website Alford reminds that this is an area where FRAC guidelines.” before use (www.pesticides.gov.uk).

66 crop production magazine arable extra march 2017 weeks. That’s not the best start as good, which will allow for onto the bandwagon. Is it just considering it could cost further investigation. a green manure, are you upwards of £400/t, with Why plant the marginal looking to increase organic yield and quality being areas if they won’t contribute matter or do you want to compromised before it’s fully to marketable yield and control pests? even planted. Seed needs profitability? The planting of There are two main possible to be managed properly to headlands has always been cover crop gains for me. get the most from it –– it’s a contentious issue for me. Firstly, the role of the cover time to invest in dedicated They’re the last planted, often crop in reducing free-living seed-storage facilities, or at in the worst soil conditions nematode numbers, although I Opportunity in least tip the bags out on arrival yet they’re the first to be approach any claims regarding marginal gains so you can get a good look at harvested and put into the potato cyst nematode control it and ventilate it to dry up any back of the store. with scepticism (apart from condensation. In other parts of the world sticky nightshade). Secondly, Over the next 5-10 years But let’s go a step further. technology plays a massive removing soil moisture to allow there’s a huge opportunity for The seed industry needs to part in irrigation, indeed for less cultivation –– that’s the UK potato industry. We move forward and sell seed on variable rate irrigation is another gain well worth having. just need to grasp it. Certainly, a re-plantable hectarage basis common practice –– soil-type Lucy de la Pasture returns to the potato part of larger –– companies like McCain are scan information is used to Last Word in April businesses is likely to be one already doing this. You don’t make applications variably. of the few enterprises that buy cereal seed by the tonne. This could have a big part to John Sarup won AHDB’s has the potential to make You plant it according to TGW play in conserving water, a inaugural Above and 2 money, particularly with a and seeds/m . So why are limited resource for many, Beyond award in 2016 bit more fine-tuning and potatoes still sold by the tonne as well as improving quality for his work as potato focussing on attention and planted in tonnes/acre? by minimising the risk of agronomist and director to detail. For me, it’s time to embrace powdery scab. of Spud Agronomy, which Of course, we can’t do re-plantable hectares and The role cover crops looks after over 4000ha anything about the weather but the principles behind levy play is an interesting (and of potatoes from the we can do lots of other things payer-funded R&D into fashionable) one and my Cheshire/Shrops border that will have an influence on chronological age and its current cover crop of choice in the West, across to the marketable yield. In the words impact on stem numbers. is oil radish, but that may Humber estuary and then of British cycling’s Dave With regards to cultivations, change! It’s important to on up to Dunbar in the Brailsford, ‘it’s all about why use a bedtiller if all you’re decide what you want from a North. marginal gains’. Some gains doing is speeding up the cover crop before jumping are more marginal than others destoning? Compaction, but put them all together and slumped soils and lack of Planting potato headlands may be routine, but should it be? you get one massive gain. oxygen will all impact on When I first got involved with marketable yield, and that’s growing potatoes, I was told without even considering the that there’re two fundamentals cost savings in fuel and labour to get right –– seed quality and which amounted to 35% when cultivations. If either or both bedtilling was taken out of the are compromised so will be equation at the AHDB Spot marketable yield. This is still farm West. true today, although there are Technology also has a part a few other things that we to play, but it needn’t be need to focus on if we’re to complicated. Just using consistently challenge the GPS and an offset plough yield plateau of the past means there’s no smearing, 5-10 years. compaction or wheel I still visit farms where seed scrubbing away in the bottom has been delivered in bags of a furrow. Looking at satellite and is stuffed in the back of a images of fields can also tell shed, still in the bags until you a lot. It highlights areas planting time, often for several where the crop might not be

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