Key Points
- One year of trial results, in a low disease pressure year, showed that seed yield increases (16-23%) were achieved when green leaf area (GLA) was maximised.
- Use of fungicides maximised GLA. Highest economic benefit and seed yield (though not significantly higher than other treatments) was obtained from a three-fungicide programme.
- The use of a ½ rate of Opus applied with Moddus for early disease control followed by one or two strategically timed 50:50 triazole/strobilurin mixes from head emergence to mid flowering gave good increases in profitability.
- Dry December conditions meant very low disease pressure in the 2003/04 year. Research conducted in years with high disease pressure (e.g. 1999) highlights the influence of weather on disease. Growers need to be prepared for both situations via regular monitoring.
- A further season of trials to look at a wider range of rates and timings is being undertaken.