Key points
- This Arable Update reports on three trials set up in 2016/17 to better understand the development and spread of white blister of radish seed crops.
- Ridomil Gold® MZ WG remains active against white blister and forms the base for an effective control programme, with useful additions from Pristine®, Amistar® and Seguris Flexi®.
- It was possible to detect the presence of white blister oospores in most seed lines.
- In a pot trial, disease development and severity did not appear to be influenced by oospore loading on the seed surface and all lines became infected.
- White blister may infect the internal seed structures and act like an endophyte. Therefore the disease is seedborne, infecting the seedling plants when conditions are suitable.
- It is important not to rely on one fungicide group (e.g. Ridimol) as this could increase the risk of resistance developing.
- Increased white blister disease control was strongly related to increased seed yield.