Delivering an effective T3 treatment at an affordable price
The T3 cereal fungicide treatment delivers about one-seventh of the total yield response, but up to three-sevenths of the grain quality response. The aim of a T3 treatment is to maintain the flag leaf free from Septoria for as long as possible, to keep the ears clean and to retain grain quality. The use of a multi-site contact protectant, such as Quell Flo (mancozeb), alone or in mix depending on variety and risk, will provide this protection at minimal cost, according to Interfarm UK Ltd.
"As the effects of the T2 fungicide treatment fades, the flag leaf continues to need adequate protection against Septoria and rusts whilst the ears need protection against S. nodorum, sooty moulds and Fusarium. Growers also have to be more aware nowadays of the risk of mycotoxins resulting from certain Fusarium infections. Any let up in the control of ear diseases will affect grain size, yield and flour colour and would reduce quality and grain premia," says Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager, Interfarm (UK) Ltd.
"Having already used triazoles, strobilurins, protectants and possibly morpholines at T0, T1 and T2 timings, the choice of the T3 treatment is an important decision for many growers, particularly when yield and quality is so vital. Quell Flo is the original, classic T3 fungicide for wheat, either alone or in combination with a triazole or strobilurin and still remains highly effective. Independent trials by CSL show that Quell Flo at T3 timing increases the Thousand Grain Weight, reduces Fusarium ear blight and reduces DON mycotoxin levels on grain, " explains Dr. Stormonth.
"Formulated as an easy to use flowable, Quell Flo also introduces an important anti-resistance strategy into the crop. As 20% of the weight of mancozeb is manganese, it will lengthen green leaf retention with its additional nutritional manganese - all at a very affordable price. Mancozeb is seeing quite a revival in interest, as growers realise the benefits of using a cost-effective, strong multi-site protectant with these additional bonus effects," says David.
Quell Flo at 2 l/ha gives good protection against ear diseases. It can be used at a lower dose rate of 1.5 l/ha when mixed with a suitable T3 triazole, where it will add to the effects on Fusarium species and Septoria nodorum, against which some triazoles tend to be weak.
David points out that strobilurins have useful activity against Microdochium but can be poor in controlling Fusarium spp and Septoria tritici. "But strobilurins lengthen grain fill and so are useful as ear treatments particularly in the North and Scotland. Adding Quell Flo to a strobilurin fungicide at T3 plugs the disease gaps and helps with resistance management," advises Dr. Stormonth.
"Recent notes from a leading advice organisation suggest that the earlier than usual season may lead to a T4 spray on early sown crops growing in later-ripening areas. Quell Flo is an affordable option here," he concludes.
Quell Flo contains 455g/L mancozeb formulated as a suspension concentrate. It is approved for use in wheat, oilseed rape and potatoes. In cereals it is recommended at a dose rate of 1.5 l/ha up to 3.3 l/ha. The maximum total crop dose is 9.9 l/ha. It has a Harvest Interval of up to GS 71 (grain watery ripe) and no LERAP. A 10 litre pack of Quell Flo treats 6.66 ha's.
