A new sugar beet fungicide controlling all key diseases and proven to boost sugar yields by up to 120% is now available from Syngenta. Priori Xtra combines the world-leading strobilurin, azoxystrobin, with the powerful triazole, cyproconazole.
Priori Xtra is approved for the control of Powdery Mildew, Rust, Ramularia and the increasing incidence of Cecospora leaf spot. Repeated trials have shown Priori Xtra to be significantly more effective than Opera in the control of Rust, with excellent control levels up to nine weeks after application. The product has outperformed other fungicide options for control of Ramularia, Cercospora and Rust.
Syngenta Sugar Beet Manager, Tom Whitworth, reports the persistence of Priori Xtra will prove especially valuable as a second spray to complement Spyrale in a fungicide programme looking to keep beet disease free for later lifting.
"Trials have consistently shown highly effective disease control, with the associated greening effects which drives beet sugar yields later in the season," he reports. "This works especially effectively with prolonged beet harvesting campaigns and delivery direct to the factories with extended opening." In an extensive seven-trial study, a two-spray Priori Xtra programme delivered an average 2.7 t/ha extra sugar yield.
Mr Whitworth advises growers can make up to two applications of Priori Xtra, at a recommended rate of 0.9 l/ha. For maximum efficacy and persistence, he advocates application at the first signs of disease, but before infection gets established. If weather conditions are favourable to disease a second application should be made before signs of re-infection. Priori Xtra must be applied no later than 36 days before harvest.
Priori Xtra is already well proven for the control of a broad spectrum of cereal diseases, along with Alternaria and Sclerotinia in oilseed rape. In addition to sugar beet, the new approval covers for disease control in fodder beet as well.
