Beans are ready for their second fungicide spray

The recent wet weather has increased the incidence of chocolate spot and rusts in beans and the second spray, which is scheduled before the end of flowering, needs to be applied now, says BASF.

"The protectant fungicide Signum (pyraclostrobin and boscalid) offers excellent and long-lasting control of chocolate spot as well as rust in field beans. If the risk of chocolate spot continues to escalate towards the end of flowering, then further sprays are called for. Rust can often become a threat at this time too, particularly where there are warm days, cool nights and increasing humidity," says Jonathan Ball, BASF Peas and Beans Product Manager.

Rust is a serious disease of both winter and spring beans, usually developing from the end of June onwards. Severe infections during flowering and pod fill can cause defoliation and consequential loss of yield. PGRO trials have shown a 40% yield loss if the disease is left untreated, even higher than that for chocolate spot.

"Tall and dense forward crops will create ideal conditions for rapid development of both these diseases and this outlook makes Signum an ideal choice for the combined, preventative control of chocolate spot and rust towards the end of flowering," Jonathan adds.

In trials, Signum gave 74% control of chocolate spot and 73% of rusts, confirming its high activity against both bean diseases and making it the preferred choice for the second spray in winter beans and the first spray in spring beans.

Signum contains 67 g/kg pyraclostrobin and 267 g/kg boscalid and is formulated as a water dispersible granule (WDG). It will control chocolate spot and rust in spring and winter field beans. It is recommended at a dose rate of 1 kg/ha. Up to two applications can be made with a harvest interval of 21 days. In addition to spring and winter field beans, Signum is also approved for use in indoor and outdoor strawberries, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and outdoor and protected lettuce.

For further comment and information please contact:Jonathan Ball, BASF on 0161 488 5785 or mobile 0771 7782768