ALCHEMY SHIFTS THE FUNGICIDE SPEND

By taking into account their genetic traits new-generation wheat varieties can give cereal growers the opportunity to target inputs better and apportion fungicide cost accordingly, says the UK’s leading wheat breeder.

 T0 fungicide applications have become more common in winter wheat, but whereas ‘older’ varieties with poor disease profiles such as Savannah and Consort may warrant a T0, growers should think carefully before deciding to treat Nickerson’s new winter wheat variety, Alchemy.

“In early spring Alchemy may only seem slightly better in its levels of Septoria tritici compared to other varieties – but this is because the disease won’t actually manifest itself until later on,” says Bill Angus, the company’s senior wheat breeder. “As the season progresses the differences will become much more apparent.”

Alchemy’s spectrum of disease resistance is good on the key targets of T0 - early eyespot, mildew and Septoria tritici. Therefore applying a T0 fungicide on Alchemy is unlikely to be cost effective, he believes, except in circumstances where it has been drilled very early.

“Its high level of disease resistance complements the strategic use of fungicides; and at a time when most spray applications may be difficult to make it will give growers some insurance against those diseases.”

The balance of fungicide ‘spend’ can subsequently be shifted away from T0 on to T3, where even on feed varieties, grain quality through Fusarium and saprophytic fungi control needs to be maintained.

“Alchemy’s rating of seven for Septoria tritici is robust as it is based upon a number of resistance genes, with up to five or six involved,” Mr Angus explains. “This means growers can be much more confident in its durability. Other varieties that have similar ratings may be more susceptible to breakdown as the resistance is uncharacterised.”

But even though Alchemy’s Septoria tritici resistance is superb it isn’t immune and Mr Angus stresses it will still need protection at T1 and T2.

An updated copy of the husbandry guidelines for Alchemy, containing comprehensive agronomic advice on how to get the best from the variety, is now available to download from www.nickersonuk.com

For further information contact Lee Robinson on 01472 371471 or lrobinson@nickerson.co.uk or go to www.nickersonuk.com