UPL is warning that growers face an increased risk of ergot after high infection levels this year. Ergot sclerotia can persist in the soil or in infected seed, so control traits should be considered when looking at seed treatments.
Wet weather at flowering, as well as grassweed pressure, are all factors that can increase the risk. The immediate concern is the marketability of crops this season, however, steps should be taken to reduce pressure next year according to Tom Wheelhouse, technical specialist at UPL.
“Colour sorters are in high demand to remove ergot in grain samples and infected seed lots,” he says. “Even if it is colour sorted out of a seed sample, treatment is strongly advised because particles of ergot will still be present.”
These will also be present in the soil of the infected fields. To tackle this, growers should look at non-cereal breakcrops and focus on grassweed control.
“Selecting a seed treatment with activity on ergot will also greatly help to reduce the risk. Only two products mention ergot on its label, and Rancona-i-Mix (ipconazole + imazalil) has the most substantial reduction claim.
“It states that Rancona-i-Mix is effective for the suppression of ergot particles in contaminated seed stocks and the reduction in the spread of spores.
“In reality, UPL trials indicated this will reduce the incidence of ergot by 40 – 60%. When combined with cultural control measures like colour sorting, it could be the difference between a rejected crop or not,” explains Tom.
For more information go to www.upl-ltd.com