Conventional PGR use challenged

New ADAS work shows value of two PGR sprays for lodging insurance.

The trials compared conventional single sprays of PGR at GS 31 with PGRs at GS 37-39 (T2) or a sequence using both these dates.  These utilised the range of major PGR products on the market.  The best results were where Moddus* (trinexapac-ethyl) + chlormequat was applied at GS 31 and was followed by Cerone at T2.

“This work was carried out at our High Mowthorpe, Rosemaund and Boxworth sites,” explains project leader Dr Pete Berry, “and included both winter wheat and winter barley. The two-spray strategy was effective in both crops reducing both stem and root lodging compared to the common approach of a single treatment at GS 30-31.”

‘”This two-spray sequence increased the varietal lodging resistance scores by the equivalent of 1.6 in barley and by 2 to 3 in wheat,” reported Dr Berry.  “Such increases greatly improve the standing power of both crops.”

“Moderate lodging can wipe 20% off yields and also adversely affect straw quality,” explains Dr Berry, “Putting this into monetary terms, at a grain value of just £150/t, this loss from moderate lodging of an 8.5t/ha crop is around £255/ha.” 

“Moderate to severe lodging occurs about four years in ten, and spreading the costs and returns over that period will lead to an average £90/ha return from a £10/ha outlay on Cerone as the second PGR,” explains Dr Berry.

Peter Stacey, PGR product manager at Bayer CropScience agrees that T2 is a good time to apply Cerone.  “It has always worked well at this timing. The risk of lodging cannot be predicted early and the T2 treatment is essential to ensure a good economic return from the crop. With grain and straw prices as they are, starting with a Moddus plus chlormequat treatment at GS 31 and following with Cerone or Upgrade, tank-mixed with T2 fungicides, is a sound investment,” he says.

*Registered trademark of Syngenta Ltd.