T1 - Lay the Foundations

Diseases to Consider

Septoria  - Always critical to control as it is the most yield robbing wheat disease.  Fungicide programmes should focus on this disease and either incorporate or widen the spectrum to other diseases as required.

Stem Base Complex (Eyespot, Microdochium spp + Stem base Fusarium)  -
Always needs to be considered at the T1 timing.  Control of these diseases after this stage of the programme will not be as effective.

Yellow rust -  New highly virulent yellow rust races have resulted in a significant lowering of NIAB ratings of some in many varieties.   Disease can develop rapidly in susceptible varieties when conditions become favourable.

Mildew - Incidence is dependent on season and variety, also influenced by location and soil type.

Brown rust - Prefers warmer temperatures (15-22°C).  Typically develops mid-late season in susceptible varieties.

Fusarium ear blight inoculum management  - Fusarium inoculum typically builds up from early spring and can influence final ear blight levels and grain mycotoxins.

T1 Spray Options

Rates in brackets relate to the rate of Proline (250g/L prothioconazole) that would have been used.

Further information about disease incidence and regional risk maps can be found at: www.cropmonitor.co.uk

Product Performance and Advice

For Septoria:  The T1 spray should consist of a minimum of ¾ dose prothioconazole (0.55 L/ha Proline²⁷⁵).  At these rates prothioconazole yields on average 0.2t/ha more than epoxiconazole

For stem based disease:  Prothioconazole at ¾ dose (0.55 L/ha Proline²⁷⁵) gives excellent levels of activity.  Prothioconazole at T1 is the only option independently proven to help reduce Fusarium ear blight and mycotoxin levels later in the season.

For Yellow Rust:  Prothioconazole gives control equivalent to epoxiconazole when used in programmes.  ¾ dose of prothioconazole (0.55 L/ha Proline²⁷⁵) at T1 will protect the crop through to the flag leaf stage.

For Mildew:  Prothioconazole is the strongest triazole vs. mildew.  If high levels are established at T1 then addition of a specific mildewicide is recommended.