Disease control in Winter Wheat

Disease control in wheat is an important aspect to achieving high yields and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy chatted to Dr Stephen Kildea, a researcher in Oak Park and Ivan Whitten, a Teagasc advisor in Kildare, to discuss how to achieve robust disease control in winter wheat.

Ivan pointed out that the cold dry weather in March and April delayed growth and disease development and as a result, farmers applied the first main fungicide later than usual with these farmers now well placed to apply the flag leaf fungicide to the flag leaf fully expanded in the coming week.

Dr Stephen Kildea pointed out that the recent wet weather has spread septoria up the canopy and there is a high likelihood there is latent or unseen septoria in the upper canopy.  

This increased threat means there is a need for curative action and the newer chemistries (Revysol and Inotreq) are best placed to deliver the best septoria control this year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: www.teagasc.ie/thetillageedge

The Tillage Edge podcast has all the latest news and insights for tillage farmers.