Reports of yellow rust in wheat crops means growers should be planning both preventive and curative control in their T0 sprays.

"Getting on top of yellow rust early is crucial to avoid losing valuable margin and can be achieved in a very cost-effective way," says Ruth Stanley, UK and IE country manager for Life Scientific.

“Protecting and maintaining green leaf area with a well planned fungicide programme is essential, as allowing any disease to take hold reduces the crop’s photosynthetic capacity, increasing the likelihood of earlier senescence and lower yields. Yield losses of 40–50% can often occur in untreated yellow rust susceptible wheat varieties.”

Most wheat crops will be approaching T0 at the end of March or beginning of April and the yellow rust pathogen remains sensitive to azoles, with tebuconazole being effective at knocking out any early yellow rust infection, but also preventing the onset of disease.

Zonor, from off-patent manufacturers Life Scientific contains 250g/l tebuconazole and provides a cost-effective option for yellow rust control.

“Even a 50% dose of Zonor provides enough azole to prevent disease building and yield loss before the T1 timing,” commented Mrs Stanley, adding that growers should prioritise spraying susceptible varieties rated 3 or 4, but varieties with higher Recommended List ratings cannot be ignored.

For more information on Zonor or any other products in the Life Scientific portfolio please visit the Life Scientific website: https://lifescientific.com/products/