United Kingdom
November 2013
Application trials by Syngenta Application Specialist, Tom Robinson, have shown that lower water volumes and appropriate nozzle selection can improve spray retention on the all-important flower head and surrounding final leaves.
“We have shown that application in a water volume of 200 to 240 l/ha can optimise spray retention on the target flower heads and inner leaves, in most instances,” advised Mr Robinson.
Furthermore, measuring deposition from a range of nozzle types showed that for open field, uncovered, broccoli crops using angled nozzles gave the best results in targeting spray retention on the heads and inner leaves.
Improved spray retention could enhance results with AMISTAR TOP and PLOVER applications aimed at preventing damaging infections of Ringspot on the leaf, or White Blister attack on broccoli heads.
“The trials identified that the Syngenta Defy 05 nozzle was the best all-round performer for spray retention where spraying conditions were reasonable,” said Mr Robinson. “But where superior drift control is required, the Syngenta Vegetable 06 nozzle would be the preferred option.”
Brassica disease warning
The latest Brassica Alert disease warnings, issued this week (29 October 2013) by the Allium & Brassica Centre and Syngenta, reported a red alert High Risk for White Blister across all key brassica growing areas of Lincolnshire and eastern England, as well as a High Risk for Ringspot in most areas.
Syngenta Vegetable Business Manager, James Gray, highlighted that Brassica Alert is designed to make growers aware of potential disease risks in their area, which could help with decisions on timing fungicide applications more effectively.
“After a relatively late and slow build-up of disease pressure, the wet, unseasonably warm weather has seen infection levels for key diseases rise over recent weeks,” he warned. “Crop and spore release monitoring has identified both Ringspot and White Blister is prevalent in crops.
“Alternaria is slower developing than Ringspot, the dominant leaf disease, so AMISTAR TOP and PLOVER applications timed to prevent Ringspot infection should effectively control Alternaria as well,” he advised.
Brassica growers and agronomists can view Brassica Alert free on the Syngenta website or receive a text message of local disease risk warnings direct to their mobile phone.
Species
