United Kingdom
July 16, 2014
Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) is the most under-rated yield robber in oilseed rape - and probably the main reason why most growers’ OSR crops disappointingly fail to reach their true yield potential.
Without the benefit of neonicotinoid seed treatment this season, growers face the increased challenge of aphid control to prevent infection, warns Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Simon Roberts.
“TuYV typically results in up to 30% yield loss. The viruses’ debilitating effects on plant vigour can result in reduced yields, with less seeds per pod and lower % oil content of seed. Early infection, transmitted by aphid feeding activity, is more damaging to crop yield, and can lead to further spread across the crop in mild autumn conditions.
“The issue has been exacerbated with the fact that the primary carrier of the virus, Myzus persicae (Peach-potato aphid), is almost universally resistant to pyrethroid sprays and conventional foliar insecticides,” he advised.
“PLENUM is now the only foliar insecticide to offer a realistic chance of controlling this key TuYV aphid vector. The treatment timing and new application recommendations for Plenum are going to be crucial in targeting affected aphids and minimising the risk of virus spread.”
HGCA research has identified over 60% of the UK OSR crop area is endemically affected by TuYV - with the virus present in a wide range of crops and weed plant species. With tests revealing up to 70% of Myzus aphids to be carrying the virus - compared to just 1% typically carrying other foliar viruses - their feeding on the establishing crop can quickly lead to extensive spread.
Simon advocated PLENUM should be applied at the first signs of autumn aphid infestation in the establishing crop. With the greatest yield losses caused by early transmission, the aim is to reduce the risk of virus getting into plants from aphids carry the virus, and to break the cycle of infection.
To find out more on this season’s risks, read the latest FWi Academy here – with the chance to gain BASIS and NRoSO points
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