Canada OKs Syngenta's Quilt label expansion against blackleg disease in Canola

Syngenta Canada recently announced that canola growers in Western Canada now have another option to control blackleg infections, thanks to the label expansion of Quilt® foliar fungicide(azoxystrobin+propiconazole).

“Blackleg is an evolving canola disease that is causing growers a lot of concern,” said Eric Phillips, Product Lead, Fungicides and Insecticides with Syngenta Canada. “This disease, which has historically been controlled through genetic traits, is becoming increasingly resistant due to tighter canola rotations. As a result, there is a serious need for new management tools to help stop the spread of infection.”

Blackleg is a complex of two species, Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa, that infects canola from the seedling stage onward. The most damaging phase of the disease occurs when the canola plant leaves are infected. The pathogen spreads down the plant into the stock as the growing season progresses. The fungus eventually causes stem canker, which restricts moisture and nutrient uptake, leading to yield loss. As the disease takes hold, flowering plants may lodge, and as the fungus envelops the base of the stem, the plant can become completely severed. The Canola Council of Canada warns that an infection before the six-leaf stage is often associated with serious yield loss.1 Consequently, it is imperative for growers to be familiar with blackleg symptoms so immediate control measures can be taken.

Quilt can be applied during the rosette stage between the second true leaf and bolting (2 to 6 leaf) to control blackleg. This broad-spectrum fungicide combines the power of two active ingredients, azoxystrobin (Group 11) and propiconazole (Group 3). Together, they deliver both systemic and curative properties, as well as provide resistance management. Quilt is particularly effective at controlling diseases such as blackleg because of its ability to move within the plant, not only protecting the points of contact, but new plant material as well.

“Syngenta research trials conducted across Western Canada between 2011 and 2013 have shown that an application of Quilt to canola infected with blackleg increased yield consistently compared to untreated checks,” concludes Phillips.

Due to the serious nature of the disease, the management of blackleg requires an integrated approach that includes implementation of the best agronomic practices. Syngenta provides growers with an integrated canola solution – hybrid varieties rated “R” for blackleg, best-in-class Seedcare™ to control seed-borne blackleg and a full spectrum of crop protection products – equipping them with the tools necessary to produce a good canola crop.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) have been established in a number of key export markets, including the United States, allowing for trade of domestically produced canola in these markets.