New fungicide options on way for rhizoctonia

Collaborative research between the South Australian Research and Development Institute, the University of South Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia, and agrichemical companies could result in new banding fungicide options for rhizoctonia control in cereals by 2015

 

GRDC-funded research in Western Australia and South Australia has shown that liquid banding of a new fungicide increased wheat and barley yields by up to 0.87 tonnes per hectare in a paddock with very high levels of rhizoctonia in the soil before sowing.

 

The most consistent yield responses resulted when the fungicide was banded simultaneously above the seed on the soil surface behind the press wheel and at the base of the furrow about 3.5 centimetres below the seed.

 

Syngenta and Bayer have secured permits to carry out large-scale evaluation of banding fungicides in 2014 – and demonstration paddocks will be on show at local field days across the GRDC growing regions.

 

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is reviewing submissions by Syngenta and Bayer to enable banding of selected fungicides to improve control of rhizoctonia. If approved, registration should be granted by 2015.