T3 - More than just an ear wash

Fusarium Ear Blight is a disease which, although not significantly yield robbing, will decrease grain quality and can lead to rejection at the mill due to unacceptable DON and ZON levels in the grain. Therefore, it is important to protect the ear at the optimum growth stage of GS63 which is just prior to mid-flowering. This growth stage can often be fleeting as flowering can last as little as 3 days. While growth stage is critical it will be wasted if the correct product has not been selected. Generally, the T3 application will be an azole such as metconazole, tebuconazole or prothioconazole. With the addition of a strob (Strobilurins) such as AZ (azoxystrobin), you will also top up control of diseases such as Septoria and rust. As a result, green leaf area will be prolonged into the end of the season which should result in higher yields and potentially more protein within the grain.

In addition to disease control we should also be monitoring the presence of Orange Wheat Blossom Midge (and Lemon Blossom Midge) in susceptible varieties and cereal aphids. The T3 would be the chance to control both pests if treatment thresholds are met.

Rules to perfect the T3 timing

·         Growth stage (GS63)

·         Product choice (prothioconazole is the strongest option)

·         Monitoring