Group 3 Early Season Advice - T0 Timing and Kingsbury Insights

We are now approaching the first important spray timing of the season: the T0 application. This timing gives us an opportunity to address several key factors in the early growth stages of the crop. 

First, there is growth regulation. Kingsbury is a variety that responds well to growth regulation, and a staged approach is vital. Next, we can address any nutrient deficiencies identified through tissue testing. Our early results are regularly showing sulphur, magnesium, and zinc to be sub‑optimal. 

Finally, there is the opportunity to begin the fungicide programme in earnest. While Kingsbury has strong agronomic scores, the amount of disease inoculum present this season, especially Septoria, means that at least an application of a multisite protectant should be considered. 

To help with these decisions, please see below the agronomic scores referred to above. At our trials sites, Kingsbury is holding a good number of tillers and has responded much more quickly than other varieties in the same group to early nitrogen applications.