Without the current range of Specific Off-Label Approvals (SOLAs) now available for onions UK growers would not be in a position to grow this crop, according to specialist agronomist Andy Richardson.
At least half of all products used on onions are applied using a SOLA and this type of recommendation is vital for the wide array of minor crops, usually vegetables, grown in the UK, according to Richardson.
“There are 9,000 hectares of onions grown in the UK, so it is a reasonable-sized crop," he said. "We rely on SOLAs to make sure that our growers can produce the high-quality produce that consumers expect. For example, white rot control is virtually reliant on two fungicides, Signum and tebuconazole, both of which have SOLAs for its control. There are no label recommendations against white rot in onions, which is a very serious disease in this crop and can reduce yields and marketability.
“In order to keep this damaging soil-borne disease at bay, we need a comprehensive programme of fungicide sprays, two Signum and two tebuconazole. I would recommend Signum as the first spray, particularly if the crop is struggling, as it has positive growth benefits, whereas tebuconazole can act as a growth regulator.
"It is important to alternate these two fungicides as they have different modes of action and already there are some reported instances of resistance to tebuconazole in other countries,” added Richardson.
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