Syngenta advises two-spray strategy to protect against rust on beans

Syngenta is advising bean growers to adopt a two-spray strategy to ensure sustained rust control and protect green leaf though until complete pod fill.

“Rust is currently the major risk in spring beans,” said Syngenta’s technical manager Simon Jackson. “Growers should target an effective treatment at first pod set, to stop disease getting established.

“Although late-sown beans are growing rapidly, and growers might consider that a one-spray strategy may suffice, extending the growing season with robust disease control will help them to achieve their yield potential.” 

According to the crop protection company, late-sown pulse crops that were previously slow to establish are now racing through growth stages and showing faster signs of recovery.

But high disease pressure could restrict green leaf area development and yield potential.

Jackson suggests an initial application of Syngenta product Elatus Era to target both rust and chocolate spot – if cool, wet conditions persist.

This could be followed by an Amistar application in mid-July to help maintain healthy green leaf until pod fill, he added.

“With the fast-growing crop, as well as widespread weevil damage to early leaves, growers and agronomists should also consider including Vixeran biofertiliser with the initial fungicide application,” said Jackson.

“As an additional readily available nitrogen supply, that will support the crops’ development and maintain the green leaf biomass. Vixeran has proven especially useful in promoting bean crop growth.”

Pea protection

The Syngenta man also highlighted “excellent” results from Elatus Era treatment on combining peas. According to Syngenta, this season’s wet spring has led to Ascochyta leaf spotting, causing pod infection and pea staining.

Syngenta said its field trials in combining peas showed the importance of disease control during early flowering. The research in Yorkshire showed an 84 per cent reduction in powdery mildew infection.

Syngenta biofertiliser trials have also shown effective results from Nuello iN endophyte seed treatment in peas, offering improvements in rooting and crop growth.

“Supporting the development of this season’s rapid crop growth with endophyte nutrient capture will give peas the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Jackson said.