Potato Review

Advertorial Ongoing research at independent blight field trials has shown that Revus has remained consistently effective against all inoculated and natural blight variants identified, including the more aggressive EU36_A2. Syngenta Technical Manager, Michael Tait advocated that Revus provides growers and agronomists with a highly effective straight CAA fungicide group active, which gives the chance to mix appropriate partners to counter specific seasonal challenges. “Including a mix partner with Revus enables the use of up to six CAA fungicide group applications in a full fungicide programme, within FRAC guidelines,” he pointed out. As one of the key remaining fungicide groups, and with some potential mix partners under threat, Syngenta Potato Science research will be further evaluating Revus tank mix options in trials this season. Monitoring of blight isolates identified EU36 had continued to increase in prevalence last season, and now accounted for 29% of the pathogen genotypes picked up in testing by AHDB and the James Hutton Institute. “Keeping leaves clean of foliar blight is central to minimising potential of disease foci in the field. That not only maintains green leaf, essential for yield after the slow start to the growing season, but also reduces the risk of tuber blight spread prior to harvest,” he advised, “particularly if desiccation is delayed or slow.” “Using Revus through the stable canopy phase of the crop is a great option to protect against rising levels of infection threat,” he advised. Application on target Localised and intense summer rainfall events reinforce the value of rainfast Revus. Trials and growers’ experience has repeatedly shown that, with the active rapidly locked into the leaf wax layer within an hour of application, effective protection remains even after heavy rainfall or irrigation. Trials have shown the performance of Revus can be maximised with the addition of a drift retardant in the tank mix. The inclusion of Crusade with Revus, for example, has consistently shown to reduce the risk of drift and improve spray deposition throughout the crop canopy – enhancing performance of blight control. Furthermore, following consecutive seasons of promising results, further research this season will assess application with innovative new Syngenta 3D ninety drift reduction nozzle technology – launched this summer. Blight application with the new Syngenta 3D Ninety angled spray pattern has shown to get more even spray distribution throughout the crop canopy and better able to get coverage on the top, middle and bottom leaves. BlightCast warnings Syngenta BlightCast is now live and running for the 2021 season, to give growers and agronomists an unrivalled picture of impending blight pressure and risks – in time to make active application decisions. Register now at www.syngenta.co.uk/blightcast REVUS is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. REVUS (MAPP 17443) contains mandipropamid. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further product information, including warning phrases and symbols, refer to www.syngenta.co.uk Syngenta UK Ltd. Registered in England No. 849037. CPC4 Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5XE. Tel: +44 (0) 1223 883400 Technical Enquiries: +44 (0) 800 1696058 Email: customer.services@syngenta.com . Syngenta UK June 2021 Revus advice to tackle evolving blight pressure Blight pressure has started to build across the UK with every rain event and irrigation pass. Growers and agronomists now have an increasing challenge to create programmes that can deal with more aggressive blight isolates.