Increased spray timing flexibility and broad-spectrum wheat disease control makes SDHI-azole co-formulation Aviator a perfect fit at T1.

Bayer is fortunate to have two strong T1 products to recommend in Proline and Aviator, but choosing between the two ultimately comes down to timing, disease pressure and flexibility.

The effect of timing was shown in NIAB and Velcourt trials which compared Proline + chlorothalonil with Aviator. Each was applied at a standard T1 timing following a T0 or after a five-day delay. Both sets of treatments were also applied with no proceeding T0.

Although yield response steadily decreased as the situation became more curative for both treatments, Aviator offered a significant yield benefit over Proline + CTL at every stage except when timing was spot on.

Growers should also factor eyespot into their fungicide strategies as an underlying risk can be established early in the season. Last season saw high eyespot incidence due to early sowing, mild autumn weather and strong early growth, while the colder spring reduced the ability of crops to outgrow disease.

Prothioconazole remains the best azole for eyespot control, whilst bixafen provides a further step up in performance. In two independent trials in 2016, where eyespot incidence was high, Aviator + CTL was found to provide the best eyespot control.

To get the full facts on Aviator at T1 go to: https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/aviator-T1/

2 independent trials - 1 x SRUC in E Lothian and 1x Field Farm in Derbyshire.  No T0 applied, T2 overspray Ascra 1.2 L/ha. Avg untreated eyespot index = 49.  Aviator235Xpro contains prothioconazole and bixafen. Proline275 contains prothioconazole. AscraXpro contains bixafen, fluopyram and prothioconazole. Tracker contains boscalid and epoxiconazole. Rubric contains epoxiconazole. Adexar contains epoxiconazole and fluxapyroxad. Vertisan contains penthiopyrad. Aviator, Ascra, Xpro and Proline are registered Trade Marks of Bayer. All other brand names used are Trade Marks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, please visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk or call Bayer Assist on 0808 1969522. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2017

*This article contains sponsored content and does not necessarily represent the views of The Scottish Farmer.