That’s the word from Daniel Suddaby, Otago and Southland territory manager for Bayer.
 

Foliar diseases can seriously impact in fodder beet crops causing loss of leaves, reducing leaf quality and palatability and reducing bulb yields.
 

Escolta, a powerful co-formulation fungicide, controls the four most common foliar diseases in beet crops, namely powdery

mildew, rust, cercospora and ramularia leaf spot.
 

“In most cases, the benefits of Escolta can be clearly seen through improved crop greening and leaf retention,” Suddaby says.
 

“The effectiveness of disease control and the physiological benefits of Escolta applications through increasing yields has been observed in trials,” he adds.
 

During the 2016/17 season, 18 block trials in commercially grown farmer beet crops were conducted throughout NZ to demonstrate disease control, crop greening effects and measure yield benefits.
 

As an average, the Escolta treatments resulted in outstanding yield benefits (+15 per cent) which calculated to a $600 per hectare increase in dry matter, using 20c per kg dry matter value. Across most trials, the Escolta treatments were clearly obvious, with minimal disease present and increased crop greening.
 

Suddaby says application timing is critical for best results.
 

“Following crop closure, the crop should be regularly monitored and upon first sign of disease, Escolta should be applied. Best results will be seen if Escolta is applied before disease becomes established.
 

“A second application can be made 21-28 days later but ensure a 42 withholding period is observed before allowing stock to graze treated crops.”
 

For more information on using Escolta contact your local Bayer Crop Science territory manager or visit www.hardtobeet.co.nz.