How to protect your pulse crops against disease risk

High disease pressure could restrict yield potential in late sown pulse crops racing through growth stages to recover from the wet spring.

Many which were slow to establish are now playing catch-up. But increasingly high disease risks threaten to restrict green leaf area development and harvest yield, says Syngenta technical manager Simon Jackson.

“Rust is currently the major risk in spring beans,” says Mr Jackson. “Growers should target an effective treatment at first pod set, to stop disease getting established.”

Experience of spring beans in similar conditions last season highlighted the benefit of a two-spray strategy, with a follow up in mid-July to ensure sustained rust control and protect green leaf to complete pod fill.

Rapid growth

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

Bean crop prices have remained consistently buoyant, compared to other combinable crops, that warrants investment to maximise yields, says Mr Jackson.

If cool, wet conditions persist, growers should consider an initial application of Elatus Era to target rust and chocolate spot if cool. This could be followed with an Amistar application in to help maintain healthy green leaf through pod fill.

“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.”

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

Pea performance

Mr Jackson highlights good results from Elatus Era treatment on combining peas. This season’s wet spring weather has been especially favourable for Ascochyta leaf spotting, with associated risks of pod infection and pea staining.

Syngenta field trials in combining peas last year reinforced the importance of the early flowering (T1) timing for disease control.

The research in Yorkshire showed Elatus Era was by far the most effective T1 treatment for powdery mildew control, giving 84% reduction in infection, compared to untreated, while at the same timing Signum gave just 36% reduction. 

“Elatus Era can be applied from growth stage 51 in pulses, right through to 20% of pods having reached full size (GS 72). That makes it highly flexible for protection of fast-growing pea crops,” says Mr Jackson.

Growers can make a single application of Elatus Era at a rate of up to 0.66 l/ha in field peas and beans. Syngenta biofertiliser trials have also shown effective results from Nuello iN endophyte seed treatment in peas.

It showed improvements in both rooting and crop growth. “Supporting development of this season’s rapid crop growth with endophyte nutrient capture, will give peas the opportunity to reach their full potential.”