Phoma leaf spot is already appearing in oilseed rape and will soon require treatment. The latest HGCA fungicide performance trials show that a range of fungicide products can provide good control of phoma leaf spot and stem canker.

Phoma can be a problem for rape crops throughout autumn and winter. Early epidemics in the first half of October or earlier are most damaging and typically put 0.5 t/ha yield at risk. Fortunately, conditions this year have prevented early epidemics from occurring. According to Dr Peter Gladders, Plant Pathologist at ADAS, “We are heading for an average year regarding the development of phoma, very few crops have reached the control threshold but do have the first spots.” Now is a vital period for monitoring crops so that fungicides can be applied at the optimum time.

Farmers should also be aware of late epidemics which happen from December onwards and are especially damaging to smaller plants. Many parts of the UK have experienced a difficult start to the growing season with slow plant development, as a result, late epidemics could be an issue later this year.

Full details of fungicide performance and best practice in oilseed rape treatment are available from HGCA here

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