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Christine Lilly, technical support manager for Frontier said that, "Given the high levels and rapid spread of rust seen in crops last year," it may be prudent to consider a pre T0 spray in susceptible crops, though true T0 timing is probably still several weeks away (late March/early April) due to the late start to the season.

Although cold temperatures reduce the threat of yellow rust, Lilly said eradicating rust is challenging and can stress crops, and suggested that a better course of action is to protect high-risk crops early in the year, whilst the disease is in its early stages, and then maintain protection throughout the season.

Ms Lilly added, "Reports of new cases are coming in daily but have only been in Oakley, so far. However, there are other susceptible varieties including Torch (HGCA rated 1), Solstice, Viscount and KWS Kielder (all rated HGCA 4). We are advising growers to check all varieties for yellow rust lesions."