Revised Prothioconazole Formulations for 2010

Bayer has revised two of its fungicide formulations for cereal growers this Spring.

Firefly updated

Firefly 155, has a ratio of 110g prothioconazole + 45g fluoxastrobin specifically to meet UK technical requirements for Septoria and rust control in wheat at the T2 timing. Proline 275 is a more concentrated formulation of prothioconazole for winter wheat, barley and oilseed rape.

Product manager Dr Alison Daniels explains: “Firefly 155 is an improved formulation on what was already an excellent T2 product. Specifically developed to meet UK conditions, we have enhanced Septoria activity without any compromise on rust performance. At our recommended rate of 1.35 l/ha this new formulation delivers as close to the ideal 75% azole and 40% strob dose as possible. Fluoxastrobin is the most active rust strob and the small lift in prothioconazole offers growers even more Septoria protectant and curative activity.”

The company claims that since launch Firefly has consistently out-yielded comparable rates of typical T2 chemistry options, but that it has other advantages too. “We have seen a consistent average of an extra 0.2t/ha over epoxiconazole + pyraclostrobin, which is a result of Firefly’s exceptional disease control and physiological benefits. However, Firefly can also help against mycotoxin contamination by reducing innoculum at the T2 timing,” adds Dr Daniels.

Proline increase in concentration

Proline 275 provides 25g more AI/litre and the company claims it is designed to help reduce packaging waste, filling-time and logistic costs. There is no change to the maximum permitted dose and for growers who need to convert existing Proline rates to the new formulation they are advised to use a conversion rate of 0.91.