Choosing a seed treatment for spring crops

Seed and soil-borne pathogens present the first risk in the cropping year. They have the potential to significantly reduce establishment and the number of healthy plants, but they can also contribute to a longer term risk to yield.

The use of a seed treatment is the only way to control most seed and soil-borne diseases such as bunt, loose smut and leaf stripe. The presence and impact of these diseases is often not seen until ear emergence when it is too late to control them and mitigate for any loss. 

If untreated seed is routinely grown and re-sown these diseases can multiply exponentially potentially resulting in complete crop loss after just a few generations. 

VIBRANCE® Duo is registered for use as a seed treatment on spring barley, spring wheat and spring oats.

The past few seasons have seen extremes of weather, including dry spring conditions. This can lead to plant stress especially on the typically lighter soil types used for growing malting spring barley. Establishing a strong and resilient crop is vital. Choosing the right seed treatment is not only critical for tackling seed and soil-borne disease but also for improving establishment and rooting to maximise yield and protect quality.

Generally, malting barley for brewing and distilling is grown on lighter land types which may be prone to drought. Spring barley is often grown as part of the rotation on heavier land for grass weed management, where it is important to establish a competitive crop.

In either situation, strong establishment and rooting is vital to protect yield and achieve appropriate grain specifcation to hit end market requirements.