USA
December 3, 2012
Source: Syngenta FarmAssist
Researchers around the globe are continuing to uncover evidence that points to roots as the key to increasing future crop productivity. Strong, healthy root systems help developing plants better utilize available nutrients and moisture, as well as produce stronger plants that are better able to withstand environmental stress.
“Roots are the main mechanism by which plants obtain water and many essential nutrients for growth," said Kurt Schroeder, Ph.D., research plant pathologist, Washington State University. “Good root health is vital for seedling health and optimal plant growth. Often root health and soil microbiology are overlooked since root disease symptoms are not as obvious as foliar diseases."
Healthy root systems are better able to protect the developing crop from soilborne pathogens. Tough to detect above ground and often misdiagnosed as winter injuries, poor soil fertility or toxicity from crop residue, Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia are currently three of the most widespread seedborne and soilborne disease pathogens devastating cereal fields. Due to their concealed nature, Syngenta is on a quest to raise awareness of these pathogens’ presence in soils, so that steps can be taken to maintain healthy roots under attack.
“When it comes to soilborne pathogens, whichever gets to the root first will have a foothold and perhaps outcompete another disease," Schroeder explained. “Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Fusarium have different lifecycles and therefore different characteristics and geographic-prevalence." According to Schroeder:
- Pythium – infects germinating seeds and young seedlings very quickly and nibbles away at root tips. The disease is more prevalent in areas that have higher rainfall – more than 20-24 inches of precipitation annually. In most crops, one of the major symptoms is pre- and postemergence damping-off, as well as reduced seedling vigor. If plants do emerge, they can become stunted later as the disease continues to nibble at the roots all season.
- Fusarium – infects the roots and eventually gets into the crown, or the bottom part of the stem near the soil. It manifests its symptoms later on in the growing season. This disease seems to be predisposed by drought stress.
- Rhizoctonia– like Pythium, infects roots and young seedlings very quickly. The strains that cause more disease are in areas of less rainfall – less than 16 inches a year.
Truly a race to the root, these plant pathogens can become difficult to control if the root system is left unprotected. In addition to cultural management tactics, such as proper variety selection and symptom detection from the last growing season, research and field experience show that disease protection and healthier root systems also start with seed treatments. Not only do quality seed treatments help prevent the infection of diseases like Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Fusarium; they also help to increase root mass.
“In 2012, we introduced the Vibrance™ family of fungicide seed treatments to the cereals market," said Chad Shelton, seedcare brand asset lead, Syngenta. “Sedaxane, a member of the SDHI class of fungicides and the active ingredient in Vibrance brands, provides longer-lasting protection against damaging soilborne diseases. Through what we call RootingPower, it also aids in the development of stronger, healthier root systems that lead to increased crop productivity and consistently better yields."
- Vibrance Extreme seed treatment fungicide combines sedaxane with difenoconazole and mefenoxam to deliver extended protection against a broad spectrum of early-season seedborne and soilborne diseases. It is fully compatible with Cruiser® seed treatment insecticide for all-in-one disease and insect protection and is available for application through commercial, on-site seed treaters or seed companies.
- CruiserMaxx® Vibrance Cereals seed treatment insecticide/fungicide features sedaxane with mefenoxam, difenoconazole and thiamethoxam in a convenient formulation at a single use rate. It provides unsurpassed protection against a wide range of insects and diseases and can be applied on-farm or through commercial, on-site seed treaters or seed companies.
Cereal growers treating their seed with Vibrance Extreme or CruiserMaxx Cereals with Vibrance are equipping their crops with powerful tools that not only defend against pest-related damage, but also deliver faster germination and emergence, increased stand establishment and more vigorous plants.
The built-in RootingPower of Vibrance brands helps develop more robust root systems that more efficiently absorb and utilize water and nutrients. Vibrance brands allow a greater proportion of the inherent rooting potential to be realized compared to plants without it. As a result, stems and foliage are healthier and can better withstand environmental stress, which leads to enhanced and consistent yield performance. Syngenta has been at the forefront of bringing the root health and RootingPower concepts into the global spotlight through face-to-face research forums, as well as online platforms for researchers to exchange ideas and share results.
“Our commitment to the seed treatment industry extends beyond chemistries to creating educational tools that bring together worldwide research efforts," Shelton said. “Our Root Health Online Training Module is the latest of our educational efforts to teach retailers and growers about roots and what threatens them. We are continually working with leading researchers to better understand the damage and habits of these threats and where they are most prevalent. Our aim is to provide growers and retailers with the knowledge, service and high-performing products needed to achieve top yields and maximum profit," Shelton concluded.
©2012 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow all bag tag and label instructions before buying or using Syngenta products. The instructions contain important conditions of sale, including limitations of warranty and remedy. Please check with your state or local extension service before buying or using Syngenta products. Vibrance fungicide is approved subject to use only in states where registration has been granted. Cruiser®, CruiserMaxx®, Vibrance™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
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