Brassica growers could achieve higher marketable yields, better quality and greater margins by matching crop agronomy to specific variety attributes.
This October vegetable growers will be able to view a unique vegetable growing project in Lincolnshire, looking to tailor brassica crop agronomy more closely to the attributes of different varieties. It aims to help growers achieve the highest marketable yield and the best quality produce.
The joint demonstration, by Syngenta Crop Protection and S&G Seeds, is believed to be a first for the UK vegetable industry, said Syngenta vegetable field technical manager, Jon Ogborn. Growers' open days will take place at the Swineshead site near Spalding on October 1-2, with an evening event on the first day, when producers can see how Syngenta Crop Solutions can add value.
"Traditionally vegetable seed breeders and the crop protection industry have worked very much in isolation," said Ogborn. "Now growers will have the opportunity not only to view new varieties, but also understand how crop protection solutions can be more effectively matched to disease and pest pressures on specific varieties.
"New products, available for the first time this season, will be integrated into the demonstration crops' management and provide crucial information that will help tailor their use in the future," said Ogborn.
The brassica demonstration site includes variety demonstrations of Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and mini vegetables. It will be the first opportunity for growers to see many of the new S&G varieties.
Ogborn believes it will also provide a unique opportunity to understand the differing disease susceptibilities of the varieties, and the benefits that Amistar can bring for disease control. Half of each S&G variety plot is protected with Amistar-based programmes, with the other half treated conventionally.
"The arrival of Specific Off label Approvals for Amistar and Plenum use in brassicas has created enormous interest within the industry. This joint demonstration is a superb platform to communicate their best use and benefits for growers, and importantly to ensure their correct stewardship," Ogborn added.
"This project is evaluating the opportunity to now offer the grower a 'crop solution' that provides the genetics and the disease control to achieve the all-important quality."
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