New Zealand farmers are growing fodder beet for feed due to the crop’s high yields and energy rich dry matter content.

As the planted area of fodder beet increases across the country, so too does the threat of disease. After years of research and development, Bayer New Zealand is pleased to offer a solution for farmers looking to maximise yields and increase returns. Escolta® is a highly effective foliar fungicide for the control of fodder beet diseases. A co-formulation of two active ingredients, Escolta controls four prevalent diseases affecting New Zealand beet paddocks: beet rust, powdery mildew, Ramularia leaf spot and Cercospora.

TECHNICAL UPDATE: In 2018/19, Cercospora resistance to Qol fungicides was found in beet crops in a small number of NZ locations. If Cercospora resistance is present in your crop, and conditions favour disease development, Escolta may not always provide control, but it will continue to control other important diseases, leading to profitable yield increases.
Three ways foliar diseases threaten the potential of your beet crop

1. Foliar diseases reduce green leaf area and reduce yields

Leaf disease reduces the photosynthetic area and limits the yield potential of your crop.

2. Foliar diseases reduce the palatability of leaves

New Zealand farmers are seeing the value of adding fodder beet to their rotations, and stock thrive on both the bulb and the beet leaf. If foliar diseases are not adequately controlled, the palatability and nutritional value of the leaves can diminish.


3. Foliar diseases reduce leaf retention

When disease is present, it can affect the plant’s ability to retain its leaves. A healthy crop delivers bulbs packed with an essential source of carbohydrate while the leaf provides a valuable source of protein. These nutritional benefits may decline if disease takes hold.

Escolta increases yields

Farmer block trials last season demonstrated the yield benefits from Escolta applications. 

Click here for more information on trials

 

For more information on Escolta, including farmer user experiences, the label, SDS and Haznote, please visit the Escolta product page.

Click here to go to the Escolta product page
Beet Disease Manual

For more information on controlling key foliar diseases and other diseases of beet crops, click here to download the Bayer Beet Disease Manual.