New Zealand farmers are growing more and more fodder beet each year 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 launch a brand new solution for farmers
looking to maximise yields and increase returns.
Introducing Escolta®, 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.
Three ways foliar diseases threaten the potential of your beet crop
1. Foliar diseases reduce green leaf area
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.
For more information on Escolta, including the label, SDS and Haznote, please visit the Escolta product page.
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Getting the most out of your beet crop
Top tip 1: Crop establishment
Ensure good seedbed preparation before planting. A fine tilth which allows even sowing depth is ideal. Ensure adequate fertiliser is applied and insects are controlled during this critical period.
Top tip 2: Control weeds
Beet crops are very susceptible to weed competition during the establishment phase. Ensure a robust pre and post-emergence herbicide programme is used to control weeds through to the crop covers in. For more information on controlling weeds including farmer case studies, visit www.growbiggerbeet.co.nz.
Top tip 3: Control leaf disease
To maximise your crop’s potential, ensure leaf diseases are controlled. For more information on disease identification and control, take a look at the beet disease manual below.
Beet Disease Manual
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