20/20 Seed Labs launches Spornado

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20/20 Seed Labs is pleased to offer the Sporometrics-designed Spornado to assist with the early detection of crop disease.  Originally used in Ontario potato crops and now being rolled out across the prairies, Spornado is a passive spore catcher designed to catch both fusarium graminearum and sclerotinia spores.

What can the Spornado detect?

The Spornado is a passive spore trapping device used for monitoring of airborne inoculum. The device turns into prevailing winds and collects airborne spores onto specialized filters contained in an easy-to-change cassette system, which are subsequently tested to identify fungal pathogens that could cause crop disease. Using this detection system to monitor fungal presence provides growers with the information to choose fungicide applications as needed, which supports increased yields and healthier crops.

The Spornados and cassettes are purchased separately, and purchase includes analysis by 20/20 Seed Labs. The analysis of the filter in the cassette is currently focused on Sclerotinia stem rot of canola (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and Fusarium head blight on cereals (Fusarium graminearum). Our service portfolio is constantly expanding – call 20/20 Seed Labs (1-877-420-2090) to discuss your specific testing needs.

When do I put this in the field?

The Spornado is easy to assemble and should be placed in an open area within a field of interest at least one week prior to canola flowering, until one week after flowering. A cereal crop should be monitored with the Spornado from heading until the crop has finished flowering. Late June to early August is the optimum time to use the Spornado.

Placement

The Spornado should be placed in an open area in the field at least 25 meters into the crop. Do not place it near a windbreak or shelter as the spores are airborne and may be affected by inconsistent or obstructed air flow. Ideally it should be placed on the side of the field facing the prevailing winds (typically on the West side in the Prairies).

When monitoring early in the season for Sclerotinia, keep in mind that inoculum will primarily come from sclerotia within your field if it has had canola in the last five years. It will also come from canola stubble nearby (less than 100 meters). Placement of a Spornado downwind from a previous canola field and upwind or on the edge of your existing canola field is preferred.

How many do I need?

At a minimum, 1 Spornado per field is recommended (quarter section). All information for assembly, installation, placement, cassette changes, and sample handling is provided with the purchase of a Spornado unit.

Results

Results will be available online one day following lab receipt of a Spornado filter cassette.

For more information about Spornado, or about 20/20 Seed Lab’s various testing services, visit:

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