New seed treatment protects canola against early infection of blackleg

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A new seed treatment from Syngenta specifically targets foliar infection of blackleg in canola with a new mode of action, adding another tool in the blackleg management toolbox.

“[Saltro] really has nice fit in an integrated management system with crop rotations and, of course, the genetics play a key role,” says Ted Labun, technical lead for seed treatments with Syngenta Canada.

This new seed treatment is unique in that it controls the foliar infection of canola by blackleg. Previous seed treatments control seed-borne blackleg only.

“We know that the most critical time for that infection is at the cotyledon to one-leaf stage,” says Labun. “So the seed treatment is very systemic and moves into those cotyledons and that first leaf and gives that protection,”

Blackleg is a very diverse disease, and has many races. It overwinters in canola stubble and can be in the current field that you’re planting, which makes rotation so important. Blackleg was first identified in the mid-70s on the Prairies and really spiked in the 80s, says Labun.

Conditions for infection are the most important factor — ample moisture at planting, wounding on cotyledons as an entry wound, and weather conditions are all factors determining ease of infection.

Saltro was registered this summer and will be available for the 2021 planting season to seed companies across Canada. Labun suggests contacting your local retail to see what varieties will be available with the seed treatment.

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