T2. Reacting to the challenges of every season.

Following a relatively dry spring period, levels of Septoria and Rust currently remain low or moderate overall in many crops. However, recent rainfall events in some areas have raised risk levels with disease development and pressure is likely to respond very quickly at this time of year.

Also, 2024 was a relatively high-pressure year for key cereal diseases. So, inoculum levels will be high this season if weather conditions become more favourable for diseases in the coming weeks, especially given the warm temperatures. Growers will need to be well prepared for all situations in light of this to protect crops adequately.

Effective T2 applications are critical for maximising crop performance.

Long-term NIAB trials work indicates that 67% of fungicide response is delivered at the T2 timing and the flag leaf contributes to 40-45% of yield alone, so keeping the flag leaf clean is vital.

Optimising disease control through targeted product selection.

Consider the strengths and weaknesses of key products and how these can be balanced to optimise disease control. Clayton fungicides are ideal to bolster T2 programmes based on new chemistry or to provide robust cost-effective disease control options for crops with limited yield potential, or indeed for higher potential crops in low disease pressure situations.

Disease focus at T2

Septoria is usually the key focus for T2. Septoria pressure will likely increase further in many crops if isolated showers or rainfall events occur in the next few weeks, and Septoria will be the key focus for T2 in a lot of crops. As well as utilising newer chemistry and actives such as benzovindiflupyr and isoflucypram, consider mixing modes of action for T2.

Image courtesy of AHDB

Yellow rust susceptible varieties or high-risk crops need careful attention at T2, especially if earlier timings were not made or less successful at reducing disease, in which case T2 programmes will benefit from addition of a strong yellow rust active. Brown rust has been a persistent problem in many crops too in recent seasons, so growers need to be vigilant to both rusts.

Image courtesy of AHDB

Where Fusarium is a problem, consider including prothioconazole in the T2 wheat programme, which can slow disease development. Mefentrifluconazole applications at T2 will often benefit from the addition of prothioconazole to reduce Fusarium spreading higher up the canopy especially given recent wetter conditions.

Image courtesy of AHDB

At Clayton Plant Protection, we offer a range of robust, cost-effective solutions to bolt on to new chemistry or bolster your T2 programmes.

Product overview:

Clayton Canyon SC™ – strong Septoria protection following T1 and as a multisite provides an important alternative mode of action.
Clayton Navaro™ – strong all-round disease activity including Septoria and Yellow rust.
Clayton Tuskar™ – bolster activity against Fusarium, help Septoria eradicant activity and strengthen Eyespot control.
Clayton Tendril™ – wide-spectrum control of key disease targets including Septoria, Rusts, Powdery mildew and Eyespot.
Clayton Augusta™ – improve knock-down activity on Yellow rust.
Clayton Tebucon 250EW™ – with other newer chemistry will provide good knock-down activity on Yellow rust and improved Brown rust activity.

Explore all options in our latest bulletin and make sure you’re ready for whatever the season brings.

Need help selecting your T2 strategy?

For further information on products in this update and our full product range, Get in touch with our Technical Team:

Will Ridgwell – Commercial Manager – will@claytonpp.com
Martyn Rogers – Product Development Manager – martyn@claytonpp.com

Information in this update does not constitute a recommendation; it is for guidance only. Detailed information about our products can be found on our website. Brand names used in this update are trademarks of Clayton Plant Protection. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.