Linseed growers now have an extra tool for tackling seed-borne disease, following the approval of a fungicide seed treatment.

Hy-Pro Duet (prochloraz + thiram) was given approval for an extension for minor use on linseed (spring and winter) earlier this week.

“The lack of an approved seed treatment fungicide for linseed seed has been a serious issue since the removal of Prelude (prochloraz ) from the market last year,” says Nigel Padbury, seeds manager for Premium Crops.

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“Linseed is one of only a few arable crops where minimum standards for seed-borne diseases are applied at Seed Certification.

“Without an effective seed treatment the number of seed crops rejected due to disease was rising, with the inevitable risk to both seed costs and availability of preferred varieties.”

Disease control

The treatment offers farmers control of the most important diseases including damping-off diseases.

The Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (Eamu) application was lead by Agrii, supported by consortium of interested companies including Premium Crops.

Before using an Eamu, growers must have a hard copy, which can be downloaded from Health and Safety Executive website.

Conditions of use on the Eamu must be studied and followed, as they may have different dose rates and timings from those on the main product label.

The Eamu will refer to the main conditions of use on the label, including resistance warnings.