Following Defra’s decision to deny sugar beet growers emergency neonicotinoid seed treatments to combat virus yellows, farmers are reminded of biological alternatives that can help tackle the disease.

Silicon-based products can provide a natural defence mechanism against aphid attacks by strengthening plant cell walls.

Unlike the neonicotinoid seed treatment Cruiser SB, which provides seed protection against the potato peach aphid and the yellows virus the aphid transmits, natural silicon sprays can also increase leaf hair density to make the plant physically less appealing to aphids.

See also: Study suggests silicon spray reduces cereal slug damage

The biostimulant Sirius, containing 21% bio-available silicon, has been used by UK growers to help strengthen sugar beet plants against damaging virus transmission, explains agronomist Mike Stoker, from the product manufacturer Orion Future Technologies.

“Relying solely on seed treatments is not a sustainable way to farm sugar beet in the UK, nor has it necessarily provided the level of protection expected,” says Mike.

“There are alternatives, and concentrating on strengthening plants using naturally available solutions like silicon are sustainable and efficacious,”

Silicon is applied as a foliar spray to sugar beet at the growth stage of 6-8 true leaves and, once accumulated, acts to reduce the feeding time of predating pests such as aphids.

This reduction in feeding time has been identified as an important factor in the reduction in virus transmission, and has also led to healthier plants with an improved yield.

“The data we have gathered from multiple sources, field application, replicated plot trials and lab studies has demonstrated not only why a silicon-treated crop is more resilient, but also how increasing silicon levels in the plant can have a positive impact on quality and yield,” Mike explains.

“By accumulating more silicon, the plant becomes less attractive to pests, and, combining this with aphicides, offers an attractive alternative to using Cruiser SB.”