Keep K zeae risk down
Keep K zeae risk down
MAIZE growers with crops stricken by the new debris-born disease K zeae should attempt to reduce risk of reinfection before planning next years crop.
With concerns of infection carrying through to next year, NIAB pathologist Jane Thomas advises producers not to panic.
"The greatest chance of reinfecting next years maize is where surface debris is still evident prior to drilling the new crop," she says.
"Where there has been infection, deep ploughing will be more effective than discing debris in. Where you can plough and spread slurry now, the debris is buried for longer reducing risks of infecting next years maize crop. The lowest risk alternative is to give fields a break from continual maize by using other fodder alternatives which suit your situation." *