Fludioxonil to keep mycotoxins away?

Laboratory results under the field trial microscope.

A major field trial initiated by Syngenta is testing European experience and laboratory results that show that fludioxonil-based cereal seed treatments can help reduce grain mycotoxin contamination.

The trial - conducted by Harper Adams University College - seeks to confirm laboratory studies where fludioxonil kept plants free from seed sources of fusarium right through to ear formation.

As a result, while grains from untreated wheat plants in the laboratory had levels of DON mycotoxins in excess of the maximum levels permitted in food, fludioxonil-treated grains were mycotoxin free.

According to Syngenta technical manager, Dave Ranner initial results from the field trial look promising “While all seed treatments in the trial gave very good levels of establishment compared to untreated controls, levels of fusarium varied between treatments.

“The most effective product at controlling fusarium was Formula M fludioxonil which gave little stem-based browning at stem extension in the Harper Adams crop.” he said

“As the trial approaches completion, we'll be looking to see if this effect leads to a subsequent reduction of fusarium on the ear.”

Mr Ranner points out that while data is limited in the UK, field trials work in France and Germany has clearly shown reductions in true fusarium and michrodochium from fludioxonil compared to prothioconazole-based seed treatments.

While this year, lack of rainfall and cold weather during flowering has not been conducive to ear fusarium infection in the UK, a late, wet harvest could result in significant spread of the disease in the plant and later secondary infection of the ear.

The Harper Adams trial was established following high levels of fusarium on the grain in 2007. It will also investigate the interactions between the seed treatment and integrated control using a T3 fungicide.