Iblon

Independent assessments of Iblon^®’s disease control performance demonstrate its superior protection compared with other leading fungicides.

Across a combined total of 27 trials spanning three years and at sites across England, Iblon^® was found to deliver consistently high-level protection against a range of diseases, regardless of application timing.

In severe situations, Septoria tritici can reduce yields by up to 50%. In trials spanning three seasons (2021-23), iblon applied at T1 was found to deliver better control of Septoria than other fungicides used at this timing.

Yellow rust is prominent in wheat crops across the UK with yield losses as high as 40-50% in severe cases, according to research by the AHDB. In trials spanning three seasons (2021-23), iblon demonstrated excellent preventative and curative control of yellow rust that was on a par with products containing Solatenol^®, such as Elatus^® Era when applied at the T1 timing.

Common across the southern and eastern regions of England, brown rust is often harder to control than yellow rust. The average yield penalty is about 15% but severe infections can reduce yield by as much as 40%, according to research by the AHDB. In trials spanning three seasons (2021-23), iblon demonstrated higher levels of brown rust control than other fungicides applied when applied at the T2 timing.

Stem-based diseases such as eyespot attack the vascular system, impeding nutrient and water transport. This results in weakened stems, increased lodging and reduced grain fill. Research by the AHDB found that yield losses from eyespot were typically about 5% but can be as much as 30% in severe infections, even in the absence of lodging. Iblon^®, applied as Vimoy^®, in combination with Proline (prothioconazole), has been shown to deliver greater control of eyespot than seen with Ascra^® Xpro^® (bixafen + fluopyram + prothioconazole).

In combination with Proline^® (prothioconazole), Iblon^®’s spectrum of activity is extended to include Fusarium and mildew, thereby ensuring excellent protection against the principal foliar threats.

Disease control trial
Bayer, 27 trials, 2021-23. Septoria (T1):
7 trials, 2023. Septoria (T2): 5 trials, 2023. Yellow rust (T1): 9 trials, 2021-23. Brown rust (T2): 5 trials, 2021-23. Eyespot (T1): 1 trial, 2023. University of Nottingham. For eyespot values for Elatus^® Era and Univoq^® are derived from the prothioconazole component of the product as neither Solatenol^® or fenpicoxamid have recognised activity against eyespot.
Note: Elatus^® Era not included at T2 as it is not commercial practice to apply Solatenol^® for control of Septoria tritici.

T1 targets - Leaf 3 assessments made as BBCH 65
T2 targets - Flag leaf assessments at BBCH 75

Septoria tritici
Bayer, 17 trials spanning 2021-23. Trials performed and assessed by independent partners including Niab, ADAS, OAT, PrimeAg, STC, Velcourt and Envirofield.
Oversprays at T0, T2, and T3. Programmes uniform within trials, not across trials.

Yellow rust
Bayer, 19 trials spanning 2021-23. Trials performed and assessed by independent partners including Niab, STC, SRUC, Eurofins, OAT, Agrochemex and Velcourt. Oversprays at T0, T2 and T3. Programmes uniform within trials, not across trials.

Brown rust
Bayer, 2021-23. Oversprays at T1, no T3. Programmes uniform within trials, not across trials. Univoq^®: 5 trials. Revystar^®: 5 trials. Elatus^® Era: 3 trials. Vimoy^® + Proline^®: 6 trials.

Eyespot
University of Nottingham, 2023. Assessment under controlled conditions.

Iblon^® should be used as part of a wider IPM programme

Bayer strongly encourages growers and agronomists to use Iblon^® as part of an IPM strategy. A good disease management programme starts with variety selection and drilling date. Inclement weather in the early season often serves to conspire against growers. Staying on top of disease, particularly Septoria can be challenging. For this reason, it is important to consider Iblon^® as part of a suitably constructed disease management programme that incorporates multiple modes of action to avoid over reliance on any one application, product or active substance.

Best practice guidelines limit the application of SDHI-based fungicides to two per crop per season. Vimoy^® can be applied at a maximum product dose rate of 1.5 L/ha.

Recommendations for fungicide application

By following the application guidelines outlined by the Fungicide Resistance Action Group (FRAG) for the UK, growers can protect the efficacy of fungicides for future seasons. For iblon^®, this means always applying in a mix with a suitable partner belonging to a different mode of action group and at an inclusion rate that is appropriate for the situation.

For all fungicides, including Iblon^®, the following recommendations apply:

• Avoid reduced rate or split application programmes.

• Fungicides should be applied preventatively or as early as possible in the disease lifecycle. Do not rely solely on the curative potential of fungicides.

• A fungicide programme should incorporate multiple means of control, including:

  • Fungicides belonging to different modes of action, for example, triazoles, QiIs and those with multisite activity.

  • Varietal resistance

  • Cultural measures, such as extended rotations, effective trash management and drilling date that is appropriate for the variety.

See our list of frequently asked questions to help guide product use this season.

What is Iblon^®?
Iblon^® is the brand name for isoflucypram, an SDHI fungicide featuring broad-spectrum activity.

What is the difference between Iblon^® and Vimoy^®?
Vimoy^® is the fungicide product containing iblon, the brand name for isoflucypram. Vimoy^® is available in various co-packs partnered with different fungicide products.

What is the lowest rate of Iblon^® that I can apply?
The minimum supported rate is 1.0 L/ha. This is equivalent to two-thirds (66%) of the maximum individual dose. Below 1.0 L/ha fungicidal efficacy may fall below a level expected.