Iblon® fungicide impresses in AICC Septoria trials

Over five contrasting seasons and at sites selected specifically for their Septoria pressure, Iblon^® has delivered a level of disease control consistent with its positioning as a premium class fungicide, in trials conducted by the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC). 

The AICC conducts crop trials to test new products, varieties and production methods. Its members rely on these findings to ensure the advice they give clients means crops meet market requirements and performance objectives, explains John Clarke, agronomist with Apex Agronomy and Honorary Member of AICC who until recently led the AICC trials activity.  

The AICC wheat Septoria fungicide trials are distinct from the programmes of others in that they seek to focus exclusively on this disease alone, rather than performance against a broad-spectrum of diseases. 

“Through careful site selection and the use of products with little to no activity against Septoria at other timings in the programme, we seek to evaluate product performance at both the T1 and T2 timings to inform fungicide strategies,” Mr Clarke says.  

To some, focussing only on Septoria may seem unrepresentative of the disease situation facing crops, but Mr Clarke argues that the challenge posed by Septoria warrants a singular focus.  

“Septoria is the omni-present disease with the greatest overall impact on yield potential. While we do generate our own data regarding rusts and other diseases, there is good data on fungicide performance against them from the AHDB and others, so it makes sense to look at Septoria in near isolation,” he says. 

To ensure good statistical rigour the AICC conducts fully replicated small plot trials to deliver results with a high level of confidence, and the AICC aims to achieve yield data with a least significant difference of no more than 0.4 t/ha wherever possible. 

“Yield is the ultimate barometer of performance. There are many ways to assess performance, especially with fungicides such as observed level of control or assessed green leaf area health, but these are subjective whereas yield response is a more objective measure.  

“A replicated trial is much more expensive to conduct than other methods of assessment, but it is the minimum needed to generate meaningful data that stands up to scrutiny and ensures the advice that AICC members deliver can be substantiated,” Mr Clarke says.  

It is the rigour of the trials programme that has led the AICC to conclude that Iblon^® based mixes provide a step-up in performance over Ascra^® Xpro^® (bixafen + fluopyram + prothioconazole), especially against Septoria. 

“We have tested Iblon^® as a straight in the form of Vimoy^®, mixed with Proline^® (prothioconazole), and as a co-formulation in Plaxium^® (fluopyram + isoflucypram + prothioconazole). In both instances, it has performed strongly to deliver good overall activity,” Mr Clarke says.   

“We have seen Plaxium^® outperform Vimoy^® plus prothioconazole which is evidence of the contribution provided by fluopyram. As an SDHI belonging to a different sub-group to that of Iblon^®, it not only supports disease control but contributes to the need to practice effective resistance management. In short, Plaxium^® performed as well as the established market leaders. This makes it a reliable choice at either the T1 or T2 timing,” he adds.  

“As advisers, we are currently in a strong position with a range of new actives offering good yield protection, but this situation should not be taken for granted. Through responsible product stewardship, including cultural controls and the use of products with multi-site activity where appropriate, we should be able to preserve this strong performance for future seasons,” Mr Clarke says. 

Ascra^® Xpro^® contains bixafen, fluopyram and prothioconazole. Plaxium^® contains prothioconazole, fluopyram and isoflucypram.  Proline^® contains prothioconazole. Vimoy^® contains isoflucypram. Ascra, Iblon, Vimoy, Plaxium, Proline and Xpro are registered trademarks of Bayer. All other brand names used are Trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, including contact details, visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk or call 0808 1969522. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2025