Iblon® provides much-needed T2 flexibility

In a season where disease was characterised by Septoria and brown rust, the option to apply Iblon (isoflucypram) at either the T1 or T2 provided much-needed flexibility for west Cambridgeshire farmer and agronomist, Russ McKenzie.  

“How to structure a programme in a changeable season does require some thought as to which products will best fit your situation and which are most likely to fulfil your objectives,” Mr McKenzie says.  

“For me, in the spring of 2024, Iblon was utilised at T2 on certain varieties that had reasonable septoria but weaker brown rust ratings. From past experience I knew the T1 of Ascra Xpro would do a good job and I could see that brown rust would present a challenge on some varieties, so opted for Iblon at the T2 timing. This meant I retained the flexibility to apply a strobilurin at T3 if needed,” he adds.  

Pictured: Russ McKenzie

Mr McKenzie’s approach is led by the variety and its disease resistance with the fungicide programme adapted accordingly.  

“My chosen programme is often variety specific, and I generally choose those varieties that offer a good combination of yield potential and reasonable disease resistance that are likely to suit my heavy land farm. In 2023-24, this was Champion, Bamford and Beowulf.  

“There are of course compromises to consider and brown rust (dependent upon the season) can sometimes be a gap that needs to be filled. As growers we are fortunate to have a choice of products, each with different strengths that means we can adapt the programme. This means we can tailor our applications approach to the variety and the diseases that present the greatest threat,” he adds.  

Brown rust is not always a challenge, but its ability to cycle quickly in favourable conditions for the disease means it can be hard to control should it take hold.  

“Looking back at how all the programmes faired, I’m pleased with the performance of Iblon at T2. For those of us in west Cambridgeshire it was very much a Septoria and brown rust season, Iblon applied as Vimoy + Kestrel at T2 did what I expected it to and gave me an alternative to fenpicoxamid. 

“Looking ahead to spring 2025, I will approach the season in much the same way by matching the programme to the variety. Iblon gives me an option at T1 or T2 depending on the season and the disease pressure,” Mr McKenzie says. 

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Vimoy® (iblon®) contains isoflucypram. Ascra® Xpro contains bixfen, fluopyram and prothioconazole. Kestrel® contains prothioconazole and tebuconazole. Vimoy, Iblon, Ascra and Kestrel 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