New resistance to cereal fungicides seen says Teagasc

Tillage farmers have been told anti-resistance practices are vital when using fungicides, following identification by Teagasc researchers of new strains of Zymoseptoria tritici, the cause of septoria tritici blotch on wheat, with reduced sensitivity to SDHI fungicides.

Recent research at Teagasc Oak Park showed the number of times a group of fungicides is used, and the use of effective mix partners, are the most critical practices to slow development of resistance.

Teagasc plant pathologist, Steven Kildea said: “Despite recent declines in the efficacy of azole fungicides, they are still an integral part of fungicide programmes for both disease control and as an anti-resistance partner.