Fall Wheat Tips

Although most Pacific Northwest grain farmers are harvesting now, it is never too early to begin thinking about what to plant this fall. Don Drader, Syngenta agronomy service representative, says

Drader: “There are a number of things that a grower should be thinking about right now, in relation to his next year’s crop. The health of the roots of the plant is part of that but I think it all starts with genetic selection and then picking the right variety for his growing region, fertility and then of course making sure that he has healthy plants out there. That’s why we are going to talk about root health and the importance of root health.”

Health roots are critical for plants to absorb the all-important nutrients and moisture that produce healthy plants with strong yield potential. Drader says many root problems stem from three primary soil-borne diseases --- Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Fusarium. Drader says

Drader: “I think the grower needs to use a good quality seed treatment so that he is protecting the seed from those three diseases. We have a very good seed treatment here at Syngenta. We are recommending a product Cruiser Max with Vibrance Extreme. With Vibrance we are getting very good Rhizoc activity and also getting protection from Pythium and Fusarium with Cruiser Max.”

Drader says by incorporating preventive measures now– including best management practices and seed treatment applications – growers can ensure healthy root systems and get their crops started on the right foot in the fall.