Don't ignore the increasing monetary value of Group 3 wheat varieties, warns CPB Twyford agronomist, Simon Francis. "With levels of Group 3's having dropped from 50% to 15% over the last five years, there is a real risk that the UK will not be able to meet its local and export commitments for biscuit wheat next season, despite demand having remained at the same levels," says Mr Francis.

"This, along with the increasing demand for bio-ethanol from Group 3 wheats, and our reputation as key producers in the EU of Group 3 varieties, there is an opportunity for growers to gain at least an extra £10-£15/tonne premium as a result of shortfalls in varieties such as Robigus, over feed wheat."

Bob Simons, agronomist, believes it is not too late to take advantage of these market dynamics: "Although most growers will have made their variety choice and completed drilling, there is a further window of opportunity that has opened up for some to increase their wheat hectarage and further extend their variety choices," he says. "The recent rainfall has meant that some beet could come out on heavier land early without too much breakage, and this will free-up land that could be put under a Group 3 variety such as Robigus. Also, indifferent or poor performing areas of beet could also be "freed-up" for wheat, whilst allowing the better beet crops to bulk up and be lifted later."

"Later drilling is not an issue for Robigus - in fact Robigus sits in this slot well as a moderately fast maturing variety that can be drilled right through until December - a fact further confirmed by latest NIAB results showing that 1st wheats such as Robigus drilled later in the season, often demonstrate better performance in terms of disease resistance," Mr Simons says.

"Concerns over resistance ratings in a high disease pressure season, especially with regards to rust, may be part of the reason that some growers have decided to switch from Robigus to other varieties, but managed properly throughout the season, there is no reason for Robigus not to perform, and perform well, and make the extra premiums that are out there," continues Mr Francis.

"Product choice and timing of application are key to any fungicide programme, without exception - and where there are specific threats such as rust - programmes can be tailored specifically to that threat. As with so many inputs timing is key and "chasing" rust diseases often leads to disappointment. So think through the whole programme approach carefully," Mr Francis advises.

"A good product for the start of the season on Robigus is Tracker as it combines effective rust activity with early eyespot control: this can be used as either a T0 or T1 option. In a normal rust threat year Opus (0.25 l/ha-0.3 l/ha) as a T0 will give good rust activity, and should there be any mildew about then Flexity can be added to the mix," Mr Francis says. "And, unless we get a hard winter, it is likely that a T0 will be a key feature once again in the most effective rust control programmes."

"Continuing through the spray programme, T1 sprays for Robigus need to be strong on rust and epoxiconazole-based products have a good track record. Strobilurins, and pyraclostrobin in particular, have been a key factor for good rust control in 2007 and they should be included with any T2 spray and even considered at an earlier date if disease pressure is very high."

"In fact, the fungicide programme does not really need to deviate much from that for any Group 3 variety, but obviously rates can be adjusted accordingly to optimise control," concludes Mr Francis.

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