Bayer's new fungicide could greatly increases yields

Germany-based crop protection giant Bayer CropScience has announced its first product launch this year, a fungicide called Rudis which is currently licensed for use on cabbages and leeks. Bayer CropScience claims that Rudis will increase marketable yield from a 58% yield on an untreated crop to 96%. Independent studies have shown Rudis is successful against disease and retains vegetable coloring, as well as ruptures spore tubes and prevents germination. Rudis also increases nitrate for greater photosynthesis.

According to Andy Richardson, joint managing director of Bayer CropScience’s Cambridge, UK, Allium and Brassica Centre: “Rudis is the DMI that thinks it’s a strobulurin so it performs just as well.” Richardson’s extensive tests and trials with Rudis have found that problems such as scorch and white blister were not found, and shelf-life is improved.

Nathan Whitehouse, Bayer CropScience product manager, says: “The major benefits of Rudis are that it you only need to use 0.4 litres per hectare on a 21 day harvest, and it covers all major cabbage and leek diseases including powdery mildew, ringspot, and leaf blotch. This is a unique position for British, and Dutch growers to be at the forefront of agricultural development."

In the bold launch at their Cambridge base, the company announced its ambitions to double their business value by 2012.