Highgate^®

Highgate® is a preventive fungicide for Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape. It is best used at yellow bud, when there will be optimal penetration of the canopy and beneficial growth control effects. A second spray may be applied two to three weeks later for further protection against Sclerotinia, particularly where moist petals fall and stick to the stem. The protection of the mid and lower canopy is important as yield loss is greatest from lower main stem lesions. When the spray is applied at the flowering stage, this can lead to poor penetration. Also, weathered leaves lower down the canopy are more prone to infection (lower leaf wax).

Core benefits of using Highgate® beyond disease prevention include lodging control, canopy management and rooting. In independent trials, Highgate® achieved a 28% reduction in lodged area and a yield saving of 0.2-0.4 t/ha, with easier harvesting. When the green area index (GAI) was over 0.8 just prior to stem extension, Highgate® also resulted in increased canopy size and number of seeds per square metre, with an additional 0.21 t/ha yield. When dry (typically every 2-3 years) there was a 25% increase in rooting at depth and a 0.3 t/ha yield increase. (173 comparisons reviewed in Journal of Agricultural Science 2009 147, 273-285, J Spink, P Berry).