Possible Benefits of Inatreq™ Active Fungicide Beyond Wheat
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Inatreq™ active is the first fungicide to work on a new site of action in Septoria in wheat in more than 15 years. This is significant, because wheat farmers need more solutions against this disease which can devastate harvests and is showing an increasing level of resistance against current fungicide tools. For farmers, protecting their crop today means protecting the future of their farms. Inatreq helps farmers stay ahead of fungal disease and gives them an option that works better, lasts longer and reduces impact on the environment.
The results with Inatreq in wheat have been so impressive, it didn’t take long for researchers at Corteva Agriscience to begin looking at how this fungicide’s unique way of working might be useful in other crops. Regulatory reviews of Inatreq are underway in specific countries to manage fungal diseases in barley, oilseed rape, sunflowers and sugarbeets. What is it about the way Inatreq works in wheat that makes it a good candidate to protect other crops like these?
A recent study from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in the UK compared several commonly used fungicides and their effects on Septoria in wheat.1 The study’s observations about the benefits of Inatreq illustrate the ways it could potentially be useful in an expanded number of crops.
Inatreq™ active has many characteristics that make it especially effective against Septoria in wheat. These benefits may also make it a good fit in the future for other crops, such as barley, sunflowers, sugarbeets and oilseed rape, pending regulatory approvals.
Inatreq™ active works preventively and curatively
In the AHDB study, researchers looked for “protectant” and “eradicant” effects of the fungicides. In wheat, Inatreq™ active prevented Septoria infection on new growth leaves, and also cured infection on leaves that were already exposed to Septoria. The researchers listed Intreq as one of two active ingredients in the study (along with mefentrifluconazole) that showed the best performance against Septoria in wheat.1
Because of the unique way Inatreq works, it can control disease in a plant even if it’s been present for as long as 7 days. Inatreq sits in the waxy layer of leaves where it can provide protection against infection for 4-6 weeks in cereal crops. Lasting control means more confidence and less worry for farmers. Preventive and curative action that lets farmers worry less about fungal disease may eventually make Inatreq a good option in other crops, too.
Inatreq™ active is a new tool against resistance
The AHDB study also looked at the continuing problem of Septoria resistance against fungicides. The organization notes that several common types of fungicides are now less effective against Septoria, but that new options, such as Inatreq™ active, are helping to offset that issue. They stress the need for a program approach and good management practices to keep new fungicides working, recommending mixing and alternating fungicides with different modes of action and from different groups.1 Inatreq is made to work in just this kind of program approach, making it a flexible option in cropping systems. Farmers growing other crops such as barley, oilseed rape, sunflowers and sugarbeet also need options that help reduce risks of resistance. If approved for use, Inatreq would be another tool for these farmers to use.
Inatreq™ active is formulated to stay in place
Inatreq™ active provides almost total leaf coverage and absorption because it’s formulated with i-Q4™ technology. This innovation helps extend the protection of the active ingredient and prevents run-off. It’s one of the reasons Inatreq works so well at much lower use rates than many other commonly used fungicides. Lower use rates mean farmers get a sustainable option for fungal disease protection, while total coverage means less worry and need to re-treat. Reducing use rates and the need for re-treatment would help farmers growing other crops enjoy peace of mind that wheat farmers are finding with Inatreq.
Defeating disease helps improve yield
In this study, the Inatreq™ active-treated wheat demonstrated a yield increase of 0.3 tons/ha. At 2023 wheat prices, this translates into farmers earning about €60 more per hectare by using Inatreq. Fighting off disease keeps plants productive for longer, which can improve both yield and quality, helping farmers to get a premium for what they grow. By improving yield and quality, Inatreq could help farmers growing other types of crops enjoy more profitability.
While Inatreq is not yet approved for use in crops outside of wheat, rye, triticale and banana, it’s exciting to look ahead to the ways more farmers in the near future may be able to use this fungicide on acres of other crops—like barley, oilseed rape, sunflowers and sugarbeets—that are also susceptible to other destructive fungal diseases. With its lasting curative and preventive effects, broad spectrum activity, unique site of action, special formulation and yield-improving disease control, Inatreq is a solution that brings a diverse set of benefits so farmers can continue to protect their fields and their futures.
Learn more about Inatreq active
Registrations of products with Inatreq™ active are currently being sought in several countries. This is not an offer for sale.