Biosolution focus: IODUS

Controlling septoria in winter wheat has always been a challenge for growers, but the loss of CTL a few years ago made early stage growth control even tougher. Fortunately biosolutions - like the bio-fungicide IODUS (laminarin) - have been filling the gap. And when sprayed at T0 (and applied in with other conventional fungicides), it’s proven to be very effective. Let’s take a closer look at what IODUS is, and how it works.

What is IODUS?

IODUS is a registered bio-fungicide used to control leaf spot (Septoria tritici) and reduce powdery mildew. It’s used primarily for all varieties of winter wheat - though it may be approved for other crops in the near future. It contains laminarin, an active ingredient sourced from natural plant extracts. Benefits of Iodus

How does IODUS work?

The first thing to remember is that IODUS is not a conventional fungicide, and shouldn’t be thought of as an alternative to one. It’s different - it’s what’s known as a plant elicitor. Plant elicitors don’t offer direct protection to a crop. Instead, they trigger the plant’s natural defence mechanisms, encouraging it to act early to protect itself against pests and disease. Instead of acting directly on fungal diseases, IODUS mimics the degraded cellular material released from a fungal attack, which activates nearby cells’ defence systems.

What are the benefits of IODUS for wheat growers?

As a natural plant product, it goes without saying that IODUS is a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice. But for your winter wheat crop - and your wider integrated pest management - it can also bring a host of benefits including:

No buffer zone
Zero residue
Only a single dose needed
Application with other fungicides
Very effective when applied at TO

It’s when applied at T0 that IODUS really comes into its own. Because it stimulates a young plant’s natural defence mechanism, which lasts as it grows, IODUS can help reduce later applications of traditional fungicides while still delivering the same levels of disease control and yield. It’s a great choice for T0 preventative protection against Septoria and powdery mildew.

Is IODUS worth trialling with my wheat?

As with any new product, it’s always important to speak to your agronomist first. The impact of IODUS will also vary depending on where in the UK you grow - we’ve seen it being highly effective in the West where the threat of Septoria is higher. ADAS, NIAB and SRUC have all trialled IODUS in the last couple of seasons, and in field tests conducted 2019-2020, IODUS showed significant control of Septoria and typical yields comparable with conventional multi-site fungicides. You can see key trial results of IODUS here.

Have you had any experience with IODUS yet?

Have you tried IODUS yet on your wheat? Do you have any questions about application or efficacy? Let us know what you think on our forum, share your top tips for IODUS or other biosolutions, and ask any questions you’d like our experts to answer.