Cerall.. a powerful weapon against Fusarium, Tilletia caries and Septoria nodorum

In cereal production, seed-borne fungi, such as Fusarium, Tilletia caries and Septoria nodorum are serious threats. These diseases harm the seeds of various crops. New crops run the risk of disease, even at sowing. Arable farmers now have a powerful weapon against fungal diseases: Cerall, available from Koppert Biological Systems.

Cerall protects seed used for sowing. It is based on the strain MA 342 of the beneficial bacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis. Trials conducted by NIAB in 2017/18 showed that Cerall was as effective at controlling seed-borne bunt, T. caries, as the Redigo seed treatment. The product is currently used on over 55400,000 ha of arable land in the EU.

Pseudomonas chlororaphis is administered via seed treatment. This is the way it works:

• The bacterium produces substances that have an instantly lethal effect on various fungal diseases

• On the roots of the crop, the bacterium competes for space and nutrients with the crop diseases, inhibiting their development and thus strengthening the roots

• The bacterium induces resistance, putting the plant in a heightened state of readiness; this strongly increases the resistance capacity of the new crop

• Growth is promoted, even under abiotic/biotic stress

This is a great beginning for a healthy, flourishing and resilient crop, and is the perfect starting point for better production results.

Cerall protects wheat, rye and triticale seeds. The product is a seed coating: the seeds are treated prior to sowing. Cerall remains effective for up to one year after application. Once the seeds have been sown, Pseudomonas chlororaphis remains active on the roots until the fifth leaf development stage. It suitable for both conventional and organic agriculture, having been verified by both the Soil Association and the Organic Farmers & Growers Farmers can also combine Cerall with other seed treatments, in order to save time and money.

Cerall is used at the rate of 10 ml/kg of seed. Directions for use can be found on the packaging.

Cerall is a ready-to-use formulation and must be distributed as evenly as possible over the seed. This should be done with certified seed treatment equipment, which is suitable for liquid preparations. Before using Cerall, the seed treatment equipment must always be thoroughly cleaned with hot water, or a suitable detergent. If necessary, clean and wash jets. Residues should be removed from containers, pipes, etc. To avoid frost damage, the mixing bowls and other accessories should be emptied. Then use antifreeze (dilution according to the manufacturer’s instructions) for the entire system. In continuously operating seed treatment equipment, the exact setting of the sprayer must be carried out, to ensure a precise application, thereby avoiding underdosing, for example.

Koppert B.V. is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer than recommended and/or under incorrect conditions.

At 4-8°C: up to 2 months

At 20°C: a maximum of 1 week

Treated seeds can be stored for up to 1 year after application without any loss of effect.

• Protection of the potential yield

• Long-term protection against seed-borne diseases

• Resistance highly unlikely

• Cerall consists of natural components, making it suitable for conventional and organic cultivation

• The product has no Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)

• The product can be applied easily with all widely used seed-treatment equipment

• Cerall has a full approval in the U.K., MAPP number 19001

• Cerall also has been verified by the Soil Association & Organic Farmers & Growers