Trials investigating the performance of Serenade ASO, Bayer’s biological fungicide that contains Bacillus subtillis QST 714, have delivered promising value to potato growers. In soils where there is higher pathogen pressure, it performed best when applied in conjunction with conventional treatments, while in lower pressure conditions is often enough to be applied as a stand-alone treatment.

Trials to date have found performance varies between sites, but that there is regularly a positive effect on potato yields, with 10 out of 13 UK and European trials showing yield increases; and an average yield increase of 1.9 t/ha across all 13 trials. In addition, its use has led to increases in marketable yields through more consistent tuber size and better skin finish.

“Performance is often influenced by external factors such as soil type, moisture, temperature and disease pressure. This is perhaps not surprising given Serenade is a living organism that will interact with the physical and biological characteristics of the crop and the soil,” noted Tim Lacey, Bayer campaign manager for horticulture.

While its development remains a case of work-in-progress, recent trials have highlighted its contribution to black dot control when applied with Bayer’s new tuber treatment, Emesto Prime (penflufen) in an addition to positive effects against watery wound rots (Pythium) and other soil diseases seen in previous trials.

When applied with Emesto in a 2018 trial located in Scotland using Rhizoctonia infected seed, a significant reduction in the incidence of black dot compared with untreated plots was identified.

“Emesto at 1 kg/t and Serenade at 5 L/ha in-furrow gave one of the best reductions of black dot of any treatment in trial reducing the incidence of disease by nearly 50% over the untreated,” commented Lacey.

Although further trials are needed, its contribution is more than just that of a supporting partner. When co-applied with Velum Prime (fluopyram) for improved yield protection in the presence of PCN, you can expect to gain both tuber quality and yield benefits from Serenade application as well as the PCN protection from Velum.