Protection of Flag and Sub-Flag Leaves from Diseases

Protecting flag and sub-flag leaves from diseases is an important component of the fungicide protection strategy for cereal crops. Therefore, today, when weather conditions in almost all regions of Ukraine favor the spread of diseases in crops, specialists from Ukravit emphasize the importance of this protective measure and recommend choosing comprehensive products aimed at controlling a wide range of pathogens.

This is reported by AgroReview

“More than 40% of the future yield of cereal crops is formed by the flag leaf, and about 60% – by the flag and sub-flag leaves, – notes Oleksandr Myhlovets, head of the agronomy department at Ukravit. – This is why it is so important to ensure their proper protection from diseases. As a result of pathogen damage and pest infestation, the productive area of the leaf blade decreases, which leads to disruption of the photosynthesis process and, consequently, negatively affects the accumulation of assimilates in the leaves. This is a direct precondition for the deterioration of the quality and quantity of future yields. The additional risk lies in the fact that uncontrolled diseases of the leaf apparatus can subsequently infect the ear, causing even greater losses. Therefore, to protect against these potential losses, it is essential to ensure disease control at the T2 phase.”

Considering the importance of this protective measure, Oleksandr recommends choosing powerful combined products with a broad spectrum of action and a long-lasting protective period. In the 2025 agricultural season, in the crops of more arid regions where septoria, pyrenophora, powdery mildew, and other diseases are present, he advises opting for the fungicide Acula (prochloraz, 300 g/l + tebuconazole, 140 g/l + cyproconazole, 50 g/l). Prochloraz has contact-systemic properties and retains activity within the plant, providing preventive and eradicative effects. Tebuconazole, an active ingredient from the triazole chemical group, is quickly absorbed, moves acropetally, and inhibits the synthesis of sterols in the membranes of pathogenic fungi, leading to their death, and has a systemic-curative effect. Cyproconazole inhibits the biosynthesis of sterols, including ergosterol, in fungal cells. Unlike other sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, cyproconazole has a much broader range of action due to its physicochemical properties, absorption, and movement within plants.  

Acula provides preventive, curative, and eradicative effects and is capable of controlling leaf disease pathogens that exhibit resistance to benzimidazoles. Additionally, its long-lasting protective effect safeguards plants from subsequent infections.