Page 9 - Vol.36-No.6 issue

CROP PROTECTION

tion on cultural methods such as cor- germination and up to the three-leaf ers. As such the seed dressing used must
rect planting date or shallow seeding of stage of plant growth. Infected roots are have a highly distinctive colour to warn
early-planted rice will reduce damage discoloured brown or black while the operators. Copper fungicides are espe-
caused by seedling blight fungi. rice shoot suddenly dies and turns straw cially useful in this respect. For instance
Water-borne and soil-borne, fun- coloured. Seedling blight caused by Py- copper oxychloride is bright green
gus-like microbes in the genus Pythium thium is most common in water-seeded while cuprous oxide has an unmistak-
will attack and kill rice seedlings from rice and the injury frequently more ap- able rusty-red colour.
parent after the field has been drained.
Three important

considerations
Whether rice is seeded in a nursery
bed or directly into the field the prevail-
ing conditions will invariably be moist
and humid which favours these fungi and
fungus-like pathogens.
Many different fungicides are avail-
able to treat rice seed. However, most
are highly specific in action. As such
they may control one or two of these
pathogens and very well too, but lack
the breadth of action to manage all these
Ensuring rice crops with a pathogens which cause seedling blight.
potentially high yield relies in Cuprous oxide is a very broad spectrum Months after seeding and the
the first instance on successfully protectant fungicide and should give at use of healthy vigorous rice
‘navigating’ the germination and least some control of all of these fungi seed has paid huge dividends in
seedling establishment stages and fungus-like pathogens. rice yield and quality
which are vulnerable to seedling Once treated with fungicide rice seed (Picture courtesy Omex)
blight (damping off) disease can no longer be used for food or in live-
(Picture Dr Terry Mabbett) stock feed or be handled by farm work-
Circle 6 on enquiry card

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR WYKE FARMS APPOINTS PAUL
NOBLE FOODS HARDWICK NEW CHAIRMAN

Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest
Noble Foods has appointed Kerry Foods stal- independent cheese produc-
wart, Duncan Everett to the role of CEO of the ers and producers of renew-
Noble Foods Group. able energy today announce
that Paul Hardwick will be tak-
Everett joined Kerry Foods’ graduate pro- ing on the official role and title
gramme in 1995 after studying economics and of Chairman, Wyke Farms.
quickly rose through the ranks to hold a number Paul has been with Wyke
of senior finance roles, including CFO, before Farms for 30 years, previously working at Ac-
taking on leadership positions as MD of the meat technology busi- countancy firm, Grant Thornton. Paul is a quali-
ness and in 2017 he became CEO. fied Chartered Accountant and has successfully
“Duncan brings his strong commercial acumen to Noble Foods worked with Wyke Farms as Finance Director,
along with invaluable experience driving business performance in helping to guide the business and the Clothier
both fruitful and difficult times,” said Sarah Dean, owner of Noble family over the years.
Foods. “Duncan embodies the values that are extremely important Rich Clothier, 3rd generation cheesemaker
to us as a family business. He is committed to fostering a proud cul- and Managing Director at Wyke Farms, says:
ture while also encouraging teams to take risks and challenging “Paul has a detailed understanding of the needs
them to look for new ways to connect and build relationships with of the business, our people and our customers,
our partners, from farmers to retailers, consumers and our business he will help to provide the stability that we need
customers.” in these challenging times”.
Commenting on his appointment, Everett said: “Kerry Foods has John Clothier, 2nd generation cheesemaker
been a fantastic and enjoyable experience and the team and I have has officially retired from his role as Chairman
delivered robust results. I will always be thankful for the opportuni- with immediate effect. He has worked in the
ties and confidence that the team had in me. I’m excited about the family business since childhood and has over 70
potential that Noble Foods holds and the role I can play in creating years’ experience of in cheese making and the
a sustainable future for the business and the brands under its wings. dairy industry. John will remain close to the com-
Everett will join the business 2 September 2020. pany and step into an advisory role to help steer
the family business.
Circle 7 on enquiry card NEW APPOINMENTS Circle 8 on enquiry card NEW APPOINMENTS

Vol. 36 No. 6 7