Latest report
18 July 2006
Andrew Blazey
- TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
The
season is largely drawing to a close with regards to this
year’s crop recommendations. There are one or two outstanding
issues to consider such as pre-harvest desiccants, as well as
fungicides and bolters in the sugar beet crop.
With regards to pre-harvest desiccants remember not to treat too
early, plan for any home saved seed requirements and check
approvals on any crops grown to contract.
Do you need a beet fungicide? There are a number of factors as
well as cost to be considered, variety, yield potential, lifting
date, and likely hood of infection as well as increased options of
products to treat with.
If in doubt, it is worth noting that in trials even in low
disease years the application of a triazole in late July has
increased yields by four adjusted tonnes/ha.
Driving around the countryside, weed beet and bolters need
attention in places either by pulling or weed wiping before they
set seed.
There seems to be more than usual this year. I don’t know
whether this is a seasonal effect or a sad reflection of the labour
available on farms combined with future prospects for the crop.
In what used to be a largely quiet time of year when agronomists
could take it easy and ponder starting with a clean sheet next
season there are now a number of things to keep us busy in the
office whilst listening to Test Match Special.
There is a plethora of management plans to help complete as well
as being pushed to order next seasons seed, fertiliser and autumn
chemicals to avoid price hikes and disappointments.
There is also time for us to reflect on our successes and
failures from the season gone and plan for the next. I would like
to finish by wishing all readers a successful harvest.
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11 July 2006
Mark Hemmant -
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
With
little rain of any significance in the last few weeks, cutworm
will require treatment in susceptible crops which have not
been irrigated. Silver Y moth has also been reported in both
sugar beet and potatoes.
Some spring bean crops have high levels of black bean aphid
which will be worthwhile treating if pod development is not yet
complete.
Top of the list for many this week will be oilseed rape
desiccation – inspect crops carefully to ensure correct timing.
Application in the early morning when humidity levels are high will
aid results. Take great care to avoid spray drift.
Although the mildew forecast is low, plan to apply fungicide to
sugar beet for ‘physiological’ yield benefits. Plans should also be
made to deal with weedy beet.
In winter wheat, the flag leaf treatment is running out of steam
and brown rust is appearing in crops not sprayed at T3.
As well as preparing for harvest now would also be a good time
to book the sprayer in for a service and think about nozzle choice
for the coming season – it can have a big impact on herbicide
performance.
The reasons for any poor control of grass-weeds should be
considered and resistance testing carried out.
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3 July 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Fleetmarsh Agronomy, Skegness
(Click to contact)
The
high temperatures are causing crops on light soils to progress
too quickly though heavy soils are benefiting.
A good, dry flowering period and bright grain-fill time should
hopefully balance out a short spring growing period and although
overall grain numbers per ear are not high, plant health and tiller
counts are good, so predictions are for a good harvest.
Most crops bar vegetables and potatoes are finished. First
blight warning came in on 30 June for the coastal Lincs area. Slugs
remain active in potatoes.
Potentially big problems with diamond back month in brassicas
and silver Y moth in peas have not really materialised, possibly
due to the very dry conditions.
Autumn planning meetings are now the priority before harvest
begins.
- Varieties look interesting with many farms wanting to pull away
from a great reliance on Robigus with its increasing disease
weaknesses – now including very high levels of eyespot in anything
drilled in the first three weeks of September. Alchemy does look
good despite its brown rust weakness. Oakley looking
promising.
- NK Bravour and Castille still looking the best in OSR
- New seed dressing TMX (Cruiser) has just received approval and
this will be good for broad leaved crops
- OSR establishment is a big topic of conversation, with most
farmers opting for a mixture of establishment systems to cut down
failure risk. Increasingly popular is the subsoil mounted seeder
with a roller and small set of discs - results have been good
- Slug control – ideally putting pellets in the previous crop
before ear emergence seems to be the more reliable way of gaining
control
- Entry Level Scheme Nutrient and Soil Management Plans are also
being put together – though there is a year’s grace from acceptance
onto the scheme for these to be completed
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27 June 2006
Andrew Blazey
- TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
With
the exception of late mildew, winter wheat disease levels
remain relatively low in the majority of crops.
Traces of septoria can be found on the flag leaf in some
varieties where T2 was significantly delayed, the next few weeks
may well draw out differences between treatments.
Late September and early October-drilled wheat crops are
approaching milky ripe, therefore planned foliar nitrogen
applications for milling wheats should be made as and when
conditions allow.
If weather is warm and the likelihood of scorch is increased,
consider diluting applications or spraying early morning/ late
evening.
Grain aphid levels have remained relatively low over the last
week, continue to monitor crops and treat if the threshold of 66%
of ears infested is reached before the end of grain fill.
Chocolate spot is still proving to be problematic in thick early
crops of winter beans, top up control where required and remember
to include an active for late season rust.
Check spring pulses for the requirement for a second fungicide.
The inclusion of an aphicide may also be required as levels of pea
aphid and blackfly have been steadily increasing. Continue to
monitor spring beans for bruchid beetle and treat as necessary.
Plan oilseed rape desiccation strategies - where glyphosate
application is the main method remember to allow for any home saved
seed requirement.
Now is the time to complete any outstanding soil protection
reviews before harvest in order to meet the September deadline.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 June 2006
Jon Yeoman - Banks
Cargill, Bedfordshire
(Click to contact)
Pea
moth thresholds have been breached for human consumption pea
crops, and those that were drilled early probably have been
sprayed with a pyrethroid already.
For those that were drilled later, you will need to stay in
touch with the PGRO (Processors and Growers Research Organisation)
hotline to obtain the correct spray date.
If pea aphids are a problem at the moth timing, consider a half
rate of pirimicarb to add to the tank to control them.
Spring beans have finished flowering after the recent hot
weather. Look for signs of Bruchid beetle larvae on the developing
pods and consider an approved pyrethroid to control larvae before
they hatch out. Control is often difficult to achieve, so past
history and experience should be considered.
In grassland it is now too late to spray for good control of
perennial thistles and docks this side of the hot summer months.
For control now, top to prevent seed shed, and consider an autumn
application in September, when fresh growth has been made and the
weeds are not under so much moisture stress.
Maize crops are have recovered from their cold start, and are
looking much greener than a few weeks ago. Weed control should be
complete.
Oilseed rape crops are looking good, and are benefiting from
these sunny days. It will not be long before decisions are made
about swathing or desiccation before harvest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 June 2006
Mark Hemmant -
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Forward
wheat crops are flowering and beyond the stage for blossom
midge control, but continue to check late-drilled crops.
Aphids have been reported in some crops and may warrant
treatment if they reach threshold levels (two-thirds tillers
infested between the start of flowering to two weeks before the end
of grain filling).
The recent spell of hot weather will significantly increase the
risk of brown rust, but will not favour the development of yellow
rust (although it has been seen in an increasing number of
crops).
In some crops the delayed flag leaf treatment has meant that
septoria has crept further up the crop than would be liked.
Consider application of a T3 fungicide with good activity on
septoria and rusts.
Grassweeds are now beginning to appear above the crop canopy so
now is a good time to appraise control strategies. In many cases
poor control seems to be due to unfavourable weather conditions at/
after application – resistance is not always the cause of poor
grassweed control.
Resistance testing early next month will help aid decision
making and measure the success of anti-resistance strategies.
Spraying of barley is largely complete although with a rather
compressed spray season many crops of spring barley have yet to
have their T2 fungicide.
Second fungicide sprays on beans will also need good rust
activity. Check crops for pests such as bruchid beetle and
aphids.
In set-aside do not be tempted to spray too early – the ideal
timing for annual grassweeds is at full heading, whilst best
perennial weed control is achieved when weeds are close to
flowering.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 June 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Fleetmarsh Agronomy, Skegness
(Click to contact)
Crops
are bouncing on in the recent warm conditions, but disease
levels are likely to see a rapid increase and remaining weeds
are growing strongly.
The main contenders for ear wash sprays are:
•Swing Gold (dimoxystrobin/ epoxyconazole – good continued septoria
and rust control at a good price
• Prosaro (prothioconazole/ tebuconazole) with obvious pro’s and
con’s for both options, more expensive, however septoria may be
better, rust and fusarium control is good and perhaps less impact
on mycotoxins
Orange blossom midge hatch is also critical factor to consider
as ears emerge.
In- crop slug pelleting for fields planned for oilseed rape this
autumn has largely taken place.
Looking back on the success and costs of blackgrass control
programmes, Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl)
has performed well – though Defy (prosulfocarb) will be a very
welcome addition.
Other things to consider include reviewing overall costs for
this season and also completing ‘Soil Management Plans’ for the
Entry Level Scheme.
Check PLANET recommendations for nitrogen against what has
actually been used and also check P&K recommendations. Most
‘Soil Protection Reviews’ have been completed.
Direct combining OSR is being considered for increased yield and
reduced harvesting costs where appropriate.
Consider treatments for pea moth and aphid for combining peas
soon. Drilling vining crops has been a nightmare, some have
suffered badly from footrots and weed control has been
challenging.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 May 2006
Jon Yeoman - Banks
Cargill, Bedfordshire
(Click to contact)
The
weather has not been kind to us recently for applications of
flag leaf fungicides. A small number of growers managed to get
applications on before the weather broke, but many have been
battling between the rain and wind to get onto the fields.
We have now had enough rain for Orange Wheat Blossom Midge
(OWBM) to be a possible problem over the next ten days or so. The
weather has been cooler compared to some bad OWBM years, so
monitoring during early evening for the midge will be necessary if
traps have not been set out.
Ears are already out on some wheat varieties drilled in
mid-September, so after a late spring, crops have more than made up
for lost time.
Remember the new legislation for fusarium and mycotoxin levels
come into effect for this harvest, so decisions upon products and
rates for ear sprays will be important if the weather continues
unsettled.
Winter oilseed rape has lost all flowers, and sunshine is
required now for pod fill and a good harvest. There has been some
lodging noted in the recent wet and windy weather. Some of this can
be put down to frost damage in crops that made rapid growth last
autumn.
Crops of beans are now flowering, and fungicides should be
considered for control of chocolate spot, bean rust and downy
mildew in spring crops.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23 May 2006
Andrew Blazey
- TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Most
crops, even those drilled in late November, are well beyond
full flag leaf emergence.
Where T2 applications have not been made due to weather delays
they are now a matter of urgency and should be done ASAP. Make sure
you use a tank mix with significant eradicant activity as it could
be in excess of 28 days since T1.
There may be the temptation to go for a T2 ½ timing and hit the
ear as the crop comes out of booting. This would probably be
achievable without yield loss in resistant varieties but trials
results sometimes indicate a yield loss on dirtier varieties when
this compromise is made. It would also be too early for optimum ear
disease control on quality wheats.
Where crops are particularly thick or under stress there has
been an increase in mildew in varieties such as Solstice, Robigus
and Clare. Check any crops that might fit the bill and use and
eradicant mildewicide where required.
Sampling suggests that orange wheat blossom midge levels in the
soil are similar to last year in most areas, use risk charts to
identify crops at risk and plan control strategies. Be prepared to
start monitoring as soon as wheat ears emerge. Soil temperatures to
date have been high enough to favour development of the pest.
Sugar Beet FAR treatments have in general been successful, where
crops are currently clean watch for late flushes of fat hen and
apply a clean up spray if required.
Check pea crops for grassweeds and remember that a seven day
interval is required between post emergence broad leaf weed control
and a graminicide. Aramo (tepraloxydim) and Laser (cycloxydim) have
a 35-day harvest interval so care is needed with vining crops.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 May 2006
Mark Hemmant -
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Flag
leaf is emerging on forward wheat, whilst late sown crops are
at or approaching the T1 timing.
Although not easily found at present, rusts are very likely to
be a major problem in the east this year, so ensure flag leaf
sprays have good activity by including a rust active strobilurin
and triazole.
Last week’s hot weather will have hastened the development of
septoria, which is becoming more evident on leaves three and four,
particularly of the more susceptible varieties.
Do not be tempted to delay the flag leaf treatment until ear
emergence, even if crops were last sprayed in the last two weeks.
Mildew is also making a comeback, particularly on late-sown or
over-thick crops.
The flag leaf timing will also be the last chance to tidy up
wild oats, cleavers and broad-leaved weeds. Particularly in some of
the more open crops there has been a recent flush of weeds
(including cleavers) so it would be wise to check crops even if
they have already been sprayed.
The warmer weather last week brought with it an increase in pest
activity. Reports of flea beetle damage in linseed, seed weevil in
winter oilseed rape and pea and bean weevil were numerous as well
as an increase in aphid sightings.
Beans are beginning to come into flower and with an increase in
chocolate spot require their first fungicide treatment. First
reports of downy mildew in the spring bean crop have also been
received.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 May 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Fleetmarsh Agronomy, Skegness
(Click to contact)
Crops
are rapidly catching up for lost time and accelerating towards
flag leaf which as usual will emerge from the 15-25 May around
here, regardless of drilling date. It pays to apply flag leaf
sprays immediately the flag leaf starts to tip out.
Whether this speedy, late spring will influence yields probably
depends on the weather – moist conditions would be ideal for slow,
steady development whereas a serious early drought could spell
trouble.
My flag leaf sprays will be based around 0.75ltr epoxyconazole
plus chlorothalonil, except where I can reduce rates of
epoxyconazole on septoria resistant/ brown rust prone varieties and
add in a bit of azoxystrobin for brown rust.
Disease levels are increasing, with Robigus showing high levels
of mildew where thick - even after treatment with metrafenone.
Yellow rust foci are visible in missed strips.
Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl + iodsulfuron-methyl-sodium)
results on blackgrass are good despite the cold, tricky spring.
Sugar beet weed control is proving pretty effective so far with
good ‘killing’ conditions. Pre-pelleting heavy land has given good
slug kills. A pyrethroid was used on light land to control flea
beetle, which was causing problems.
I’m currently busy using PLANET to provide all clients in
Nitrate Vulnerable Zones with RB209 compliance reports for
nitrogen. Muddy Boots and Farmade systems are proving easy to use.
The SoilMan system from Hampshire Arable is good for recording soil
assessment and action points for Soil Management Plans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 May 2006
Jon Yeoman - Banks
Cargill, Bedfordshire
(Click to contact)
T1
fungicides programmes have been applied in good conditions.
Mildew levels are low mainly due to cool conditions. However
this may change during these warmer more humid conditions.
Crops that have had a specific mildewicide should be well
protected through to the flag leaf timing.
Yellow rust is conspicuous by its absence. By this time last
year it was present in Robigus. This spring has been ideal for the
disease to develop, so I am surprised not to have seen it in
crops.
Septoria tritici is present on lower leaves, but the T1
fungicide should provide good control on emerging leaves.
Winter oilseed rape has taken its time coming to flower this
year, but most crops are now there, although the range is great.
The timing for mid-flower disease control is here on the earlier
flowering crops, so consideration of past disease incidence should
be assessed in conjunction with the weather.
Frost damage on some early auto cast and drilled crops has been
noted, and the follow through to harvest will be watched with
interest.
Peas are all emerged now, and ironically the gap in growth stage
between those that were later drilled is not as great as first
expected.
Pea and bean weevil damage is lower this spring than most, and
limited to specific crops. Maybe March’s cooler conditions reduced
the over wintering populations.
Sugar beet crops can now be ‘rowed’ and follow up herbicide
treatments following rainfall will now be essential.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 April 2006
Andrew Blazey
- TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Warmer
weather means that most crops drilled before mid-October are
now at final leaf three emergence and should have their T1
fungicide if not done already. Septoria and rusts are the main
targets.
Make final checks for mildew and eyespot, both diseases have
increased in incidence over the past couple of weeks. Adjust tank
mixes accordingly if required.
Where broad leaf weed control is required check cut-off dates
and if possible tank mix to save passes. Where cleavers are the
target, make sure they are growing well and applications are done
in good growing conditions.
If Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl) has
recently been applied it may pay to delay any further control and
reassess at a later date.
Heavy land six-row barleys are moving on at pace, the
requirement for further growth regulation should be assessed and
applied as soon as possible if required.
Post-emergence weed control is now urgent in early crops of
spring barley. Where a grassweed product is required treat as soon
as possible and remember to observe any delays required before
following up with a hormone or Sulphonyl Urea for broad leaf weed
control.
Very early crops may require treatment with an approved
chlorothalonil to dampen down rhynchosporium before the first node
fungicide timing.
Most oilseed rape crops have finally reached flowering and as a
result are no longer at risk from pollen beetle. Vigilance is still
required on later and thinner crops where the threshold for
treatment is lower.
Keep an eye on peas and beans for notching and treat with
approved product if required.
Sugar beet is enjoying the milder weather, as are the weeds!
Where starting with FAR doses do not delay treatment and follow up
in seven days, delayed treatment will inevitably mean chasing
bigger and bigger weeds with spiralling costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 April 2006
Mark Hemmant -
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Final
leaf 3 is emerging on forward crops of wheat - these will need
spraying as soon as conditions allow. High levels of septoria
are present in susceptible varieties that did not have aT0
spray. Active mildew is present in many varieties (including
Robigus) and eyespot can easily be found in second and early
drilled first wheats. Yellow rust has just started to be
reported and brown rust is common so ensure that a rust active
triazole is used on susceptible varieties. On the light soils
many crops are also showing signs of manganese deficiency,
which should be corrected with the T1 spray.
Winter Barley will also require spraying this week. Many crops
locally have quite high levels of net blotch.
Ensure cleavers and wild oats are tackled at T1 to prevent yield
loss.
With a few warmer days, pollen beetles are starting to be
observed. Include a pyrethroid spray with the PGR spray if
threshold levels are reached (before flowering). Latest leaf
tissue results show that just over half of crops have boron
deficiency.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 April 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Fleetmarsh Agronomy, Skegness
(Click to contact)
Wheat
bulb fly is now showing - it is not too late to spray with
dimethoate although rolling can give a better result.
We are rushing to get Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl +
iodosulfuron-methyl) sprayed, as timing has been extended, although
temperatures are still low (we had a minus 9C on 15 March and four
nights this week we have seen frosts).
Chlormequat is going on as daytime temperatures are improving. A
lot of T0’s have been bypassed, as crops are clean of disease and
the winter has checked a lot for growth regulation.
T1 spray plans are now being put together to go on around the
end of April/beginning of May. Although crops are clean, potential
for mildew, brown and yellow rust epidemics is high given the
susceptibility of present varieties.
Sugar beet is just emerging, though a lot has not been drilled
yet. Early sprays will need to be very gentle. Pest damage could be
a problem on all spring crops if cool temperatures continue as slow
emergence always allows time for damage.
Oilseed rape is looking good - plants are sturdy and bushy after
the cold early spring restricted growth, reducing the need for
growth regulators on many but the weakest varieties.
First-early potatoes are just about to emerge, with PDQ (diquat
+ paraquat) about to go on for weed control. New off label approval
for scab using fluazinam could be very useful (only for seed crops
though).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 April 2006
Jon Yeoman - Banks
Cargill, Bedfordshire
(Click to contact)
The
extension for the usage period of Atlantis
(mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) into the
third week of April is very welcome.
Growers are playing ‘catch up’ in the spring spray programme
after a changeable period (either too cold or too windy), and with
warmer weather recently, growth regulator timings are here for most
wheat crops.
So far disease levels have been held after the cold March, and I
am yet to see yellow rust on Robigus. Last year foci were visible
by mid-April in time for the T1 fungicide.
Consider the opportunity to add some protectant fungicide to
septoria-susceptible wheat varieties when applying growth
regulators.
Winter oilseed rape crops are now at the green/yellow bud stage,
and for those that are to receive a fungicide this will achieve
growth regulatory effects as well. Watch for pollen beetle numbers,
and if thresholds are breached consider a pyrethroid insecticide as
a tank mix.
Final nitrogen applications should be applied to oilseed rape
crops now before damage is caused to main stems along
tramlines.
Spring crops drilled in early February are finally through the
ground now, and are making rapid growth. Watch for weevil damage on
spring bean and pea crops, and consider control at the first signs
of attack.
Sugar beet crops are all drilled now and weed control programmes
will be underway. Watch for night frosts when using mixes and
oils.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 March 2006
Andrew Blazey -
TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
The
recent settled cold and dry spell means that in most cases
nitrogen applications are up to date. It is tempting on
forward lush first wheats to get “something on” whilst
conditions are so good but a few more days patience could pay
dividends in reducing lodging risk.
Many September drilled wheats are now in late tillering and
growth stage 30 will be upon us rapidly following the recent change
in weather.
Milder weather gives the opportunity to play catch up with
spraying winter cereals.
There may be some possibility to save passes with tank mixes
where labels allow. Where you are planning tank mixes make sure not
to compromise timings or application conditions for either growth
regulators or herbicides such as Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl +
iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium).
Assess the need for a T0 fungicide, check varieties such as
Robigus, Solstice and Claire for mildew. In some cases recent
frosts have done a good tidy up job. Check and compare prices of
protectant mildewicides as there is greater choice on the market
this season.
Although not an obvious threat yet, consider the need for some
yellow rust protection on varieties such as Robigus, the inclusion
of a low rate triazole could buy valuable management time and save
cost later in the season.
Winter barleys have not yet sprung into life but chlormequat
applications can not be far away. Most crops are carrying a base
level of mildew and net blotch.
Oilseed rape crops are not at the stage for application of
canopy manipulation spray yet but keep a close eye on them as they
begin to grow rapidly.
Keep a close eye on spring beans as they emerge, rooks and
pigeons are problematic in some fields.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 March 2006
Mark Hemmant -
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Cold
conditions continue to halt play with little fieldwork, except
some spring barley drilling. Most crops of oilseed rape and
backward cereals have now had their first dose of
nitrogen.
When warmer weather returns there is likely to be very rapid
crop growth, so as the spring workload becomes compressed it will
be important to plan spray applications to avoid missing important
cut-offs and to avoid potential tank-mix problems e.g.
- The latest timing for Shield (clopyralid) and Galera
(clopyralid + picloram) on winter oilseed rape is before flower
buds visible above the crop
- Plant tissue analysis is showing that many crops of oilseed
rape are deficient in Boron – but check compatibility with other
products before application
- The cut-off for the first split of many chlormequat-containing
products is before growth stage 31
- Check compatibility of tank-mix partners with grassweed
herbicides to avoid crop damage or loss of efficacy
Conditions favourable to crop growth are likely also to favour
mildew, which is present in susceptible varieties, including many
crops of Robigus.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 March 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Fleetmarsh Agronomy, Skegness
(Click to contact)
The
unusually cold and dry winter which left soils in excellent
condition, followed by recent rain leaving soils pretty wet
and unworkable has given us some interesting scenario’s to
deal with:
•Reduction in aphids and some other bugs such as wheat bulb fly.
Don’t relax too much as these could appear with a vengeance in
backwards crops and spring barley
• After the warm back end, some very forward wheat’s, which
although checked by the winter, still look dangerously well and
will need careful nitrogen and growth regulation
• Very little blackgrass control has so far taken place and rightly
so given the very cold conditions. However, applying Atlantis
(iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron) before 31 March could be tricky – but
there is always Pacifica, which is rather expensive, but has
approval until the end of April
• Conditions for working beet and potato land will be tricky if
soils don’t dry up dramatically
In these low margin times it will be more important than ever to
get crops to perform, though not at the expense of variable
costs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 March 2006
Jon Yeoman - Banks
Cargill, Bedfordshire
(Click to contact)
With
the warmer conditions now here, final Atlantis (iodosulfuron +
mesosulfuron) applications should be started as soon as
travelling conditions allow. Those that were applied in late
autumn have worked well.
With the colder start to March, blackgrass has not made much
spring growth as has been seen in milder winters, so time is of the
essence.
Some crops may require a growth regulator as a tank mix, some of
the more forward first wheat’s are now at growth stage 30
already.
Winter oilseed rape can now have its first application of
nitrogen if not already applied already. Fertilisers containing
sulphur should be applied first ahead of any straight nitrogen or
urea materials.
The final window for control of cleavers, thistles and charlock
in rape is here, and those products should be applied before flower
buds become visible above the crop.
The final crops of spring beans are being drilled. Those that
were drilled in early February have not emerged so far. It will be
interesting to see whether they emerge before these last
drillings.
Spring peas will soon be drilled when seed beds warm a little.
Watch for any grass weeds that have germinated after cultivations.
Apply a glyphosate-based herbicide before moving ground ahead of
drilling.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 February 2006
Andrew Blazey
- TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
There
has been little chance over the last ten days to catch up with
any outstanding Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl +
iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) applications. Where treatments are
still outstanding, aim to apply when minimum temperatures are
above 5C for a couple of days either side of treatment.
The cool weather has also slowed wheat bulb fly progress, but
with egg hatch above 40% at most sampling sights, be vigilant for
deadhearts as soon as the mild weather returns.
Where damage is noted in at-risk crops, apply dimethoate ASAP to
get greatest efficacy. In particularly thin crops early nitrogen
and rolling will also be beneficial.
Despite the dry winter, initial results from soil mineral
nitrogen samples in the east suggest levels are not significantly
above the long term average.
Begin nitrogen applications when mild weather returns, giving
priority to rape crops. Apply 25-50% of total dose along with
30-40kg/ha sulphur when conditions allow.
As we enter March consider first nitrogen dressings in cereals
but only on second wheats and winter barley. No more than
40-50kg/ha N will be required along with 15-20kg/ha sulphur where
deficiency has been noted. A lot of patience will be required with
first wheats this spring.
Check oilseed rape crops for thistles, cleavers and mayweeds
before cut off point of flowers buds visible above the crop
prevents application of Shield (clopyralid) and Galera (clopyralid
+ picloram). Also consider the necessity for a growth regulator
base on triazole fungicide.
Where pre emergence sprays are still outstanding on spring beans
check for emergence prior to application. Also assess the need for
a specific graminicide in winter crops.
As potato seed arrives on farm check quality as soon as possible
and plan or adjust seed treatments as required.
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21 February 2006
Mark Hemmant –
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
Levels
of wheat bulb fly are again predicted to be high this year and
egg hatch is well underway. To minimise the risk of crop
damage, do not apply chlorpyriphos within two weeks of an
application of Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl +
iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) or Pacifica (mesosulfuron-methyl +
iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) and avoid tank-mixing with any
herbicide in frosty conditions. Be prepared to switch to
dimethoate when deadhearts become apparent.
If conditions allow apply Atlantis + BioPower where required for
grassweed control. Planning to delay applications until the T0
timing may result in compromised weed control and lost yield.
Many cereal crops have the full range of foliar diseases, with
in particular unprecedented levels of mildew and both brown and
yellow rust for the time of year. Manganese deficiency is also
very apparent on the lighter soils.
High levels of phoma persist in oilseed rape not yet treated or
treated early in the autumn. Small crops are likely to benefit
from a fungicide treatment. More forward crops will soon be at the
flower buds visible stage – which is the latest timing for many
herbicides.
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14 February 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Fleetmarsh Agronomy, Skegness
(Click to contact)
Crops
are looking well and most discussions are now focusing on
levels and timings of nitrogen. Min N tests are relatively
high but there is still some way to go.
The winter has been one of the driest on record on the east
coast and consequently travelling conditions are very good,
providing temptation to get going.
It is still a bit too early for nitrogen - most crops went in
well, had a lovely mild autumn and now have very good roots and
lots of tillers. Judging when to apply fertiliser to oilseed rape
will be tricky, but it will be important not to be too late.
Whether total amounts can be reduced is also a point for debate
with the high cost of nitrogen. Many trials show optimum levels are
now slightly up on two-three years ago. RB209 recommendations need
to be adhered to unless clear proof of need for more can be
provided.
Farmade issued their PLANET module last week and alongside
similar software, now is a good time to get the Entry Level Scheme
Nutrient and Manure Plans in place. Both forms of PLANET seem
straightforward and provide good guidance and records.
It is still too early for spraying Atlantis (iodosulfuron +
mesosulfuron), as conditions are not warm enough. Activities are
best focused on getting spring barley and beans into good seedbeds
and doing any other preparatory work such as fertiliser
applications and working down other seedbeds.
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7 February 2006
Jon Yeoman - Banks
Cargill, Bedfordshire
(Click to contact)
Taking
advantage of the run of frosts we are having, the first land
work of the year is starting with pulling down the autumn
ploughing for spring seedbeds. Spring beans are probably the
first to be drilled, followed by spring barley.
Check seedbeds before drilling for any surviving blackgrass that
has survived cultivations, and where necessary spray prior to
drilling with a glyphosate-based product.
The newer formulations require less product, have better wetters
and have a quicker turn around time before drilling.
Wheat Bulb Fly egg hatch is well under way, especially on the
organic sites, so any late-drilled wheat that is short on tiller
numbers or generally backward, should be considered for a treatment
of chlorpyrifos before plant invasion starts.
This colder weather should slow that stage for a while. Check
formulations for tank mix options. Not all products offer
these.
Blackgrass control generally has been good from autumn
treatments, and where autumn Atlantis (iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron)
has been applied, the results are tremendous.
For crops that are still intended for an Atlantis treatment,
warmer weather hopefully will soon be with us for applications to
start again.
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30 January 2006
Andrew Blazey
- TAG Consulting, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
The
recent cold and dry spell has brought the prospect of some
spring drilling to the fore again. Seedbeds should be checked
for the necessity to burn off any greening up prior to
drilling.
To save on wheelings it may be possible to apply glyphosate with
the pre-em herbicide, if the drill will run freely. In this
situation you will need to be confident that any weeds buried by
the drill will not re-grow.
Plan and calculate seed rates for spring crops. Aim for
established plant populations as below taking into account
germination and field loss.
- Spring Peas 65-90 plants/m2
- Spring Beans 45-50 plants/m2
- Spring Barley 250-300 plants/m2
- Spring Wheat 300-350 plants/m2
Wheat bulb fly
Last week’s figures put wheat bulb fly egg hatch in excess of 40%
in the east. Use risk charts and previous experience to ascertain
likely fields at risk.
If an egg hatch spray is to be applied, this can be done on the
frost but beware of tank mix restrictions. In particular observe
intervals where Atlantis (mesosulfuron-methyl +
iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium) is to be applied.
Where Kerb (propyzamide) applications have been missed in
oilseed rape there is still an opportunity to mop up grassweeds
with carbetamex before the end of February.
Check rape crops for thistles and cleavers so applications can
be planned for late February/March when conditions are mild.
Though the majority of rape crops are very forward, pigeon
control is essential as crops look to grow away.
With a current ratio of wheat:N price of approximately 7:1 it is
even more important to plan spring nitrogen usage.
Consider factors such as previous crop, expected yield, intended
market, farm yard manure usage and the current growth stage of the
crop. Use all tools available such as soil testing, FYM testing and
trials data.
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24 January 2006
Mark Hemmant –
Agrovista, Norfolk
(Click to contact)
In
many instances grassweed control in oilseed rape has been left
until crops open up, but growers now need to treat as a matter
of urgency.
January 31 is the latest timing for propyzamide and carbetamide
+ a graminicide. Although carbetamide (alone) can be used until the
end of February, control of large blackgrass can be variable unless
tank-mixed with a graminicide (e.g. propaquizafop).
Many crops also have high levels of phoma. Large crops that have
already been sprayed are unlikely to be worth spraying. However
small or backward plants will be worth treating, for improved yield
and oil content.
Levels of wheat bulb fly are again predicted to be high this
year and egg hatch has begun, so treat at risk crops now with
Dursban WG (chlorpyrifos).
To minimise the risk of crop damage, do not apply chlorpyriphos
within two weeks of an application of Atlantis or Pacifica
(mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron) and avoid tank-mixing with any
herbicide in frosty conditions.
When inspecting cereal crops, consider the need for grassweed
control and the potential need for a T0 spray.
Many crops have the full range of foliar diseases, and in
particular there are unprecedented levels of brown and yellow rust
for the time of year. Unless ‘arctic’ conditions occur, an
effective T0 triazole treatment will be required to help manage the
potential yellow and brown rust epidemic on susceptible
varieties.
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17 January 2006
Bridget Carroll -
Independent Agronomist (Lincs)
(Click to contact)
Much time is being spent preparing for the Entry Level Scheme,
including: Soil Management Plans, Nutrient and Manure Plans and
Crop Protection Management Plans.
The Soil Management Plan presents quite a few challenges with
erosion risk assessment needed for all farms with fields that have
gradients steep enough to allow a ball to run down, even if this is
only a small part of that field.
The Nutrient and Manure Management Plans can be carried out
using the new PLANET software, which has been incorporated into
Farmade and Muddy Boots crop recording software, meaning that much
data does not have to be re-inputted.
While the Crop Protection Management Plan is somewhat more
straightforward, being a continuation from previous year’s plans,
the new Waste Disposal legislation due to take force from April,
presents a challenge.
Reviews of costs are critical in this difficult time for
agriculture. Crops can still be grown at low cost and good yields
despite the increasing threats from blackgrass and nitrogen
pricing.
Reviewing trials data from last spring reveals that it was not
necessary to spend a great deal on fungicides with around £37-42/ha
(£15-17/acre) more than adequate.
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View last season's Crop Watch
reports:
Autumn/ winter 2005
Spring/ summer 2005