T1 fungicides are being applied to some forward wheat
crops in the south, but delays caused by unsettled weather
elsewhere mean many growers are still trying to get T0 sprays on,
according toFWi's agronomists.
On the Wiltshire/ Dorset border, Dan Dines said the
first T1 sprays had gone on, and the majority of wheat crops
were ready to receive one.
"Septoria is the main disease threat in wheat. Both yellow and
brown rust are notable by their absence thus far. Eyespot is
present in some fields, and mildew can be found in a small number
of crops.
"Fungicide treatments should be based on diseases present/
disease risk, avoid routinely treating last year's problems!"
Agrovista's Swaran Bachoo said recent
cold weather had slowed crop growth and while a few wheat crops
were at growth stage 32, most were at GS 31. "Luckily we had
opportunity to apply all the planned T0 fungicides and the first
split of the pgr so these wheats now have adequate protection until
T1 fungicides are applied.
"Do not be in a hurry to apply the T1 fungicide before emergence
of leaf 3 or the gap between the T1 and T2 will be two wide."
Lincolnshire-based Ruth East said crop growth had also been
slowed due to cold weather, but there was plenty of disease about
that would need treating.
"Septoria
tritici is abundant on the lower leaves of susceptible
varieties a well timed, robust T1 will be needed to control it,
because if temperatures increase the disease will take off."
But further north in Northumberland,
frustration
was growing as showery weather continued to disrupt planned
spraying programmes. Robert Sullivan said the majority of
early-drilled first wheats had received their T0, but others were
still to be sprayed.
"If the weather continues in its current vein the T0 will become
T1 before too much longer. Disease levels in general are low in
these crops, with septoria being really the only disease apparent,
although there are signs of eyespot on some crops."
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