West: More rain required

Crops were starting to look weak as they could not get hold of applied nitrogen.  But the recent dry spell ended with approx 10 mm of much needed rain over the course of a couple of days, so this should see crops improve. The sharp contrast in temperature between day and night has added to the stresses that crops have been under.

T1 applications have been well timed in wheat.  We are yet to have problems with yellow rust, with the most prevalent disease being septoria on older leaves.  Weather permitting we will be looking for a gap of no more than three weeks between the T1 and T2 fungicides.

I keep looking at grass weeds where Atlantis or Pacifica (mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron) has been applied, wishing them to finally die!  Given their size by the time we were able to make these applications, and the subsequent weather, it is perhaps not surprising that effects have been slow.

Awns are emerging on the most forward barley crops, but they are generally short and not looking too special.  In light of this and the stress they are under, fewer crops will receive a late PGR this season.

T1 fungicide and herbicide mixes are planned for spring barley crops.  Some crops look tender, so avoid complex tank mixes.

The majority of rape crops received a fungicide at yellow bud, which will have given some protection against early sclerotinia infection.  A mid flower fungicide is now planned, with the timing being guided by crop growth stage and sclerotinia monitoring services.

Pea and bean weevil and thrips have been quick to come into emerging pea crops, and treatment with an insecticide has been necessary.  We wait to see whether recent rain has come in time for pre-emergence herbicides to ‘claw back’ some weeds which have only recently emerged.

Most linseed crops appear to be emerging well. Monitoring for flea beetle has found relatively low numbers and no significant damage as yet – but continue to monitor!

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