Better recent weather has led to many outstanding grassweed spraying jobs being completed, with Atlantis or Pacifica (both iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron) being needed in the most difficult situations.
Early first wheats are at GS30 and T0 is now being recommended, an appropriate triazole/chlorothanonil mix proving popular. Disease levels are variable. Very few rust pustules can be found and mildew infections are low, but Septoria tritici levels are high.
Wheat development seems slower this year, possibly 7-10 days late. There is also a huge difference in crop stands where fields are 300-400ft above sea level after the very cold winter. After two weeks of dry weather slug activity is minimal, but rabbits remain a massive problem that still needs addressing.
Pigeons continue to graze oilseed rape heavily causing serious problems. Where the pests have been controlled a minority of strong rape crops have started to extend and grow on quickly.
Many crops were sprayed in the autumn for phoma and treatments have worked well, as levels are now low. But, with so many uneven crops, special attention needs to be paid to pollen beetle control, as the worst damage is seen in warmer, sunny conditions with the crop at tight green bud.
Spring beans have been very popular and seed-beds good. Many have been rolled and sprayed pre-emergence with herbicide. The need for these residuals to work well is more important than ever, as there is such a limited armoury of post-emergent contact products approved.
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