Early-drilled winter wheat is now at boot swollen. Mildew is confined to wheat stems and remains low risk. Yellow rust could be found earlier on Robigus where fungicide timings were extended, but is now back under control.
Brown rust hasn't been seen so far this season, but a change to warmer weather could see it become a high risk. Septoria tritici is the main concern at this T2 timing, with levels in the south reportedly the highest in the country.
The cold winter, early spring and robust growth regulation programmes have led to shorter-than-normal plants, resulting in disease pressure increasing by direct disease transfer rather than rain splash.
Winter barley, fully in ear, looks extremely promising. Rhynchosporium and net blotch have been well controlled by robust two-spray fungicide programmes. Mildew levels remain low.
Forward oilseed rape has finished flowering, had two sclerotinia sprays and podded well. Backward and pigeon-damaged crops have never recovered and remain thin, uneven and spindly. They have been flowering at various times and a well-timed sclerotinia spray has been impossible.
Spring beans have suffered from dry weather and persistent weevil notching. Downy mildew is a problem earlier than normal this season and does need addressing. Pre-emergence weed control has been good, but may need a follow up treatment with Basagran (bentazone).
Spring barley went into moisture and looks encouraging.
There has been more linseed planted this spring and it germinated well, but polygonums are a problem and will need treating.
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