Orange blossom midge numbers were monitored, but thresholds were reached in only a small number of cases for treatment with Dursban (chlorpyrifos).
Mildew has remained at low levels but can readily be found in Claire.
Yellow rust has arisen only in untreated areas or where timings have been stretched, particularly in Robigus. Brown rust has been absent, but the risk will increase if the weather becomes hot and dry.
Most winter barleys received good two-spray fungicide treatments and disease has been kept under control.
A bigger problem has been growth regulation, and with the recent thundery windy conditions we're already seeing pancake flat crops which is of huge economic concern.
The small proportion of oilseed rape crops unaffected by pigeons, rabbits or slugs have finished flowering and podded well.
While many very poor crops were re-drilled with a spring crop, a few were left that were borderline; these have recovered to some degree and are still flowering.
Spring beans look very good, although downy mildew levels have been high and needed controlling with Folio ((chlorothalonil + metalaxyl-M).
Flowering is coming to an end and crops are podding nicely.
As many are grown for human consumption bruchid beetle control has been a high priority, many crops receiving Hallmark Zeon (lambda-cyhalothrin) during flowering.
Spring barley has been popular and disease has been well controlled
Linseed has also been popular, but with fewer products available controlling weeds has been difficult, and dry conditions at application have made mayweed control variable.
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