As if by magic the rain has done its job and crops are now
complete. Slug damage is minimal and the amount of slug pellets applied will be
considerably less than last year. We have progressed from treating affected
areas with cost-effective metaldehyde in August and September to longer-lasting
pellets in October. Further limited treatments will be with methiocarb-based
products.
Slow or no emerging blackgrass is the main issue for autumn
treatments. I appreciate the sage like advice that "treatments early give the
best control of blackgrass" but what if there are no weeds visible?
Continuous wheat fields that have received Atlantis treatments in previous years show an interesting spectrum of grassweeds. In general, blackgrass is negligible but ryegrass has flourished along with oats and brome. What is then the best plan of attack? The answer I suppose is to pay your money and take your choice.
The loss of isoproturon is probably felt the most in the
winter barley market. Missing pre-emergence products and a non chlortoluron-tolerant variety does set a nice challenge.
At long last soil temperatures have fallen sufficient to
start spraying winter rapes with residual grassweed products. Needless to say,
two inches of rain over the weekend makes travelling on the land more
difficult. Phoma is noticeable by its absence but fungicide treatments will be
included to cover light leaf spot and phoma.
Rape growth is lush to say the least having seen two deer in
one rape field virtually hidden by leaves makes me ask the question "where are
the pigeons when you need them"
Maize crops have been harvested and yields are in excess of
16 t/acre with wheat already been drilled into some fields. Fodder beet harvest
has started although the market is limited at the moment with plenty of
alternative cheap feeds available.
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Can't believe the size of that oilseed rape, Patrick! Do you reckon it is too big? What a difference a year makes...