You've probably heard the phrase "planning prevents poor performance" or something similar! Nitrogen planning should be complete and in accordance with NVZ regulations N max calculations and demonstration of compliance should be documented before any field applications are made. Fungicide prices are beginning to firm and prudent growers will have considered programmes based on price and products that provide the chosen actives at best value.
The weatherman
promises warmer conditions at the beginning of March. As soon as it starts to warm up rapeseed
crops will be ready for their first nitrogen application (usually including
sulphur). Followed by first dressings on barley, second, subsequent, later and
then earlier drilled wheats. So have the spreader poised for action.
On rust prone and moderately septoria susceptible varieties T0 applications are important. A mix of cheaper triazoles plus or minus chlorothalonil (as appropriate) will reduce the risk of early infection. Protection is cheaper than eradication and T0's allow flexibility around the T1 fungicide timing if required due to farm scale, equipment or inclement weather.
Concern regarding an early spring rust epidemic has moved from red alert to a spring amber alert. The risk of early infection has been reduced by the persistent cold weather but do not be complacent, only a small amount of inoculum is required for a spring infection. Do not leave susceptible crops unprotected once the weather warms up.
The cold winter has held back crop growth; however, wheat, rape and bean crops look strong entering the spring. Generally crops throughout East Anglia look promising with good yield potential.
Leave a comment
What a user pic? Get a Gravatar!