This season is a complete contrast to last season as far as my cereal crops are concerned. Wheat crops are between growth stages 12 and 31. The later crops are presently being treated with a low dose of trinexapac-ethyl to encourage rooting. 

Crops approaching GS 31 are receiving their first PGR, a robust programme is planned, and will be reviewed over the coming weeks. I am planning a T0 on all winter wheat crops. Product of choice will be a triazole, chlorothalonil mix, achieving at least one triazole unit.

The big talking point at the moment is Oakley, yellow rust is rampant in some crops. This variety will need careful monitoring and a robust rate of fungicide.

Again it is looking as if we may be heading into another dry spring, so crop health and vigour are of paramount importance. Particular attention is being given to trace elements where appropriate. 

I am keen to treat broad-leaved weeds in cereal crop while we have some moisture and the weeds are actively growing, at the same time I have to be mindful that there are probably many weeds still to emerge.  This could be an issue in more open crops.

Oilseed rape has moved on rapidly in these last few days. I did see my first pollen beetle this weekend, no action required as yet, but one to watch.

The drills are busy sowing sugar beet, so herbicide programmes need to be planned.  My first beet herbicide spray is likely to be a desmedipham, phenmedipham-based product.  As we are still receiving frosts at night, care will be needed to avoid crop damage.