Farmer Focus: Richard Ward 15/04/05
Having recently sprayed T0 growth regulator, chlorothalonil and triazole to wheat, I must admit to being a little worried about the term T0 in such penny-pinching times, as it sounds like an extra cost. What in future would they call a pre -T0, T-1 maybe? Sounds too much like rocket science.
The reality is that we have been applying T0 for many years, but calling it T1 or the first half of a split T1. Now we have learned the benefit of splitting T1, we often apply the second split with the tidy-up herbicide.
Result, no more cost, no extra spray passes, just sounds more technical to call it T0 and T1 plus a bit of weedkiller. Maybe we should go back to calling the first spilt T1 and the second split T1+. Or perhaps, to save confusion, how about we just call it the stuff that goes on at GS30/31 and the bit that goes on with the herbicide at GS32.
By the time you read this, the barley will have had its T1 and herbicide if needed, all in one go. Yes, I definitely think we can truly call this T1, or possibly T1+.
As for the oilseed rape, which had a half-rate fungicide in the autumn and another half rate in early April, I must admit to being at a complete loss at what Ts these are.
To us, let alone the layperson, this all seems confusing. Especially as wheats also get a T2 and a T3, but the barleys don”t get the T3.
The oats get a split T1. The first or second could be a T1+, but they don”t get a T2 or T3 and it is still anyone”s guess as to what the hell happens T wise to oilseed rape. Time I blasted off!
