South: Weevils prove persistent

Early-drilled winter wheat is now at boot swollen. Mildew isconfined to wheat stems and remains low risk. Yellow rust could befound earlier on Robigus where fungicide timings were extended, butis now back under control.

Brown rust hasn’t been seen so far this season, but a change towarmer weather could see it become a high risk. Septoria tritici isthe main concern at this T2 timing, with levels in the southreportedly the highest in the country.

The cold winter, early spring and robust growth regulationprogrammes have led to shorter-than-normal plants, resulting indisease pressure increasing by direct disease transfer rather thanrain splash.

Winter barley, fully in ear, looks extremely promising.Rhynchosporium and net blotch have been well controlled by robusttwo-spray fungicide programmes. Mildew levels remain low.

Forward oilseed rape has finished flowering, had two sclerotiniasprays and podded well. Backward and pigeon-damaged crops havenever recovered and remain thin, uneven and spindly. They have beenflowering at various times and a well-timed sclerotinia spray hasbeen impossible.

Spring beans have suffered from dry weather and persistentweevil notching. Downy mildew is a problem earlier than normal thisseason and does need addressing. Pre-emergence weed control hasbeen good, but may need a follow up treatment with Basagran(bentazone).

Spring barley went into moisture and looks encouraging.

There has been more linseed planted this spring and itgerminated well, but polygonums are a problem and will needtreating.