Drier climate could mean a delay in phoma spores

Met office forecasts suggest that in the long term (20-50 years hence) drier summers may delay the release of phoma spores, noted Rothamsted researcher Jon West.

But, with crops emerging later, plants would be smaller when the spores hit which would allow them to reach the stems faster.
Given the milder winters also expected, which would permit the untreated fungus to continue growing, the risk of damaging stem canker was likely to increase.