Seed disease risk

15 August 1997

Seed disease risk

HIGH levels of disease are being confirmed in cereal seed this season by NIABs Labtest service. Fusarium and net blotch are common in barley and early signs suggest fusarium is widespread in wheat.

Untreated seed will suffer from poor germination and seedling survival, says NIABs John White. .

About 70% of oilseed rape samples are testing below 18 micromoles/g, vital if crops sown from such seed are to qualify for area aid. That is 10% up on last year and 20% better than 1995, he says. However, ADAS results suggest higher levels in Apex.