Agronomy Update - April 2022

Ollie Berkley - Bartholomews Agronomist

The fine weather towards the end of last month has allowed ground works and spraying to be completed in good conditions. This weather also encouraged the onset of flowering in Oilseed rape so therefore the pollen beetle will now be a beneficiary. Once crops reach mid flower a Sclerotinia fungicide will be important to apply.

Winter Wheat crops are variable with forward crops having had T0, and the more backward crops T0’s being applied at the beginning of this month. This key timing looking to protect the crops especially if we are experience some adverse weather conditions. With Folpet still being an important inclusion within your anti-resistance fungicide strategy. Winter Barley will need to be monitored for disease and treated accordingly. With its rapid growth, especially in hybrids, growth regulators will need to be applied. Winter Oats herbicides will need to be applied if not already done so, allowing for a follow up application of growth regulators and fungicides.

Monitoring weeds within Spring Barley and applying appropriate herbicides where necessary with the inclusion of any trace elements required.

Spring pluses should have received a pre-emergence herbicide. As the temperatures increase, monitoring emerging crops is important for the presence of weevil attacks. Winter Beans should receive treatment at mid flowering for chocolate spot.

Spring sow linseed and Spring OSR into warming soils to encourage rapid emergence allowing the crop to get away from flea beetle. Treat at first sign of shot holes in the cotyledons.

Maize should be sown when soil temperatures are increasing allowing the crop to grow rapidly away from weed competition. Pre-emergence herbicide applications in maize can help sensitise more difficult weeds and improve post emergence applications of herbicides particularly if soil moisture is present.

Fodder beet is also a very poor competitor. Apply a pre-emergence and follow up at the cotyledon stage with a post-emergence treatment. Product choice will depend on the weed spectrum present. A second post- emergence herbicide will be necessary to control further flushes of weeds before the crop canopy meets and the beet starts to compete with the weeds.

If you want to get in touch with our agronomy team, call 01243 755610.

Find out more about what we have to offer in our Agronomy package HERE.