Crop Watch: Broad-leaved weed flush and T2s in wheat – Farmers Weekly

In a complete contrast to last year, April has been incredibly dry in Northumberland, with 20% of the average rainfall, helped only by some very localised rain.

Sunshine hours were up and temperatures were about the average, which translates, despite the lack of rainfall, to a county that looks full of potential in early May.

Some showers last week have, hopefully, helped wash the last of the fertiliser in and given crops some respite.

The benefits of a mild winter can now be seen in autumn sown cereals.

They have clearly established a good root system for the majority and have been able to extract moisture from deep in the soil profile.

Growth stages are somewhat all over the place, with some crops nearing flag-leaf emergence and others just at growth stage 31/32.

Yellow rust has been challenging in quite a number of varieties, especially as conditions have been textbook.

T0s containing a strobilurin have provided good protection until T1, as the pressure is still there when looking over the variety trial site.

Septoria remains in the base, but with recent rain showers this will begin to move.

The choice to use new chemistry at T1 will I’m sure pay dividends, with unsettled weather on the forecast as we head into May.

Plant growth regulator (PGR) rates were a tricky decision, but maintaining the mixture of actives is key, while being mindful of rates.

There is a lot of nitrogen yet to be taken up, and unmanaged soft growth will only lead to high rates of lodging and yield loss if PGR rates were cut back too far or removed from the programme altogether.

Sclerotinia sprays have started to go on at the early to mid-flower stage.

Dry conditions are keeping the risk low at present, but with damp mornings and petal fall, it is important to start that protection.

Some crops have been in flower for four weeks and it looks like this may continue for another four to five weeks, if conditions stay favourable.

Spring crops are having a challenging start, but establishment has been reasonable all things considered.

Moisture retention at drilling has been key and those more difficult seed-beds have lead to patchy emergence.

Until now, there hasn’t been a weed to speak of, so I am holding my nerve for a proper weed flush.

Early nutrition to help relieve crop stress and encourage tillering has been the only application so far.