Crop Watch: T3 ear sprays in wheat and black bean aphids – Farmers Weekly

After much anticipation, we finally got some well-needed rain. Most areas received about 25mm over the course of the week, which has worked its way nicely into the soil profile.

Spray windows have been tricky to find between the gusty weather, so keeping on top of spraying hasn’t been straightforward.

I would say the last of the wheat T2s were applied last week and most were covered before the rain.

The yellow rust pressure hasn’t disappeared and has been a real battle this year. Our untreated variety trials haven’t looked this dirty for a few years and some of the untreated plots are all but gone.

Strobilurins have been essential this season in getting the protection, and I’m certainly planning to use my final one at T3, coupled with azoles for ear diseases.

We really need to keep the disease out throughout grain fill. Remember, we only get seven days out of full-rate tebuconazole.

The yield potential in the majority of autumn-sown crops looks good and hopefully this year, coupled with plenty of sunshine, will ensure a good grain fill.

There are some big oilseed rape crops out there, which is great to see after the past two years. I will be aiming for a pod sealant about three to four weeks out from desiccation, so towards the end of the month.

Over the past few years, I think this separate pass really pays dividends when it comes to protecting yield.

Spring crops are a mixture of both extremes, with some looking exceptionally well for the dry conditions they started with, while others have struggled.

There are spring barley crops 10cm tall with the awns peeping and a fresh flush of weeds appearing after the rain.

On the other hand, there are crops that are well tillered and don’t appear to have been too badly affected by the dry conditions. The latter will be grateful for the rain and have some potential.

It will be interesting to see grain nitrogen results on malting barley, as I’m sure there will be a big flush of nitrogen into the plant now.

I would like to wish everyone all the best for harvest. It has been a busy spring and it’s important we all take some time before another busy period.

There are plenty of local events coming up, from variety days to larger regional shows, and this is a great time to catch up with neighbours and friends.