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With the recent dry spell comes both pluses and negatives. Plus in that the real risk of ear blight infection is close to passing for many wheat crops as flowering is drawing to a close. Negative for many spring crops, as rain is badly needed to alleviate the drought stress present in many fields and preserve what yield potential there is.
Winter barley
While the gate remains firmly closed on winter barley fields for another few weeks, some crops have felt the brunt of recent wind and rain and are either badly tossed or, in worst cases, are down. Be wary of crows and pigeons, which may use flat areas of the field as a landing strip. In the worst-hit areas with dryness, winter barley is turning a shade of white as patches in the field die. These are only in patches which have sandy bottoms or in very dry fields.
Winter wheat
Many winter wheat crops are nearing the end of flowering. If the head spray has not been applied yet, then apply now. While disease pressure is low in many places, a break in the weather may still give way to an infection.
There is also some signs of drought stress in wheat crops, but the crop can still recover. Final sprays will be triazole mixtures such as Prosaro, Gleam or Magnello. As disease pressure is generally low, chlorothalonil or strobilurins might not be included this year.
Spring barley
Spring crops continue to struggle in places due to drought. Many more crops have received some rain, but are still short and thin. Crops are exploding through the growth stages and growers may have only had a week between sprays this season.
With awns appearing on spring barley, it is time for the T2 fungicide. Consider the potential of the crop and the pressure of the season when deciding on spend. Fungicide options include Bontima, Ceriax, Elatus Era, Fandango and Siltra or triazole combinations with Treoris or a strobilurin. All T2 treatments must include a contact (Bravo or Phoenix) for ramularia.
Spring oats
Target final spring oat spray when the head is out. Ears are breaking through in early spring oat crops. Apply a triazole plus strobilurin or SDHI, possibly with a morpholine. If mildew is not a problem, consider epoxiconazole or Folicur at 0.7 l/ha, plus half-rate Modem or Amistar. Elatus Era has been very successful on oats.
Fodder beet
Most T2 herbicide sprays will have been applied to beet crops by now. The main herbicide (T2) application is applied around 10 to 14 days post-T1 spray.
Where charlock is still an issue, use a Debut-based mix with MaxxPro or Venzar. Aim to spray in the evening or early morning, as some varieties of fodder beet are more susceptible to spray scorch than true sugar beet varieties.
Debut programmes will work best with the addition of methylated rape oils, for example Phas2, Rapeoil 95 or Toil at 0.5% to 0.75% spray volume (minimum 0.3l/ha). Some crops have shown signs of damage by previous herbicide sprays.
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