Ground conditions

Conditions remain good but heavy rain could change this quickly. The forecast is currently wet for much of next week. We are probably more than two thirds through winter planting and many growers are already finished.

Crows and pigeons are a significant problem in places as large numbers sweep in for short periods. One must assume that they are doing some damage. Seeds may not be the primary target but plants can be torn up when digging for grubs etc. Big numbers mean move them elsewhere.

While rolling is always advised post planting, ground conditions govern this decision. If you are still planting you might need to question rolling for the moment given the wet forecast. It can be done subsequently if conditions allow.

Planting

Continue planting all remaining crops but increase seeding rates as conditions deteriorate. If temperatures also drop this too must be reflected in higher seed rates due to reduced establishment.

Where establishment conditions are less than ideal, increase seed rate for winter wheat up to 280 seeds/m2 or 155 kg/ha (10 st/ac) for 50g seed. For winter barley target 350 seeds/m2 with up to 200 kg/ha (13 st/ac) for up to 58g seed (200 seeds/m2 for hybrids). Continue planting oats at 140-155 kg/ha (9-10 st/ac) for 350-380 seeds/m2 from 40g seed. Smaller seeds mean less weight per hectare.

Good soil fertility is more important with later planting but you can only apply organic manures up to the end of October. Optimum pH should be the primary objective and this should be corrected as early as possible. Low pH now can impact on autumn growth to leave reduced yield potential.

Spraying

The mild weather means one must assume BYDV to be a real risk. Where Redigo Deter was used one can expect about six weeks protection post emergence but a follow-up aphicide is still essential. High pressure areas might need a follow-up aphicide even sooner.

Early sown crops not protected by Deter dressing need an initial aphicide at the 2-3 leaf stage and we must hope that these products continue to work adequately.

Where there is concern about aphicide efficacy it might be useful to use a high rate of Wetcit adjuvant in conjunction with the aphicide. This wetter has limited effects on aphids itself, depending on rate, which may help control.

Early sown crops need more aggressive grass weed control and much of this is already applied. Crops emerging now might still be sprayed with a pendimethalin or flufenacet mix pre-emerge. This can be followed by more specialist products for additional control of grasses like brome or blackgrass. Mixes with DFF (diflufenican) or Defy will broaden the weed spectrum.

In fields where grassweeds are not a serious problem a mix of DFF plus Defy can do a good job. Broader spectrum products like Alister, Firebird, Flight or Vigon might be used now or as a follow-up. Products like Alister can be used alone either later in the autumn or in springtime.