51AVÊÓƵ

Our winter crops were perking up nicely and spring drillings well set in decent seedbeds in the run-up to Easter only for everything to be stopped in its tracks by another spell of winter.

Disease symptoms are light in backward crops, with yellow rust only bubbling up in some susceptible varieties, according to Bayer’s National Disease Snapshot.

Crops have been met with drought in the south and east of the country, widespread frosts and even April snow in some parts in recent weeks.

Crops have been met with drought in the south and east of the country, widespread frosts and even April snow in some parts in recent weeks.

In conjunction with Bayer we will be keeping track of winter wheat development over two cultivation strategies, and using Rapid Disease Detection results to monitor disease progress through the season.

Last week’s warmer weather gave crops a much-needed boost as they exit a cold, wet winter.

Industry has applied for renewal of the approval of the fungicide, mancozeb in Great Britain.

A decent spell of spring weather has seen field work progress up and down the country. However, delays to sugar beet seed deliveries on-farm are holding up drilling for some growers.

Winter wheat growers are being urged to be aware of much higher levels of septoria in crops this year compared with last season, most probably brought on by earlier drilling.