Tillage Update - 9th June 2022
Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist reports on tillage crops and how they are developing in the southeast. Rain fall in the first week of June was welcome as soil moisture deficits were at 50mm here in the south east. Further rainfall forecast will help restore soil moisture levels.
Recent rainfall favours crop growth and development
In the Fields Crop Update
Spring barley
Spring barley crops have developed quite well over the last 7 to 10 days with many crops now at or approaching the correct stage for the final fungicide application (T2). The correct time for the final fungicide is when crops are at awns emerging (GS 49). Trials at Oak Park show that this is the most effective timing for effective disease control of major diseases such as ramularia. Assess crops for diseases such as Net Blotch, Rhyncosporium, Ramularia & Powdery Mildew and apply a suitable fungicide programme. Diseases such as net blotch for example are very dependent on the variety type and weather conditions currently and over the next month. While diseases such as Ramularia, levels very much are linked to crop stress factors such as cold / wet weather / poor soil structure or anything event that may stress the crop. Recent rainfall will ease the pressure on spring barley crops plus indications are that temperatures will remain between 18 to 20 ˚C during the day time over the coming days which will favour good plant growth and development. Inspect crops for diseases present and select suitable fungicides to protect crops for the remainder of the season. Include a multi-site fungicide to give activity on ramularia with an azole based product such as prothioconazole (Proline).
Winter wheat
Winter wheat crops have developed well over the recent weeks and again the improvements in soil moisture and sunshine levels favouring good crop development. Many crops are now at ear emergence (GS59) to early flowering and 7 to 8 days ahead compared to other years. Crops have remained relatively clean on my travels mainly due to the variety type and well timed fungicide programmes. It is important to assess crops for diseases at present and select suitable fungicides to control major diseases over the next 5 to 7days. The aim with the final ear spray is protect crops from major yield robbing diseases such as fusarium which can be a problem especially with showery weather forecasted at present. Select fungicides to give effective control of septoria, rusts and ear blight (fusarium).
Figure 1:- Winter wheat at ear fully emerged (GS59) ideal timing for ear spray.
Spring Beans
Spring Beans are again developing quite well and weather conditions have resulted in good growth over the last few weeks. Aim to treat crops with a fungicide to protect against yield robbing disease and continue to monitor crops for chocolate spot and downy mildew as diseases can develop rapidly especially under warm humid conditions.
Figure 2:- Spring beans flowering
Find out more information and advice from the Teagasc Crops team here. The Teagasc Crops Specialists issue an article on a topic of interest to tillage farmers every Thursday on Teagasc Daily. Find your local Teagasc office here