Tillage Update 13th May 2021
Shay Phelan Teagasc Crops & Potato Specialist has this week's Tillage Update. He discusses the ideal timing for final fungicide in winter barley, wild oats in Spring Barley, minimising spray drift, and the importance of Biosecurity on tillage farms to prevent introducing invasive weeds species
Winter Barley
Most crops are at awns emerging stage GS 45 in practically all crops now, some are a bit more advanced, so now is the ideal timing for the final fungicide on crops. Teagasc research has shown that delaying the final application of a fungicide mix until the head has fully emerged (GS 59) can reduce the final yield by up to 0.4 t/ha.
Figure 1; Teagasc Winter barley fungicide timing trial response Cork
In the video below Ciaran Collins, Crops Specialist describes the ideal timing for the final fungicide in barley
When it comes to the choice of fungicide there are a couple of key tips that should be followed;
- Use a mixture of different active ingredients e.g. Azole + SDHI or Strobilurin
- The multisite Folpet (Arizona,Stavento, Mirror) should be included for ramularia control
- Half the recommended rates of the Azole, SDHI’s and strobilurin give adequate control
- Full rates of the multisite are required for ramularia.
- Check crops for disease levels, rynchosporium is evident in some varieties e.g. Cassia
Spring Barley
Crops have struggled over the last few weeks with stress from cold weather, this has in turn induced many trace element deficiencies particularly magnesium and manganese. These can be included with the herbicide application which is now due on most crops. When applying herbicides apply a mixture of an SU type e.g. Ally Max with a mixer type product e.g. Galaxy, Hurler etc. These should be selected on the basis of the weed spectrum of each field rather than blanket applications which can result in less than optimum control of certain weeds. Be aware of resistant weeds in your area e.g. chickweed, corn marigold, choose appropriate products such as Galaxy or Hurler to deal with these and use at appropriate rates.
Wild oats are always a problem in spring barley crops however mixing products like Axial Pro with SU or hormone type herbicides is not ideal and should be avoided where possible. Ideally when applying a wild oat herbicide first allow seven days of an interval before the application of an SU herbicide. Where the SU is applied first allow 21 days before the application of Axial Pro etc.
Tillage Edge Podcast
On this week’s podcast Michael Hennessy talks to Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist in Cork, who outlined the essential components of the STRIPE tool and how to minimise spray drift on farm.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: www.teagasc.ie/thetillageedge
Biosecurity on Tillage Farms
Tillage farms are continually at risk from invasive weeds species entering the farm, there are many potential sources of infection including machinery, manures, soil, seed mixes etc. Vigilance is key to prevention. Before purchasing machinery such as balers or combine harvesters carry out a detailed history and physical check on them before agreeing to buy. If importing soil or manures again check the source of the material. Walk your farm regularly especially in the late spring or summer where you will see weeds in flower or setting seed, this is the easiest time to identify problem weeds such as wild oats, bromes, blackgrass etc.
In the video below Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops, discusses the importance of identifying a problem and then dealing with the problem.
For more Agronomy information check out https://www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth/
The Teagasc Tillage Crop Specialists issue an article on a topic of interest to Tillage farmers every Thursday here on Teagasc Daily