Tillage Newsletter - November 2022

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In this month's edition:

• BYDV
  Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) risk depends on time of sowing, location, weather pattern and type of virus present. Aphid flight is inhibited by rain and wind; therefore, risk of BYDV infection is lower when these conditions prevail. Another important factor when assessing risk is whether a ‘green bridge’ is present or not, as volunteer cereals and grasses are host species for the grain aphid.
• Weed control
  Where a pre-emergence herbicide has not been used, apply a broad-acting herbicide at early post emergence. Herbicide selection should be based on weeds present and field history. Priority should be given to the most competitive weeds, e.g., annual meadow grass (AMG), cleavers, sterile brome, charlock and wild oats.
• Slugs
  Monitor any later-planted crops (especially wheat) for pest attack as soils become wetter. Where you suspect slugs may be a problem lay down some traps using a plastic bag or slate with muesli underneath to attract the slugs.
• Winter oilseed rape
  The area of winter oilseed rape has increased significantly to an estimated 18-20,000ha this season due to a combination of high forward prices and planting opportunities last August. Crops are generally more forward than normal due to above average temperatures in September, so monitoring for disease is important.
• Health & Safety - Over 4,500 farm accidents occur annually
  Research from the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) has revealed that there were 4,523 accidents on Irish farms during 2020. The data shows over 88% of these accidents involved the farm operator, with a further 11% relating to family members. Farm workers accounted for the remaining 1%.