In the world of agriculture, the ebb and flow of the seasons can bring both challenges and opportunities. This week, we delve into the experiences of farmers across the UK, where the recent change in weather has brought a unique set of concerns and strategies. From the north to the south, east to the west, farmers are navigating the complexities of crop management, with a particular focus on aphids, fungicides, and the impact of weather patterns on their yields.
The North: Navigating Disease Pressure and Aphid Infestations
In Northern Ireland, Stephen Bell of Fane Valley reflects on the recent shift from dry, warm conditions to milder, wetter weather. This change has brought a surge in disease pressure, particularly in winter wheat. Bell notes that while dry weather between T1 and T2 sprays helped manage septoria, yellow rust remains a persistent issue, especially in susceptible varieties. The challenge lies in the timing of fungicide applications, as missed opportunities can lead to more difficult management practices. As the focus shifts to T3, fusarium risk increases, prompting the use of prothioconazole, tebuconazole, and strobilurin mixes.
One of the most pressing concerns is the high aphid numbers across all crops. Bell highlights the need for vigilance, especially in vulnerable crops like emerging fodder beet and potatoes. The return to damp conditions encourages slug activity, adding another layer of complexity to crop management. The use of beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and hoverflies, has been crucial in reducing aphid populations, but the ongoing challenge of managing resistance to pyrethroids and pirimicarb requires careful consideration.
The South: Early Wheat Flowering and Fungicide Timing
In Hampshire, Anna Dunford of Hampshire Arable Systems/AICC observes that wheat is flowering 10-14 days earlier than usual due to high temperatures. This early flowering has led to the forward scheduling of T3 fungicide applications to protect the flowering ear during the wet spell and prevent fusarium infection. Dunford notes that some crops that received a later T2 may forgo a T3 application, but these will be carefully monitored, especially if they are susceptible to rust. The decision to apply pod sealant in oilseed rape is also influenced by the opinion of the grower, with many varieties now featuring pod-shatter resistance.
The West: Stressed Crops and the Impact of Weather
Ben Allard of Pearce Seeds in Dorset, Wilts, and Somerset shares his observations on the rapid growth of crops, often caused by stress rather than steady growth. The past few weeks have seen a rollercoaster of weather, from warm and dry to cold and wet, and then extremely hot. Allard is not surprised by the stress on crops, given these conditions. Winter wheat T3s have been applied, focusing on tebuconazole and prothioconazole mixtures to protect the ear and manage yellow rust. The high aphid populations have sparked discussions about using insecticides at T3, a decision that Allard has not made yet, as the beneficials have helped reduce aphid numbers.
The spring barley in Allard's area has suffered significantly due to the recent weather, with many crops half the height they should be and dropping tillers. This has led to a grim outlook for straw yield. Spring barley has received a T1 application to control weeds and protect the crop, but the potential for further fungicide applications is limited due to the current conditions.
The East: Variable Sugar Beet and the Emergence of Beet Moth
Harriet Bateman of Prime Agriculture/AICC in West Norfolk, Cambs, and south Lincs, notes the variability in sugar beet emergence, with some crops reaching canopy closure before the longest day, while others are just chitting and trying to break through the soil surface. In these patchy emergence situations, heavier herbicide mixes applied at shorter intervals are required for maximum weed control. The emergence of the beet moth has also been observed in several crops across the region, prompting the use of Coragen (chlorantraniliprole) for its control.
Bateman emphasizes the importance of appropriate product choice, the use of differing modes of action, and maintaining robust spray intervals to reduce the risk of blight. The recent experience of a full Hutton period in potatoes serves as a reminder of the need for proactive blight management, especially with the upcoming weather pattern.
A Broader Perspective: The Impact of Weather and Disease
Across the UK, farmers are grappling with the impact of weather patterns on their crops. The change from dry, warm conditions to milder, wetter weather has brought a surge in disease pressure and aphid infestations. The use of fungicides and insecticides, along with the strategic application of plant growth regulators and manganese treatments, is crucial in managing these challenges. The variability in crop emergence and the emergence of pests like the beet moth further complicate matters, requiring farmers to adapt their strategies on the fly.
In the face of these challenges, farmers are turning to new varieties and cultural practices to improve crop resilience. The conversations between agronomists and growers about their experiences are invaluable, offering insights into the most effective strategies for navigating the complexities of modern agriculture. As the season progresses, the focus will shift to disease management in maize, with an emphasis on cultural and chemical controls to reduce the impact of fusarium and other diseases.
In conclusion, the experiences of farmers across the UK this week highlight the delicate balance between crop management and the unpredictable forces of nature. As the weather continues to shift, farmers must remain vigilant and adaptable, leveraging their knowledge and resources to ensure the health and productivity of their crops. The challenges they face are not unique, but the solutions they devise are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the agricultural community.
