RAPID ACCESS TO THE LATEST REGIONAL CROP PEST AND DISEASE LEVELS 		HGCA logo
 


Regional Crop Report South East,  30 March 2007
Winter Wheat
Comment on current growth stages Field conditions
September and early October sown crops generally remain at GS30-31, with the most advanced crops now at GS 31-32. Leaf 4 emergence is now well underway in these earlier sown crops (50-100% emerged). Tip of leaf 3 likely to emerge on main stem in the next 7 days on the more advanced crops (especially Einstein/Robigus/Solstice). Fluctuating temperatures causing crops to develop orange tipping on older leaves. Field conditions are mostly dry and firm now.
Main diseases Present Level and comment
Brown Rust Still common in all September sown crops of Alchemy, Claire and Solstice although drying up after colder weather.
Mildew Still very hard to find any active pustules and older leaves that were carrying infection now senescing.
Septoria tritici Lesions can be found on leaf 5 of early sown Solstice.
Yellow Rust None seen.
Eyespot Moderate stem based browning with some penetrating lesions can now be found in earlier sown second wheats and Solstice/Robigus as first wheats in particular.
Other None seen.
Main Pest problems Level and comment
Aphids  
Frit fly None seen.
Leatherjacket None seen.
Opomyza None seen.
Slugs None seen.
Wheat bulb fly None seen.
Wireworm No further damage seen.
Other Gout fly - some very high levels of infestation noted in a few locations (80-100% plants), primarily in fields located in sheltered valleys and also blocks of continuous wheat - affected plants have up to 2-3 gouted tillers present, with relatively weak remaining tillers.
Main weed problems Level and comment
Blackgrass Low levels of blackgrass (GS 21-29) can be found in some crops treated in late October/November.
Meadow grasses Control measures in place.
Rye grass Appears to be a significant flush in problem fields this autumn (at GS 10-13).
Bromes  
Cleavers Large flush present in some crops at cotyledon to 2 whorls.
Others Cranesbill becoming an increasing problem.

 
Regional Crop Report South East,  30 March 2007
Winter Barley
Comment on current growth stages Field conditions
Earliest sown crops now at GS30-31 with leaf 3 just emerging (Boost/Sequel), and remainder crops around GS 30. Field conditions are mostly dry and firm now.
Main diseases Present Level and comment
Brown Rust Widespread, pustules can be found in all crops of Sequel/Boost in particular.
Mildew Mostly browned pustules can be found on lower leaves Sequel/Pearl.
Net-blotch Significant levels noted in crops of Sequel that follow barley.
Yellow Rust None seen.
Eyespot None seen.
Rhynchosporium Becoming more noticeable now as canopies begin to thicken.
Other None seen.
Main Pest problems Level and comment
Aphids None seen.
Leatherjacket None seen.
Slugs None seen.
Wireworm None seen.
Other None seen.
Main weed problems Level and comment
Blackgrass Low to moderate populations now present in some crops (GS 10-13).
Meadow grasses
Rye grass
Bromes
Cleavers
Others

 
Regional Crop Report South East,  30 March 2007
Winter Oilseed Rape
Comment on current growth stages Field conditions
All crops now range from green bud (Expert) to first flowers (Catalina/Castille). Many crops remain somewhat open and etiolated in appearance despite recent nitrogen applications - combination of dry and cool weather is delaying nitrogen uptake, hopefully recent rains will have been sufficient to wash in applied fertiliser and normalise canopy structure. A few crops on wetter and poorly drained soils which have been at field capacity since early February now looking very sad, with purple/brown patches showing due to impact of sustained waterlogging and restricted nitrogen availability. Stem cracking is notable in a number of crops - appears to be associated with situations where there is low basal fertility & crops have bolted during warm daytime weather, but then been "shocked" by big diurnal temperature variation.
 Field conditions are mostly dry and firm now.
Main diseases Present Level and comment
Club root No further reports.
Downy Mildew None seen.
Light Leaf Spot None seen.
Phoma Crops retreated in December remain free from any re-infection.
Powdery Mildew None seen.
White Leaf Spot None seen.
Other None seen.
Main Pest problems Level and comment
Aphids None seen.
Flea beetle No further reports.
Leatherjacket None seen.
Slugs Crops beyond growth stages where damage can occur.
Other Pollen beetle, varying from very low numbers to not quite at threshold.
Main weed problems Level and comment
Blackgrass  
Meadow grasses
Rye grass Heavy infestations in some fields.
Bromes
Cleavers
Others  





Crop Report compiled by Farming Online from reports received by members from the Association of Independent Crop Consultants

 
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All risk predictions published by CropMonitor are provided in good faith and are NOT a substitute for rigorous fieldwalking in combination with advice from BASIS qualified persons. CropMonitor accepts no liability for crop loss or damage resulting from the use of CropMonitor.