Winter barley – March 2020

Diseases

Disease levels are generally very low at the moment and crops are looking well although a few are starting to turn a little hungry-looking.  Where disease does establish early then a T∅ spray at mid-tillering is an option to allow better control at T1 and a bit more flexibility in case of poor weather at T1.  Getting on to fields for these early cleanup sprays could be a widespread issue if fields don’t dry up very quickly and if so it may be necessary to increase rates at T1 (GS30/31) if the disease is established and couldn’t be addressed at T∅.

Plant growth regulators

Winter barley crops vary in how well they have tillered, some have the potential for a large canopy leading to a risk of lodging, particularly if fertility is high, if a weaker-strawed variety is being grown, and the weather improves. The straw strength ratings of varieties on the Scottish Recommended List 2020 are given below:

Straw length ratings of Winter Barley varieties on the Scottish Recommended List 2020

Growth regulators are effective on actively growing crops. Do not treat crops under stress.