Crop Health

Spring oilseed rape could be a prime target for slugs this season, especially if there is a wet spring. If it is dry, then flea beetles will be ready to…

Raspberry growers will need to get batteries for their torches and begin checking plantations at night for double-dart moth caterpillars and clay-coloured weevils. Double-dart moth caterpillars are 2-2.5 cm in…

Diseases Fungicide sprays to manage light leaf spot are best applied as preventatively as possible – usually at early stem extension (‘welly-boot height’).  The warm weather has given many crops…

Weeds Where autumn residuals were applied, in many cases they have worked well.  If weeds have escaped the autumn residual, or nothing has been applied yet, only broad-leaved weeds can be…

Wheat bulb fly egg hatch is underway, but the waterlogged soils will drown most before they have a chance to get into the stems of most crops. With the loss…

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…

Whilst slugs like moist conditions, Storm Dennis has probably been a bit much for them, and the wet winter has probably not done them any favours. Despite this, growers should…

Growers should check for damaging leatherjacket activity in autumn-sown grass reseeds and winter cereals. Determine the cause of any poor cereal emergence or patches of poor grass establishment.  A DIY…