Building yield on good foundations
Winter cereals have established well this season, showing strong rooting and excellent potential compared to last year. As daylight hours increase, crops are beginning to grow actively and careful spring management is essential to build on the solid foundations created during the winter months.
Winter barley
Winter barley crops are at the late-tillering stage with most crops having received a first split of nitrogen in the past few weeks to help drive and maintain tiller numbers. Many crops are starting to show signs of manganese deficiency and this should be rectified as soon as possible to prevent tiller loss. Hybrids are slightly ahead of conventional varieties with growth regulation, disease control and the main split of nitrogen being required in the next few weeks at the end of tillering. Rhynchosporium is evident on the lower leaves and a well-timed T1 fungicide will be required at the end of tillering. Products containing SDHI azole +/- strobilurin chemistry should be applied targeting rhynchosporium and net blotch depending on disease risk and variety.
Winter wheat
Wheat crops have also got off to a good start, in general crops are mid-tillering with early drilled crops well advanced with the mild autumn/winter and are well ahead of crops drilled later after maize and potatoes. More backward crops will benefit from early nitrogen and growth regulation to optimize tillering prior to GS 30.
There are clear differences in variety growth habit with Bamford, Champion, Mayflower and Extase showing earlier growth than Graham in our variety plots at the trials farm. Backward crops will benefit from earlier nitrogen applications and growth regulation to manipulate tillering during mid-tillering. Many growers have taken advantage of good ground conditions to apply the first split of nitrogen, while growth regulation will be held off until Growth Stage 30 in more advanced crops.
Yellow rust was seen in February and while symptoms are not evident at present, care should be taken to control inoculum and flare ups especially in varieties like Graham which are susceptible to yellow rust at the young plant stage.
Mild conditions have also driven septoria infection especially in early drilled second wheats with symptoms visible in the lower leaves of many crops. These crops are likely to benefit form a T0 fungicide targeting final leaf 4 once fully emerged. This will help knock back the level of disease in the crop and reduce risk should weather conditions change and delay the T1 application.
Where annual meadow grass and more problematic grass weeds such as brome and Italian ryegrass are evident, they should be sprayed with a contact acting sulphonyl urea-based herbicide, matching activity to the dominant grass weed present.
Winter oats
Winter oats have established well over the winter, many crops are tall and will need regulated at the beginning of stem extension along with the first split of nitrogen. Rectify manganese deficiencies and treat for mildew where required.
Working in close collaboration with your Fane Valley Agronomist
Your Fane Valley Agronomist will work with you this spring by tailoring management to the needs of specific fields and varieties on your farm.
We will ensure your winter cereals maintain momentum through spring, building yield through these critical growth stages ensuring the yield potential of crops is realised this season.
To find out more about spring management priorities for winter cereals, please contact your Fane Valley Agronomist or call 028 9261 0485.
