WINTER CROP TIPS
Winter barley
Establishment is excellent following good sowing conditions last autumn and a mild winter.
Management decisions should be made on the basis of shoot counts. Aim for 1,1001,200/m2 shoots (2 row) for maximum yield.
Mildew present in many crops. Earlier than normal intervention should only be required if tiller loss is a large risk.
Weed control: tidy up needed in many crops (fumitory, groundsel, cleavers, etc).
Early nitrogen management vital to maintain yield potential.
Target first N from mid-tillering, early-March, but before GS 30. Crops >1,200 shoots delay N to reduce lodging risk.
Early application of phosphorus is critical at index 1 and 2.
Winter wheat
Establishment is excellent in the majority of cases.
Disease is evident in many crops, especially septoria and some mildew yellow rust in susceptible varieties.
Avoid applying triazoles before third last leaf has emerged.
Delay first N till GS 30 where crops are well established.
Autumn-applied herbicides worked well, but tidy up required for some broad leaf weeds and grass weeds.
Winter oilseed rape
Large variation in GAI. Early planted ungrazed crops GAI up to 3.0. Lower GAI’s (05) due to pigeon grazing.
Total applied N and timing should be based on GAI.
Target GAI of 3.5 at start of flowering to deliver maximum yield.
Apply fungicide now for light leaf spot as soon as symptoms appear.
Forward crops (>1.0GAI) will benefit from fungicide with growth regulatory properties at green bud stage. Winter oilseed rape