Mixed weather brought good and bad farm news
Septoria tritici levels had increased on all winter wheat crops, and many crops in the south had high levels on the third and fourth last leaves, according to last week's sixth crop report of the season.
Rhyncho had also increased in spring barley, and chocolate spot was evident in beans.
However, spring cereals crops had responded well to improved growing conditions, and ranged from emergence to first awns visible.
Sugar Beet crops were also looking better, and the T1 weed control was generally effective, according to advisers.
They warned that wet and cool weather favoured the spread of Ascochytia in pea crops, and said it may be advisable to spray with Amistar this year.
With most maize emerged, weed control was the main priority.
In spring oilseed rape, pollen beetles (small, blue-black beetles) were the main threat.
According to crop report, harvesting of Home Guard potatoes was progressing steadily, with yields of 14 to 17 tonnes/ha (6 to 7t/ac) reported, at dry matters of 16 to 17%. Queens were looking very well, compared to last year. One systemic blight spray had gone on to most crops, with another due 10 to 14 days later.
Maincrop planting was all but complete, and with many crops about to show their heads over the drill-tops, weed control was the main issue.
Advisers warned that all spring cereals sown in April or May are at high risk from BYDV.
Mildew was at low to moderate on many winter wheat varieties, and particularly evident on Claire, Richmond, Einstein and Trust. Fresh lesions had developed on the stems of some crops.
