Few reports of pest damage in spring cereals
Overall crop establishment has been good, with few reports of pest damage, except for high slug activity in freshly-ploughed leys.
There were no reports of significant pest attack, but most crops were still vulnerable. Weevil was reported in beans, and aphid numbers were increasing. Winter wheat varied from growth stage 30 (northern counties) to 32 (southern counties) with crops in fertile situations at growth stage 33.
The third-last leaf was emerging in most crops at growth stage 32/33. Septoria lesions had remained on the sixth leaf or lower, while mildew levels had not increased. Yellow rust was present in susceptible varieties such as Lion, Oakley; mainly along the east coast. Some spray damage was reported.
Most winter barley crops were at growth stage 32, with advanced crops at growth stages 33/37.
Rhynchosporium levels were generally reported as low to moderate, with mildew at the base of most crops, but not moving. Brown rust was occasionally reported at moderate levels in six-row varieties, especially Leibniz.
Some maize under plastic was sown last week. Open crops will not be sown until mid-April, when temperatures rise and stabilise.
A small area of spring rape was drilled recently in excellent seedbeds. Profit margins look promising, given current high prices.
Early potatoes had closed the drills. There were no reports of frost damage, but damage was expected during the cold snap.
Main crop plantings were very advanced, with between 25% and 50% planted before Easter.
Fodder beet sowing continued, with 40% to 60% sown, but none emerged up to the middle of last week.
Beans had four to eight leaves. Weevil notching was common along headlands, with some fields showing more extensive damage through the field.
Peas also had four to eight leaves.
