Only 5%-10% of spring barley has been drilled
Seed rates should be adjusted to reflect less tillering potential as time goes on, and a watch kept for pests in early drilled cereals.
Most of the planned wheat and oats had been drilled. Mid-March drilled cereals were just emerging (growth stage 11).
Advisers said most winter wheat crops were close to or at first node (growth stage 30/
31), with some advanced crops at second node (growth stage 32).
Septoria levels were high but visible lesions were confined to lower leaves.
Advisers emphasised the importance of correctly timed and chosen fungicides in 2014. Isolated cases of yellow rust had been re por ted from Dublin and Wexford, in Oakley and Lion respectively. Mildew had not been reported.
Field operations had been delayed; recommendations may have to be adjusted.
Winter barley crops growth stage ranged from growth stage 30 to 33, with all crops benefiting from recent nitrogen applications and good growing conditions. However areas which were (or continued to be) water logged were yellow, showing stunted growth — and will struggle to yield, said advisers.
Rhyncho levels had increased in two-row varieties, with brown rust evident in all six-row varieties. Disease control and final nitrogens were a priority in all crops.
Most winter oats crops were at the first node stage with advanced crops approaching growth stage 32. Disease levels are still low to absent.
Winter oil seed rape crops had grown strongly over the previous three weeks.
All crops were at green bud to the first flowers appearing. Disease levels had increased, with light leaf spot reported widely.
Pollen beetle was evident in some crops across the country.
Once rape has begun to flower, pollen beetle should not be controlled, because they help spread pollen.
Growers should treat fields at risk from sclerotinia (at the start of petal fall).
The first beans were just breaking the ground and so far, germination and establishment reports had been good.
Due to the late spring, the area of beans is predicted to fall in 2014.
Peas were just emerging.
