CROP CRACK - 09.12.06
BY WENDY FEARON
Clarendon Agricare
WINTER CEREALS
December has offered no opportunity for autumn herbicide to be
applied onto winter cereals. The only bit of brightness this week
has been confirmation that the single farm payment is on its way.
Winter barley crops are under severe stress due to all the wet
weather and many crops are now showing signs of manganese
deficiency. As temperatures remain reasonably mild, aphids are still
flying into crops and it is critical to inspect all winter cereal
crops. Heavy rain and waterlogging increases the chances of IPU and
other residual herbicide damage, and that can be exacerbated if
water logging is combined with frosts or the crop is suffering from
other stress factors. It is important to remember that winter oat
crops should be sprayed with Lexus Class before the end of December.
HEDGEROW CONTROL
Winter is the best time to control weeds around young hedges and
trees. Season long control of grasses and most broad-leaved weeds is
possible by applying Kerb Granules at this time. Kerb is a pre- and
post-emergence residual herbicide that provides selective, broad
spectrum weed control.Kerb can be applied to all soil types,
therefore allowing its use in many areas where weed control is
needed. Kerb is the ideal herbicide for forestry and woodland
(including farm forestry), ornamental shrubberies and rose beds,
hedges, fencelines and gravel pathways.
Young trees can all too easily be lost to the choking effect of
weeds. Conifers and Norway spruce grown for Christmas tree
production can be treated with Kerb without any risk of
phytotoxicity. It is safe to apply over the leaves of all popular
tree species without risk of damage.
Kerb requires soil moisture for root uptake to take place. If
warm, dry conditions prevail after application then weed control may
be reduced. The best residual action is therefore achieved in moist,
cold soils. Although KERB can be applied in all weather conditions,
application on top of snow, or to severely frozen ground should be
avoided if there is any risk of surface run-off.
VERMIN CONTROL
Farm buildings should be checked and sealed to prevent access by
rats and mice who will be seeking shelter for the winter. Make
buildings as impenetrable as possible by sealing off possible entry
points, and set traps to gauge whether any vermin have managed to
already gain access to buildings.
STORM bait should be placed close to runs and holes where rats
are active. If the bait is covered with boards or lengths of pipe it
gives the rat a feeling of security when feeding and also protects
the bait from the weather and hidden from other animals, children or
livestock. Ideally use a specially designed bait box.
Mice do not move far from their nests which are usually indoors.
Place smaller quantities of bait within a few meters of nesting
sites.
STORM is extremely palatable and both mice and rats will eat the
bait even when other food sources are available.
As this will be the last crop crack for 2006, I would like to
wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. |
