CROP CRACK - 10.02.07
By WENDY FEARON
Clarendon Agricare
The excellent weather conditions over the last couple of weeks have
allowed the remainder of winter cereals to be sprayed. Most crops
are growing well with a few showing signs of stress. Temperatures at
the end of January were more like those we would expect to see in
March or April and therefore calendar dates are unimportant so far
as crop and weed growth stages go. Many crops have low levels of
disease on the older leaves with some varieties showing high levels
of net blotch. A fungicide should be applied in approximately 4
weeks time. Any crops which did not receive P+K in the autumn should
receive it now.It is essential to check all crops and all areas
intended for crops at present for signs of leatherjackets.
Leatherjacket populations are currently well above the acceptable
threshold due to the mild temperatures we have been experiencing.
Roots and stems of cereals, established grassland and new leys are
attacked at or below ground level and plants die rapidly. Damage is
often noted between March and May, but over-winter feeding can have
a significant detrimental effect on crop yield. Chlorpyrifos the
active in DURSBAN WG may be applied any time from the beginning of
November, where high larvae populations are detected, or as soon as
damage is first seen. Early treatment is recommended in order to
prevent yield losses from over-winter feeding. DURSBAN WG should not
be applied during periods of frost, as leatherjacket activity is
reduced under these conditions and treatment may not be as
effective. When applied as a soil insecticide, Dursban at full rate
will give good control for 6-8 weeks under normal conditions.
It is important to note DURSBAN WG requires a high water volume.
The minimum required is 200lt/ha and up to 1000lt/ha may be used. If
using an induction hopper maintain a continuous flow of water
through the hopper making sure to put the water in first. If you are
using a filter basket make sure to remove the basket when applying
DURSBAN WG. |
