Cereal crops growing in Northern Ireland have never looked better, according to Co. Down agronomist, Richard Owens.
He told Agriland: “There is tremendous yield potential out there at the moment.
“The weather conditions have been very conducive to crop growth. Disease pressure is low and crops are going their growth stages in a very coordinated manner.
“The one thing missing right now is the odd shower of rain to get top dressings of fertiliser down to the roots of the various cereal crops.”
While most of the diseases that impact on cereal crops are wet-weather-related, there are a number of exceptions.
“Ramularia in winter barley is one of them,” Owens said.
“The growth of the disease is facilitated by dry, bring conditions. It can become very apparent on the flag leaf of barley crops.
“Winter barley crops are now at the ear emergence stage. So, now is the time for growers to address the ramularia challenge.”
Cereal crops disease threats
According to Owens, yellow rust, has been an issue in winter wheat crops over recent weeks.
The agronomist explained: “Varieties such as Graham are very predisposed to the disease.
“The threat of septoria in wheat is quite low at the present time. Again, this is a reflection of the continuing dry conditions.
“But the weather can change very quickly in this part of the world. So, it’s important for growers to maintain their fungicide spraying programmes. T2 spray applications are very important in this regard.”
The agronomist went on to point out that spraying crops to prevent disease can deliver other benefits. These include enhanced growth rates and a greater resistance to lodging.
The agronomist also cited the benefits of adding trace elements, specifically magnesium and manganese, to all cereal crops at the present time.
“Manganese and magnesium are very important for spring barley crops. But magnesium will also boost the yield potential of winter wheat crops at the present time.
“The mineral acts to boost chlorophyll production. This is key to the rates of photosynthesis achieved by all plants.
“Epsom Salts are a very effective source of crop available magnesium,” Owens added
The Co. Down agronomist also warned that while prospects are looking good at the moment, tillage farmers still need to be prepared for changes to the current good growing conditions.
“All cereal crops are growing well at the present time. But there is still a long way to go between now and harvest. And growers must be prepared to act accordingly.
“The weather will remain a key factor in determining final crop yields,” he said.
