The variations in drilling dates coupled with the impact of wet weather and the early appearance of disease are set to make winter wheat management challenging this year, according to Mike Thornton, head of crop production at ProCam.
He said that crops will need managing on a field-by-field basis. “Don’t let attention to detail slip with any crop. Just as much effort, if not more, will be needed to protect backward crops as normal ones to ensure further yield potential isn’t eroded.”
To help growers, he has suggested five key tips:
The importance of early disease management
While growers may be tempted to cut back on early fungicide inputs in line with a drop in yield potential, Mike states that diseases will already be present and that a T0 application can act as a wider management tool.
“Yellow rust is already being found in crops, particularly in the southern half of the country, and it becomes more difficult to control later. Similarly, Septoria is easy to find in early-drilled crops.
“As well as targeting diseases present at application, a T0 fungicide provides a level of insurance in case the follow-up T1 fungicide is delayed. We saw this in 2023; in fields where T0 fungicides were omitted, Septoria exploded once the rains arrived in March.”
Don’t get caught out by spray timings
With drilling dates varying widely, timings will have to be closely monitored. Accurate timing of fungicide applications is essential for yield protection, he explained.
“Don’t assume that just because one field has reached the correct growth stage for its T1 spray, for example, that its neighbour will also have. Fields will need checking individually – splitting stems to expose the developing leaves and counting back from the ear to identify which leaf layers have emerged.”
Don’t overlook crop stress
Crops are likely to be under increased stress, due to waterlogging, later drilling and nutrient leaching. This will make them more vulnerable to disease pressure.
“Use accurate soil testing to identify which nutrients need topping up. But don’t just test for the nutrient levels present in the soil. Use testing which shows the levels actually available to the plant. And consider a phosphite-based treatment such as Incite to encourage rooting.”
Don’t ignore diseases that have not been present
“The root-rotting effects of take-all could be exacerbated this year if second wheat has small roots because it has sat in wet soil. If we have a dry spring and summer, take-all effects are worsened.
“With more crop debris left on field surfaces due to minimum tillage, eyespot can also be hidden a threat, which increases lodging risk. Several varieties chosen for their good Septoria tritici resistance have low eyespot ratings. Make sure you know what your varieties are susceptible to.”
Keep your eye on the ball
Even varieties with good Septoria resistance, when drilled early, are at risk from the disease so do not allow variety resistance ratings to make you complacent.
Last year’s sudden bout of dry, hot weather also brought with it yellow rust outbreaks in some areas. Mike notes that disease pressure can suddenly change.
“The lesson is to ensure you have all likely disease threats covered. As a national company, we’re able to monitor disease development around the country. Having persistent protection from the fungicide is also important.”