Both winter wheat and winter barley crops have received their T1 fungicide applications. Avoid excessive applications of nitrogen by fully taking into account any organic manure applications or nitrogen contribution from previous cropping. This will ensure that weed competition is removed at an early stage of crop development, and may allow a reduced rate of product to be used. Leatherjackets - a risk to newly established spring barley crops There have been many incidents of leatherjacket damage in grassland, and, more recently, some emerging spring barley crops have been damaged. Careful monitoring of crops during the vulnerable stages of emergence and early establishment is required to avoid yield loss.
Crops following grass or grassy stubbles are particularly at risk.
Ten 30cm lengths of drill should be examined at random throughout the crop. If ten or more leatherjackets are found from the ten lengths of drill, insecticide treatment is probably justified. The period of unsettled weather at the end of April has increased the risk from wet weather diseases such as septoria tritici in wheat and rhynchosporium in barley. Ensure that all wheat crops have received their T1 fungicide application by GS 32. However, monitor crops carefully as the presence of active rhynchosporium lesions may require an earlier timing.