The winter crops have responded well to the first nitrogen application. A second dressing of nitrogen is planned for the end of April. Complete weed control as soon as possible and especially cleaver control, as it has the greatest potential to reduce yield. Apply a fungicide with a good activity against Rhynchosporium as the recent period of unsettled weather at the end of April will have increased the risk from this disease. If mildew is present, include a compatible morpholine-containing product in the mixture.
Winter wheat Inspect all crops to assess growth stage.
The majority of spring barley has emerged well. Monitor crops carefully for leatherjacket damage, especially those following grass or grassy stubbles. Select 10 x 30cm row lengths randomly throughout the crop and inspect for the presence of leatherjackets in the surrounding soil. If ten or more leatherjackets are found, then insecticide treatment is justified. Commonly used products for controls of leatherjackets include Dursban 4 and Spannit.