April Newsletter 2022

The spring drying came just in time this year and it made St Patricks weekend a busy one for all. Lots of drying and good conditions for field work, however growth has been slow. Winter crops have greened up well but haven’t grown much. The dry harsh weather hasn’t helped with crop growth much to date.  In previous years our first fungicides and growth regulators would be applied a while at this stage with our main split of Nitrogen applied also setting the crop up for stem extension.

Growth Stage 31 is the most critical timing for plant growth regulations in terms of laying a solid foundation for having a strong base to your winter crop. If you are pushing for high yield and have a week stem, the crops lodging risk is very high. Lodged crops can create many problems at the harvest ie; uneven ripening, crows, yield loss and combine damage. To avoid all these problems and still achieve high yielding crops a well planned growth regulation programme needs to be used. Often at late tillering products such as K2 or CeCeCe are used to break the crops apical dominance and channel plants energy into its weaker tillers which evens up the crop. Even crops lead to higher yields and less secondary tillers ie, less green grains.

From here the crop is now ready to go into stem extension. The main Nitrogen split will be applied and the crop will begin to grow upward. This period of growth can often be rapid as temperatures rise and Nitrogen begins to work in the plant.  Therefore you must be on the ball with your Growth Regulation timing. At GS31 a combination of (CeCeCe  1l/ha + Moddus .2l/ha) or (CeCeCe 1l/ha + Medax Max .3kg/ha) will keep internode distances tight at the base of the stem and thicken stems to create strong shoots to carry heavy heads of grain. Medax Max is a relatively new product to the Irish market. Consisting of Prohexadione and Trinexapac which together act fast on crop growth but also last for some time within the crop to give persistence regulation. This will lead to more rooting and even crops that increase yield potential and profit. While the GS31 is the most important timing Medax Max has a large window of timing on your crop and can be used to GS 49. This product is also softer on the crop in terms of stress. With our recent weather conditions with cold nights etc will be one of the products of choice this spring.

Between GS 30-32 is best time to apply Fungicides to winter Barley this can be incorporated with PGR.  Trials have proven that a three spray programme gives best results. Depending on crop condition canopy size, sowing date, weather etc will determine fungicide choice and rates. At Liffey Mills we have access to all the top banded Fungicides to achieve best results in your cropping production. Macfare @ .8l/ha, or Decoy + Comet @.4l/ha+.5l/ha, Velogy Era @.8l/ha or Coyote @.8l/ha will offer excellent control at T1. Controlling Rhinco, Net Blotch, Rust, Mildew, Ramularia. Folpet isn’t required at T1 if a T2 is being applied mid Stem extension GS32-37.

In the last few seasons Rust in wheat has been requiring special attention, showing up in crops from an early stage. An application of a  T0  Strob will offer excellent rust control  +/- Talius for preventative or Midas for curative mildew control if present in Wheat. This leads on to our T1 timing (third last leaf) Revystar @1.25l/ha, Lentyma 1.25l/ha, Velogy Era @1l/ha or Questar + Proteb 1.5l/ha + 1l/ha will all offer excellent control. Discuss options with your Liffey Mills agronomist.  Your T1 on winter Oats will be Decoy + Comet or Macfare.

Spring Barley planting is well under way across the country. The recent dry weather has left conditions very favourable with seed beds perfect. Good firm fine seed beds achieved. Aim to sow spring barley from around 300-330 seeds per m squared. Check bag thousand grain weight to achieve perfect seed rates. Gangways thousand grain weight is 47.5. Therefore 47.5 x 300 = 14,250. Divide that by percentage germination of 85%. 14250 ÷85=167.6kg/ha seeding rate. Make sure to consolidate seeds after sowing to achieve good seed germination and protect against pest and root lodging. If you struggle with Meadow grass in your spring Barley ground a pre emergence spray of Tower @2l/ha can provide excellent results. However it must be applied almost immediately after sowing to avoid any crop damage. Discuss all your seeding options with your local Liffey Mills technical advisor.