Sunday 27 May 2012
Headlines
Did you find this story interesting? (0) (0)
09/08/2011 12:00:15
Warm and wet weather raises eyespot risk in maize
Maize growers are being advised to check their crops for signs of eyespot as warm and wet weather across the country is creating the ideal conditions for this potentially devastating fungal disease.
According to Andrew Cook of British Seed Houses, there are already widespread reports of eyespot in forage maize and, with prompt identification, late-sown crops could still be sprayed and there are also contingency plans to consider where fungicide action is no longer practical.
"We are receiving reports of eyespot across the south and south west of England, and also in the Midlands and up into Cheshire," he says. "The disease tends to be more common in fields growing continuous maize, where disease has been able to build up, but we are seeing it in first year crops also this year.
"Eyespot can reduce dry matter yield in a forage maize crop by as much as 50%, possibly even more in severe cases. By being aware that a crop is affected, farmers may be able to spray or at least monitor the severity and take a decision to harvest early – to minimise the dry matter losses – whilst also thinking earlier about possible contingencies to replace a possible shortfall in forage stocks.
"In all cases we recommend that farmers take advice from a qualified agronomist in the field. It is a good idea to record when and where eyespot occurs, so that precautionary management can be applied in future. Ploughing deeply to bury trash is recommended, and – in fields growing maize after maize – sowing more than a single variety to spread the risk."
 | Eyespot in forage maize |
According to Andrew Cook of British Seed Houses, there are already widespread reports of eyespot in forage maize and, with prompt identification, late-sown crops could still be sprayed and there are also contingency plans to consider where fungicide action is no longer practical.
"We are receiving reports of eyespot across the south and south west of England, and also in the Midlands and up into Cheshire," he says. "The disease tends to be more common in fields growing continuous maize, where disease has been able to build up, but we are seeing it in first year crops also this year.
"Eyespot can reduce dry matter yield in a forage maize crop by as much as 50%, possibly even more in severe cases. By being aware that a crop is affected, farmers may be able to spray or at least monitor the severity and take a decision to harvest early – to minimise the dry matter losses – whilst also thinking earlier about possible contingencies to replace a possible shortfall in forage stocks.
"In all cases we recommend that farmers take advice from a qualified agronomist in the field. It is a good idea to record when and where eyespot occurs, so that precautionary management can be applied in future. Ploughing deeply to bury trash is recommended, and – in fields growing maize after maize – sowing more than a single variety to spread the risk."
|
Farming items for Sale
|
New Holland - TM175 TRACTOR - KING'S LYNN(GBP 28500)
John Deere 7830 - Thame
(Price on Application)
(Price on Application)
Massey Ferguson 6190 Dynashift - Ballyclare(GBP 17700)
John Deere 6930 - Burwell
(Price on Application)
(Price on Application)
Ford 7810 - Lisburn(GBP 10250)
Related News
Cool, wet weather suits zoospore production and increases tuber blight risk - 03 Jul 2007The current period of cool and wet weather not only favours the production of foliar blight but also offers ideal conditions for the production of zoo...
Wet weather increases disease risk to veg crops - 17 Jul 2007Wet weather experienced by many across the country has increased the risk of disease in vegetable crops as well as reduced the opportunity to get on t...
Wet weather impact on butterfats a risk to profitability - 23 Jul 2007Lush wet grass containing little fibrous structure following heavy and sustained rains is putting butterfat levels at risk on many dairy units, accord...
Wet weather brings parasite risk - 01 Sep 2010Livestock producers are being urged to keep an eye on the weather, because wet conditions are ideal for fluke to thrive and pose real challenges to ca...
Wet weather brings increased parasite risk - 02 Sep 2010Livestock producers are being urged to keep an eye on the weather, because wet conditions are ideal for fluke to thrive and pose real challenges to ca...
Recent wet weather hightens slug risk - 23 May 2012Following the recent extreme rainfall across parts of the UK, potato growers are being warned of the potential increase in slug numbers which could no...
DON'T be complacent with eyespot risk in winter wheat this season - 13 Apr 2004Picture: Don't be complacent with eyespot following the wet weather, warns Rod Burke of Syngenta. And remember the importance of controlling both...
Wet warm soils create conditions for midge - 11 May 2011Warm soils and recent heavy rainfall across western and central England have already created the conditions for Wheat Orange Blossom Midge (OWBM) acti...
Warmer weather ideal for Galera application - 19 Mar 2004As the weather starts to warm up be prompt with weed control treatment of oilseed rape as crops start progressing through growth stages quickly, warns...
Watch out for mildew when weather warms - 11 May 2004Despite low levels of mildew at present, the disease could burst into life in unprotected cereal crops if warm, dry weather returns during May. This i...
