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MAJOR FUSARIUM AND BLOSSOM MIDGE PROBLEMS LOOMING
Date added: 23/05/07 |
Fusarium Head Blight and Orange Blossom Midge are rapidly emerging as the key threats to crops in the immediate future, following recent unsettled weather and Met Office predictions of more in the coming weeks, warn agronomy specialists ProCam.
“Predictions are for a period of relatively unsettled and humid weather over the coming weeks,” warns technical agronomist Nick Myers. “Many crops will be flowering during this period, leaving them open to infection by Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) pathogens. Some of these pathogens are responsible for the contamination of grain by mycotoxins, for which legislation is now in force.”
“The short stature of many crops has also increased the risk of FHB. The optimum time to apply sprays against FHB is at mid flowering (GS65) which will occur in many parts of the country within the next 10 – 14 days.”
Orange wheat blossom midge will also start to pupate after the recent period of rain with hatching now imminent, Nick Myers warns.
“There is a significant build-up of larvae in many soils, so rain now leading to hatching of the pest, has the potential to cause serious damage - larvae can reduce grain size by up to 50%. Damaged seeds may fail to germinate and are also susceptible to pathogenic fungi.
“Potentially damaging populations of larvae may be present in fields where wheat has been grown over the past five years, particularly if wheat has been grown frequently during this period.”
Arable growers are urged to contact ProCam on 01763 261592 for the latest information on Orange Blossom Midge emergence and control options, together with information on product choice and appropriate dose rates to combat Fusarium Head Blight.
Ends. PRM150 23rd May 2007
For further information please contact Nick Myers, ProCam Ltd., Royston, Herts. Telephone: 01763 261592
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