Rainfall in the first week of June was welcome as soil moisture deficits were at 50mm in the southeast, according to Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist at Teagasc.
His recent tillage crop report states that spring barley crops have developed quite well over the last seven to 10 days with many crops now at or approaching the correct stage for the final fungicide application (T2). The correct time for the final fungicide is when crops are at awns emerging (GS 49). Trials at Oak Park show that this is the most effective timing for effective disease control of major diseases such as ramularia.
Winter wheat crops have developed well over the recent weeks and again the improvements in soil moisture and sunshine levels are favouring good crop development. Many crops are now at ear emergence (GS59) to early flowering and seven to eight days ahead compared to other years. “Crops have remained relatively clean on my travels mainly due to the variety type and well-timed fungicide programmes,” said Plunkett.
Spring beans are again developing quite well and weather conditions have resulted in good growth over the last few weeks.