Tracing the arable supply chain – from seed in the field to products on the shelf – is the theme of a new seminar stage at this year’s Cereals event. Sponsored by KWS, the Seed to Shelf stage will host two full days of informative seminars from plant breeders, agronomists,... Read more
Thousands of visitors will attend next month’s Cereals event – with organisers reporting good sales of early bird tickets. Hosted by Alex Farr and his cousin Edward Wainwright-Lee, the two-day show on 11-12 June is being held across 45ha of outdoor event space at Bygrave Woods, Newnham Farm, in... Read more
New oilseed rape genetics developed by plant breeder DSV are building on traditional pod shatter characteristics to increase harvest security in light of increasingly variable growing conditions caused by unpredictable weather. The company’s latest RL addition DSV Dolphin is the first new generation hybrid variety specifically developed to combine... Read more
Growers are being urged to reconsider conventional oilseed rape varieties ahead of their cropping strategies for the 2024/5 season. New conventional rape varieties include several high-performing varieties based on targeted special traits, agronomic merit scores and shorter breeding cycles, say breeders and seed suppliers. Mark Nightingale, of Lincolnshire-based Elsoms,... Read more
A perfect storm of late-drilled fields, susceptible varieties and the mild winter means yellow rust is now lurking in many winter wheat crops. With its potential to reduce yields by as much as 50%, it is important to tackle yellow rust early – before it has the chance to... Read more
A mild and wet first three months of the year threaten to result in a perfect storm for barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) infections this spring. Winter temperatures were rarely low enough to reduce populations of virus-carrying aphids – which have started to migrate just as crops are at... Read more
Japanese crop protection company Sumitomo Chemical expects to secure approval for a number of new cereal fungicides on UK farms. Sumitomo already markets a portfolio of agrochemical products in the UK. It includes Soleil, a combination bromuconazole and tebuconazole for rust and fusarium control in wheat; Dipel, which combats... Read more
Agrovista Seeds has appointed a new eastern seed sales manager to meet increasing demand from growers looking for technical expertise and advice. James Barlow (right) grew up on an arable farm in Nottinghamshire. After studying for a degree in agriculture at Lincoln University, he spent more than eight years... Read more
Wet soils increase potato pest threat
Arable 03/05/2024
Stubbornly wet soils and a high water table could increase the risk of wireworm damage in potato crops this season. Research over recent years has identified high soil moisture as a precursor for pest activity, with wet areas and flood plains increasing pressure levels, says Syngenta technical manager Andy... Read more
Strong milling wheat and protein premiums make it an easy decision to push crops for grain quality this season – but growers should be aware of low nitrogen levels. Washout winter and spring weather means some crops face a double challenge to achieve protein specifications. Soil nitrogen is depleted... Read more