Winter Barley crops generally have high tiller numbers this year, potentially putting crops at a higher risk of lodging, according to Teagasc.
Its latest advice on the issue is to use Chlorocholine Chloride (CCC) 1.5L/ha before Growth Stage (GS) 30. This it says will encourage tiller survival (not to reduce lodging), can give a yield response (0.2t/ha).
It also says this helps to even up crops, and can be applied with the first fungicide.
Teagasc says use 0.2L/ha Moddus plus 1.0L/ha CCC for high lodging risk fields, especially with hybrid varieties.
For best straw shortening effect in barley, apply Cerone/Terpal/Moddus from GS 32-39 (ideally with the second fungicide), Teagasc advises.
Fertiliser
Teagasc are also advising Winter Barley that when applying fertiliser to winter barley to apply the first split (33% of total or 40% of total if take-all risk is high) of nitrogen (N) in early/mid March and apply the main split by GS 30/31.
It says where N applications are high (over 180kg N/ha), three splits can be used, but ensure that all N is applied by GS 32.
Teagasc says farmers should apply phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) with the first split based on soil samples but remember that last year’s high yields removed substantial levels of P and K.
In terms of Sulphur (S) it says 15kg/ha should be applied to all cereals before GS31 and also, advises that farmers to correct trace element deficiencies based on soil analysis and field history before this growth stage.
Fungicides
Teagasc are advising farmers use a three-spray programme for high-yielding Winter Barley crops with an expected yield benefit of 2t/ha and quality benefits.
It says that early season disease can rob yield by reducing tiller numbers and grain sites.
Teagasc advises to apply the T1 when disease (rhyncho and net blotch in two rows, watch for brown rust in six rows) is active (late tillering – GS 30).
Options include Proline plus partner (SDHI/morph/strob/CTL), Bontima, Ceriax, etc. Apply the T2 fungicide at GS 32-39 (PGR timing) and the last spray at the start of heading out, but before you see the base of the head, it says.