Most winter wheat crops have reached Growth Stage 32, according to Teagasc tillage advisor Marianne Mulhall.

“This represents full flag leaf emergence. The fungicides used now will pay the greatest dividend in terms of crop yield and margin improvement.

“But it’s important to wait until the flag leaf has fully emerged before the spray is applied. Teagasc work confirms that a flag leaf fungicide spray, if properly applied, can improve grain yields by up to 1.7t/ha,” she said.

According to Mulhall, most winter cereal crops are looking well at present.

Plant numbers are exceptionally high this year. And disease pressure has been extremely low over recent weeks.

“But that will change with the return to more showery conditions. It’s important that all remaining disease-control spraying operations are totally fit-for-purpose.”

The Kilkenny-based advisor confirmed that late-sown spring barley crops will require treatment with herbicide over the coming days.

“The recent rain came at the right time for these crops, as moisture stress was becoming a real issue. But the return of the rain has also encouraged weed growth. It’s important to get this challenge under control as quickly as possible.

“Later sown barley crops are also very susceptible to aphid attack, so adding an aphicide into the herbicide spray tank is also recommended.”

Mulhall also said that earlier sown spring barley crops are now at Growth Stage 30.

“These crops should receive their first fungicide spray now. Mildew is an issue in many parts of the country this year. And growers should consider adding a mildewcide into the spray tank, where the problem exists.”

Rust disease is another issue in a number of cereal crops this year, Mulhall said.

“Rust is an easily identified issue. Crops will turn a characteristic brown colour. Where the problem exists, an appropriate fungicide should be used. Stobilurins are particularly effective against rust.”