Winter crop growth has been very slow in past two weeks and crop development is slightly later than normal, according to Teagasc’s latest crop report.

It says wheat is at Growth Stage (gs) 32-37 with flag leaf peeping in advanced crops.

Teagasc says most winter barley crops have awns emerging while the flag leaf is appearing on oats. It also says disease levels are expected to increase with the recent rain.

Meanwhile, spring cereals are growing slowly due to the lack of mild, warm weather since they were drilled.

Teagasc says there is now a backlog of field operations in spring cereals and programs may need adjusting

Teagasc Crop Report

Winter Wheat

Growth has been slow in past two weeks, with most crops varying from 2nd node (gs 32) to flag leaf peeping (gs 37).

Septoria levels have visibly increased with active lesions on leaf 4. The T1’s, where applied onto a fully emerged leaf 3 and part of leaf 2, would be expected to give good protection. Delay the T2 until the flag leaf is fully emerged.

Winter Oats

Most crops are at gs 33 to 37. Disease levels continue to be low but watch out for rising mildew levels, as unsprayed plots have a lot of mildew in Kildalton. In general, winter oats looks to have good potential this year; however some advisors have reported uneven crop growth from suspected nutrient deficiencies.

Spring Cereals

Spring cereals are tillering at present (gs 21-25) with some advanced spring barley crops approaching stem extension (gs 30).

The recent wet weather, although needed to activate fertiliser and even up germination, has showed up compacted and wet areas.

The majority of spring cereals have yet to receive their herbicides and strategies may need to be adjusted to correctly time wild oat herbicides and first fungicides.

Fodder Beet

All beet is planted. Emergence is slower and more uneven this year due to cold conditions. Earlier sown crops were scorched by frost. Careful assessment is required to assess populations and when herbicide applications should begin.

Potatoes

Over 65%- 70% of main crop potatoes are now planted however there is up to 40% later ground in the north east and north west is still to be planted.

There were reports of frost damage in the north east but less so in southern counties. The first early potatoes are expected in early June.