Teagasc has confirmed that demand for barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDY)-tolerant winter barley varieties is very strong,
Tillage specialist at Teagasc, Shay Phelan said: “Orcade is pretty much sold out at this stage.
“A significant number of growers have committed to planting winter barley in September this year.
“In truth, this might be a bit early. But many farmers do not want to get caught with potential bad weather later in October, as was the case last year and in 2022.”
According to the Teagasc agronomist, claims of BYDV tolerance for specific barley varieties do hold up, “and this may allow growers to get away without the application of an insecticide on October grown crops”.
He continued: “However, within a September planting scenario, the BYDV threat will always be that much higher.
“In these cases, the application of an insecticide on all crops at the three-leaf stage is strongly advised.”
Teagasc is strongly advising that September-sown cereals will be pre-disposed to the combined challenge of BYDV, take-all and heavy grass weed infestations.
Winter barley varieties
Meanwhile, the 2024 grain harvest is fast nearing its completion.
Phelan added that there are “some pockets of spring wheat, oats are barley yet to be combined. And the spring bean harvest is already underway”.
“Yields are not spectacular – they are in the range 4t to 6t/ha.
“A lot of growers are reporting very tall bean plants with very few pods. However, given the late planting dates of many crops, it could be the middle of October before the bean harvest is completed.
“In turn, this will hold up growers wanting to drill winter wheat,” he explained.
The Teagasc tillage specialist confirmed that the 2024/2025 winter wheat recommended winter wheat list contains six varieties: four fully recommended, with two securing a provisional recommendation.
“The lack of choice, where wheat is concerned, remains disappointing. But this reflects the challenges that plant breeders are up against, where this specific cereal is concerned.
“In contrast, the range of barley varieties, which growers can avail of, continues to grow,” the tillage specialist continued.
The jury is still out as to how much cereal straw was chopped or baled over recent weeks.
Phelan pointed to being very regional in nature: “I think it was also a case of many growers sticking with the routine they would normally have followed.”