Growers across the country should be starting to think about nitrogen (N) for rape crops around now.

Speaking on the most recent edition of the Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast, crops’ specialist Shay Phelan said that farmers should get out and start examining crops on a field-by-field basis.

"I have been on farms recently where adjacent fields of rape had widely different Green Area Index values," he said.

“In the case of crops that got slurry or chicken manure in the autumn, straight N will suffice at this time.  

Phelan said that low index crops will need fertiliser over the coming days; in the case of crops with a high index figure, there is not the same requirement to sow fertiliser at this stage.

The specialist confirmed that a Green Area Index, or GAI app, can be easily downloaded onto growers’ phones.

“But the bottom line remains that of growers getting out into the fields and walking all their rape crops as a matter of priority.”

Phelan also pointed out that rape crops will need sulphur now. The two options are Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate, or ASN or SulCan.

“In such cases the only option available may be SulCAN. But the bottom line is that rape crops need added sulphur now.”

Where disease in rape is concerned, Phelan highlighted the threat of light leaf spot at this time of the year.

"Buds are now starting to appear within the canopy of crops growing at Oak Park. Rape at this stage of growth is very susceptible to light leaf spot.

“The vast majority of crops will need a fungicide over the coming days, probably something like Proline.

“Faster growing crops might also need a growth regulator applied. But time is of the essence in getting this work carried out. Boron should also be applied, if required," he stated.