Crop protection

The Rothamsted Insect Survey has recorded the first peach–potato aphid (Myzus persicae) catches of 2022.

Farmers thinking of using a biostimulant are being urged to test them on their farm first to see whether they give a return on investment.

As sugar beet starts to emerge, growers are being reminded to start checking crops for aphids.

Chris joined Agrovista’s technical team in autumn 2019, providing field trials expertise, as well as technical insight into cereal crop management and agronomic customer support.

As the new potato season gets underway, Farmers Guardian gets the latest crop management advice from two agronomists in contrasting regions of the UK.

According to Defra, 65 per cent of land used for growing potatoes is infested with the most significant potato pest in the UK, potato cyst nematode (PCN).

Over the last 50 years, major breakdowns in yellow rust resistance have occurred relatively frequently in cycles of about five to 10 years. And when new pathogen variants arrive, they can spread rapidly in just a few seasons.

Variety blends are increasing in popularity again after many farmers dabbled with the idea in the 1980s.

Urgent action is required to improve Red Tractor’s current approach to pesticide reduction, a new study has found.

It is estimated around 75 per cent of sugar beet seed will be treated with the Cruiser SB (thiamexotham) seed treatment granted emergency authorisation this season.