United Kingdom
September 27, 2013
Winter barley growers, as well as growers of winter wheat and oats, are being urged to be on their guard for aphids that transmit barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) infection, following the early start to drilling this autumn.
The earlier that crops emerge, the longer they are exposed to risks of BYDV infection, says Syngenta field technical manager, Iain Hamilton.
Moreover, risks could be heightened in crops that haven’t been protected with a suitable insecticide seed treatment, he points out.
Similarly, where lower seed rates have been used – for example to take account of early drilling – it is possible that infection levels can increase even if a seed treatment has been used, Mr Hamilton explains.
“Once cereals crops have emerged, it will be important they are monitored closely,” says Mr Hamilton. “Warmer conditions will also encourage aphid activity.
“Where a risk is identified, be prepared to apply an insecticide spray, such as Hallmark Zeon where appropriate.
“That said, growers should note that strains of grain aphid have been found which are resistant to pyrethroid chemistry. So in these situations, alternative products may need to be considered,” he says.
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