Pea and bean weevil activity continues to be high and continuous, with high levels of damage being recorded in all pea and bean crops, and emerging spring crops at risk, according to PGRO agronomist, Becky Ward.

“Pea aphids are beginning to be found in crops, following a mild winter and spring. Several aphid-transmitted viruses are associated with infested crops and can affect both yield and quality - especially if aphids are present before flowering,” she advised.

Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Pete Saunders, advocated growers should be looking to treat with Hallmark Zeon at the first signs of leaf notching. Control of adult weevil now will reduce egg laying and subsequent larvae that feed on root nodules, which further contributes to yield loss.

“If the risk of weevil damage remains high, a second treatment to counter adult insect activity would be necessary in 10 to 14 days,” he said.

Mr Saunders pointed out that Hallmark Zeon treatment for weevil would also give control of field thrips in pulse crops, where the current risk of attack is also categorised as high.

He added that, with the mild weather, bruchid beetle has already been seen in bean crops. The danger lurks when temperatures hot up and trigger sexual activity among beetles, especially with many winter bean crops at early flowering and setting pods within the next week or two.

“Growers should sign up now for BruchidCast, to receive early warnings of local conditions that are expected to give rise to high risk conditions. It can be especially effective to help with application timing,” he advised.

BruchidCast is available free for all growers and agronomist who sign up for the service on the Syngenta website.   ( http://www3.syngenta.com/country/uk/en/AgronomyTools/Pages/BruchidCast.aspx)