Spring barley is the biggest crop that we have in Ireland this year and the majority of crops went in after a long wait in April and May. After that long wait, those crops established really well and developed huge potential.

Many of those crops are now due a T1 fungicide or may have it applied already. More crops will need a growth regulator, while some need nutrition.

The past week has brought harsher weather and many spring barley crops are now showing up some issues.

Crops that were planted into wet conditions are showing wheel tracks and compaction now that colder weather has hit.

Different shades of green and yellow are visible where machinery moved in wetter ground.

Treatment needed

Nutrient deficiencies are also showing up in some cases and should be treated as soon as possible.

There are also large amounts of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) present in crops.

Most of this virus is appearing as individual leaves and it is unclear how it will affect yield.

While these crops are going through a cold growing period it is important to mind them. Avoid applying growth regulators. If the timing for Moddus (latest application on spring barley is GS33) is missed you can apply Meddax Max or Terpal later in the season.

These crops still have very good potential.

There are really good spring cereal crops out there and reducing stress on these crops will help to reach that potential.

Stress on crops will also help to create conditions for diseases like ramularia.

In some cases, a seaweed product may be useful to reduce stress on the plant and help the plant to take up fungicides. However, in cold weather you should not included seaweed with a plant growth regulator or do not include the growth regulator at all.

To hear more on what crops are looking like and management over the last week listen to Tim Looby, an agronomist with McDonnell Bros on this week’s Tillage Podcast. Click here to listen.