BCG – Technical Bulletin – No: 5 -02/06/2020

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB): BCG released a special technical bulletin in January 2023, on seed quality and testing seed following the wet spring of 2022. Fusarium Head Blight (Fusarium pseudograminearum) (FHB) was an issue for some due the conditions during flowering and grain fill however don’t underestimate the impact stripe rust which may have been a major contributor to poor grain quality.

• Welcome rainfall tallies of around 30mm were received across much of the region over the weekend.
• Consideration is being given to cutting cereal crops for hay due to strong prices.
• Regular paddock inspections to assess crop and weed growth and for pest activity and disease.
• Data from long term soil moisture sites indicates infiltration ranging from 20 to 60cm depending on soil type and rainfall. Without follow up rain, crops are likely to continue to use shallower moisture reserves.

• Growers are making proactive management decisions to give their 2025 season the best possible start.
• Dry sowing of vetch, oaten hay and lupin has commenced in the Mallee, North Central and Wimmera.
• Minimal summer rain has reduced the need for summer weed control.
• Long season varieties are being dropped from cropping plans in favour of shorter season options.