Cereals are at stem elongation, some canola is flowering and pulses are still growing slowly.
Net form net blotch (NFNB) and Septoria are present in barley and wheat respectively. Fungicide plans are being actioned where risk is greatest. Stripe rust has also been detected in other regions, but this is 2-3 months later than last year in commercial crops.
Red leather leaf is present in oats and prothioconazole applications are occurring.
Drier weather has seen the disease threat lessen a little for diseases that like cool wet conditions, but there is still a need to be vigilant.
Preparation for grain storage is commencing with thought going into grain hygiene and silo bag needs.
Black keeled slugs are still causing many issues where they are found. Particularly if management was compromised due to access issues for spreading bait. No crop type has been safe.
Blackleg levels in canola are very high in some Wimmera crops due to high pressure and early sowing.
Powdery mildew in wheat has been reported about two weeks earlier than last year in the Mallee.
Net form net blotch (NFNB) and Septoria are present in barley and wheat respectively. Fungicide plans are being actioned where risk is greatest.
In the northern Mallee there has been some crop wilting despite good moisture—suspect compaction is the cause. It is a good time to check and identify areas that can be managed out of season. Other than that, growers are quietly positive about the season.