Technical Bulletin – 2 August 2017

• Insect activity is increasing under favourable conditions, though few cases have reached economic thresholds for control.
• Low levels of stripe rust are being detected across Western Victoria, however growers with robust programs that included fungicide at sowing are reporting little to no evidence of foliar disease.
• Low GSR deciles, frosts in early September and favourable prices have growers considering cutting crops for hay instead of harvesting for grain.
• Preparations for harvest are underway.

Very warm oceans to our north are creating an enhanced moisture source, and a blocking high hanging around in the Tasman Sea is stalling the passage of fronts, lows and troughs, which has led to persistent harvest rainfall. There still is no La Nina…

• Stubble burning used as a last resort to allow for sowing.
• Canola crops are being sown or are already emerging in some regions.
• Slug and snail management continuing.
• Mice in localised areas requiring management.
• Crop nutrition budgets are being developed from soil test results and yield expectations.