Technical Bulletin No.12 22.09.23

• Urea was going out before rain this week with growers recognising opportunities given crop need and the seasonal outlook. Supply may be a concern for those who have not organised early in the short term.
• Some regions are having access issues again due to rain, it is likely track renovations will likely be on the cards
  again this summer.
• Mice continue to be a problem in isolated regions, some have baited three times.
• Considerations of fungicide plans are already 1occurring with recent weather.

• Recent rains have lifted spirits, helping to consolidate crop growth and encourage timely urea applications.  

• Wind damage in light soils has led to patchy canola losses and re-sowing with cereals in parts of the Wimmera.  

• Staggered crop emergence remains a theme although some regions are reporting more uniform growth.  

• Yield estimates have reduced however growers are aware that even if the break is late, conditions can improve quickly and there will be opportunities to reassess and adjust.
• Hand watering small sections of sown paddocks to test seed viability
• Bryobia mite pressure observed in Mallee sown lupin and red legged earth mite (RLEM) activity observed in pastures in the North Central.
• Isolated areas of increased mouse activity around Horsham.

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.

• 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.

• Sowing is continuing with growers 30 per cent (Wimmera) – 70 per cent (Mallee) through their program.
• Insect pressure is starting to increase and is requiring monitoring.
• Slugs are still causing concerns in known problem areas.
• Growers are looking for rain in the next week with surfaces now drying quickly.
• Some in-season sprays have commenced in early crops such as canola.