Technical Bulletin No 13. 1.11.2021

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.

• Monitoring, seed germination and emergence remain the top priorities for most growers across western Victoria.
• Growers are assessing plant densities of any emerged crops, particularly canola, and adjusting their yield potential expectations.
• After watering germination test areas, some Wimmera growers have elected to re-sow some canola paddocks because less than 5plants/m² could be found.
• With some rain on the forecast this weekend, growers are taking a positive and prepared approach to potential next steps for crop management, particularly regarding inputs for nutrition, pest and weed control.
• Lamb prices are expected to remain strong through spring.

• 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.

• Cereals are progressing from late tillering through to GS32 (second node), with stronger canopy development following recent moisture.
• Canola ranges from cabbaging to bud elongation, with some early-sown paddocks now reaching early flowering.
• Pest activity remains on the radar; Lucerne flea is being reported widely across the Wimmera–Mallee, Red-legged Earth Mite pressure is present in parts of the North Central and Wimmera and evidence of mouse damage has been observed in several Wimmera paddocks, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.

• 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.