Technical Bulletin No. 6 – 14.06.24

In This Edition:

Germination testing for seed
Sowing Windows
Group 14 spikes
Lambing
BCG Research Update – New project looking at slugs

• Growers are checking cereal growth stages to ensure timely and appropriate post-emergent chemical applications.
• Urea is being sourced and topdressing is underway in some areas.
• Mice activity is low pressure and isolated
• As part of its monitoring project, BCG has detected elevated populations of black keeled slugs around Horshammmmmm

• 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.

• In the Mallee, insecticides are being applied and, in some parts, a second grass spray application on pulses to clean up any late germinations.
• Nitrogen (N) applications have stalled awaiting a strong forecast of rain which would likely see growers spreading again.
• The Wimmera is focused on broadleaf weed management, insect control and fungicide applications.
• Some are starting to notice effects of moisture stress around tree lines.
• In many areas the potential is there, but further rainfall is required.