Teagasc has highlighted a number of field work priorities for tillage farmers over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

And it is very much a case of doubling down on disease control measures.

Winter wheat crops are generally looking well, with strong yield potential. In general, most crops are very clean.

However, septoria is still making appearances, especially in susceptible varieties or where fungicide programmes had gaps.

Yellow rust is also more widespread than usual, even in varieties typically considered low-risk, possibly indicating a shift in pathogen strains. 

A field work priority at this time to focus on the head or flowering fungicide, which should be applied at early to mid-flowering.

The primary target is fusarium, and timing is crucial as the weather during flowering significantly influences infection risk.

The fungicide Prothioconazole offers moderate fusarium control and is the most cost-effective option.Growers should avoid expensive tank mixes that may offer little additional benefit. 

Spring barley crops are mixed, depending on sowing date and soil type.

Early-sown crops have fared better through the dry spell, while later crops - particularly on light soils - are showing signs of stress.

Recent rain should support recovery, but it also increases the risk of ramularia, the main disease concern from this point forward. 

For effective control, apply the final fungicide around 'awn' emergence (growth stage (GS) 49–51) rather than waiting until full ear emergence.

Research shows that delaying until GS 59 significantly reduces control.

Grpowers should use a  a mix of azole + SDHI/Strobilurin, along with 1.5L/ha of Folpet, to achieve optimal protection.  

Now is a good time to walk crops and look for weeds that survived herbicide applications.

If healthy weeds are confirmed beside dead ones, herbicide resistance could be an issue.

Teagasc offers free resistance testing, as part of a research project, and growers are encouraged to take advantage of this service. 

Bank Holiday Monday will start out largely fine and dry with sunny spells but cloud will push in from the west later and it will become rather cloudy by the afternoon.

Rain will move in from west later in the evening, turning heavy at times too. Highest temperatures of 13℃ to 16℃ with freshening south-westerly winds.Current indications suggest that Tuesday another very unsettled day with rain spreading over the country and turning heavy at times too.

Southerly winds will increase strong for a time as the rain passes, with highest temperatures of 14° to 17°.