04Mar
Agronomy Update March 2025
March Agronomy Update by Bill Cabout, Ruralco’s Ashburton Store Manager
Fodder Crops:
Monitoring for pests and disease and applying water and fertiliser at the appropriate times is key to getting maximum yield from your forage crops.
Most sprays on fodder beet are done. If diseases like rust or powdery mildew appear, fungicides such as Escolta (42-day withholding) or Custodia (28-day withholding) can be applied.
Fodder brassicas may need insecticides for white butterfly, diamondback moth caterpillars and leaf miner. An aphicide should also be used to control aphids. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches are recommended to target pests while preserving beneficial insects.
Autumn Sown Crops:
For post-harvest crops, use diazinon or chlorpyrifos granules to control grass grub. Slug control is crucial, especially in irrigated fields with a lot of trash.
Pre-emergence sprays are necessary to control weeds. For wheat, use Firebird or Invado for hairgrass, and consider Asset for a broader range of weeds. Avadex Extra can help control wild oats pre-sowing. Sakura is a new herbicide for controlling various grasses and weeds. For wheat, pairing cultivars with appropriate sowing dates and managing plant populations are critical for achieving high yields.
For barley, Firebird or Invado can be used similarly.
For ryegrass Ethofumesate is used pre-emergence to control annual grasses and weeds.
Grass Grub Control in Pasture:
Grass grub is a significant pest in Canterbury pastures. Applying Diazinon liquid to short pasture in March and April, followed by sufficient rainfall (At least 12mm) to wash it in, is effective for controlling this pest. Ensuring timely application and adequate rainfall is crucial for the best results.
With all the above scenarios talk to your Ruralco representative for the best options for you and your situation.
Related
There is a lot of pride that comes from working in a sector that has the most emissions efficient da...
Read More
Based at Lowburn on the banks of Lake Dunstan, the Lawrence’s have been part of the district’s win...
Read More
Changing milking frequency from twice a day to once a day or going to 16 hours isn’t hard, but it r...
Read More
From pressure cooking to slow cooking, sautéing to yoghurt making, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is your ...
Read More
It was a fantastic effort by Enda Hawe’s team to win the Ruralco Meridian Top Farm competition whic...
Read More
For the next three months we are looking at the final sprays for finishing off our cereal and grass ...
Read More