Attention To Detail - The Key To Successful Wholecrop Wheat

In the current de-coupled situation, cereal crops destined for whole cropping must return a positive margin to be cost effective. Yield and quality should be optimised with careful management of variable inputs. Livestock farmers who have sown winter wheat for wholecrop silage should now turn their attention to managing the crop to achieve high dry matter yields and hence maximise the benefits to their cattle. To assist those relatively new to the crop key management practices and timings for successful wheat production are outlined below.

Accurate determination of the crop’s growth stage is essential in optimising the timing of cereal inputs. Slicing the main stem (not tillers) of the plant lengthways using a sharp knife or scalpel allows the identification of nodes (the junction between leaves and stem), hollow internodes (the spaces between the nodes) and the developing ear.

The appropriate rate of nitrogen will depend on factors such as the previous cropping history, soil type, variety and the extent to which you wish to ‘push the crop’. Remember to account for any organic sources of nitrogen that were applied in the autumn. For first wheat’s following grass or potatoes on mineral soils, apply 80-150 kg/ha of nitrogen; this should be increased up to 180 kg/ha of nitrogen for wheat following a cereal crop.

Apply one third of the total nitrogen between the ear at 1 cm (GS 30) and the first node detectable growth stage (GS 31) requirement at this stage. The remainder should be applied between the first and second node detectable growth stages (GS 31-32) normally 4-5 weeks later. Remember - too much nitrogen applied too early will greatly increase the risk of lodging and lead to harvesting difficulties.

The application of a chlormequat-based growth regulator between the ear at 1cm (GS 30) and the first node detectable growth stage (GS 31) will help reduce the lodging risk.

The top three leaves and ear contribute more than 90 percent of the yield, it is vital to protect these with an effective fungicide programme primarily against Septoria tritici. The optimum timing for the first fungicide application (T1) is at the first node detectable growth stage (GS 31) where a triazole fungicide (e.g. Opus/Proline) along with chlorothalonil (e.g. Bravo) can be aplied.

The second and most important timing for fungicide application is at flag leaf emergence (GS 37-39) (T2) - the last leaf to emerge before the ear appears, using a fungicide programme containing either a triazole, or strobilurin along with chlorothalonil. Examples of strobilurins include -Amistar, Comet, Twist; examples of triazoles include, Folicur, Opus, or Proline. Proprietary strobilurin/triazole mixes are also available such as Landmark or Fandango. Read product labels carefully and only use recommended tank mixes.

If you would like further information on managing wheat crops for high yields or to attend training on the identification of key cereals growth stages please contact your local Crops Development Aviser.

Greenmount Campus
Malachy Mason 0289 4426 742 or Malachy.Mason@dardni.gov.uk
James Knox on 0289 4426 786 or mobile 077 9661 4987

Downpatrick
David Crawford on 0284 461075 or mobile 078 9986 4358

Limavady
Robin Bolton on 0287 7721 823 or mobile 077 4896 7013

Malachy Mason, Crops Technologist, Greenmount Campus, assessing growth stages prior to fertiliser applications