Arable News

Scientists are reporting a breakthrough in efforts to cultivate ‘interstellar’ crops, as a team of astro-biologists and botanists successfully grow a new hybrid crop species in simulated Martian soils.

It may have been eclipsed by cabbage stem flea beetle concerns of late, but minimising the significant threat posed by verticillium alongside phoma and light leaf spot remains very much on the agenda for those keen to improve the reliability of UK oilseed rape production.

Erosion of resistance genes is a major concern, and with a declining plant protection toolbox, scientists, breeders, agronomists and farmers are working together to try to catch a moving target. Farmers Guide spoke to an agronomist, a breeder and a researcher to find out what is being done to help the industry – Heather Briggs reports.

Yellow rust levels are currently high across the country with infections set to rise over the next few weeks, meaning that growers should be prepared and ready to protect crops from this potentially devastating disease.

James Maguire has been named as the new President of Pulses UK, the trade association representing the processors and users of British-produced pulses, at its annual meeting held earlier this month.

Crop nutrition specialist, BFS Fertiliser Services, has released a third season of trial data which show that its foliar fertiliser, PolyNPlus, reduces the overall nitrogen requirement by at least 25 per cent while maintaining or increasing crop yields.

Farm weather station specialist Sencrop has announced an upgrade to its popular mobile app, allowing customers to use their preferred weather forecast service from within the app itself.

Early spring fertiliser is essential for supporting crop growth as day length and temperatures rise, but after a second consecutive wet winter and varying crop requirements, applications will need careful planning, leading agronomy firm Hutchinsons says.

Low inputs, high yields and strong market demand make Linseed a sound choice says Trading Director of Independent grain merchant Robin Appel Limited, Tom Wood.

The role of biostimulants is becoming more and more critical to support sustainable agriculture and practices. Over the past year, Richard Salvage, CEO of Maxstim, has been driving significant product development with sustainability at its heart.

The Cereals Event has moved to 30th June – 1st July to accommodate the maximum number of visitors and exhibitors following the Government’s announcement of its lockdown exit strategy.

Report from water companies prompts call to growers to follow best practice stewardship guidelines for metaldehyde, despite the upcoming withdrawal of the active.