The Sclerotinia monitoring system for carrot growers has recorded sclerotial germination and indicates that the first fungicide treatments will be required soon as main crops approach full ground cover.
Sclerotia are now germinating in carrots and barley in Norfolk and in some winter arable crops in the south and east, according to ADAS.
Dr Peter Gladders of ADAS Boxworth said: “Rainfall or irrigation could allow more sclerotia to germinate in carrot crops sown in April or late May, where soils remain moist for several days. Main crops sown in early May are at the 5 to 7 leaf stage and are growing rapidly. The time to apply the first fungicide, just before canopy closure, is approaching.”
Growers should log on to the carrot Sclerotinia monitoring link on www.agriCentre.basf.co.uk, in order to assess their disease risk and plan an effective preventative disease control programme.
The ADAS and BASF sponsored Sclerotinia monitoring report monitors patterns of germination each week and indicates the extent of disease risk and the need for fungicide treatment.
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