Pea and bean growers have been advised to consider protecting crops from split pods in light of the recent wet weather.
Pete Smith of Wherry & Sons fears a continuation of the recent bad weather could see pea and bean crops deteriorate.
He explained: “We know from the experience of oilseed rape that warm and wet days increase the stress on pods and lead to increased shattering.
“A bad year for split pods could result in heavy losses and potentially affect quality.”
According to the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) there is roughly 25,000ha of peas and 95,000ha of beans to harvest this season meaning any losses would have a significant impact on the UK crop.
PGRO’s Stephen Belcher said: “Should the weather in the build-up to harvest remain then there is a risk to crops."
Belcher believes growers who apply a pod sealer will reduce the risk of losses in the run up to harvest and at the time of combining.
