Cereal Killers

Meadow grasses, specifically Poa annua (annual meadow grass) and Poa trivialis (rough meadow grass). Whilst these weeds may not pose a significant threat to crop yields, they present unique biological traits and can become pesky nuisances in certain conditions. Discover the fascinating details about Poa annua, its misleading name, and how it thrives in various environments, including its impact in New Zealand. Learn about the ephemeral nature of Poa annua, its ability to propagate through both seeds and rhizomes, and its role as a host for the harmful ergot fungus. The discussion also covers Poa trivialis, its perennial nature, and its adaptability to compacted, damp soils, especially in no-till farming systems. Join us as we explore these meadow grasses' resilience, their potential herbicide resistance, and the implications for farmers. Stay tuned for our next episode on the intriguing topic of chocolate spot. Thank you for listening! https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/

Black Grass Biology Group 2024 progress report On-farm trials This year we partnered with 16 farms to run commercial-scale trials to assess the potential for applying fungal spores to help with the control of black grass. Most of the trials were 50-150 hectares in size. Below is a summary of our findings so far this year: 32% of the farms running trials reported observing either an effect on black grass numbers by June, or symptoms of disease amongst the black grass population. The remaining 68% did not observe an effect at the time we enquired in June. The unprecedented wet spring meant that the spores could not be applied as early as we planned in any of the farm trials.The delays lasted for up to 6-8 weeks on some farms. The delay to the date of application had three major consequences on the trial: The black grass plants were larger when the spores got to them. The air temperature was higher when they were applied. The spores were eventually applied very close to an application of a fungicide (either just before or just after). This was probably the most damaging consequence because any fungicide applied to the crop would also assist the black grass in fighting off infection from our applied fungi. One of the farm trials was at Agrovista’s Lamport AgX site. This was fully independent and run by their technical staff, not Eutrema. This trial is showing a clear difference in black grass numbers between untreated and treated. In addition to a very positive result from this project, the Lamport trial also demonstrated another key finding = where an application of Avadex was missing from the treated field there was no difference between treated and untreated sections in black grass plant numbers. This demonstrates that our biological technology is an additional weapon against black grass, but not a replacement for conventional herbicides. Interesting findings from our laboratory experiments In our grow room trials it was found that the optimum temperature for the growth of the fungal pathogens was 16°C or below. This is very different to what is the optimum for black grass growth (>25°C). This further reinforces our belief that the optimum time for spore application is early spring. We have learnt a lot about spore production in the Eutrema lab this year. We have even learned how to kill off all the fungus (accidentally!). So with more time for creating the spores than we had last year, combined with an improved production process, we should have far more spores to get out to the trials this year. This means even more spores per hectare, and an increased chance of success. It was repeatedly observed in the grow rooms that once the black grass plants were successfully infected the leaves changed from being extremely hydrophobic (water repellent) to being extremely hydrophilic (water holding). This change is due to the formation of fungal lesions on the leaf surface breaking through the leaf’s waxy cuticle layer. This may seem like a minor finding with no consequence, but it could have massive implications as it means we could go from a situation where most of the droplets of a foliar herbicide (e.g. Centurion Max) fall off the black grass, to a situation where the vast majority attach. If this were indeed the case, then it vastly increases the dose of herbicide taken in by each weed plant! By increasing the delivery of herbicide into the weed, we might be able to turn ineffective herbicides into super-effective herbicides, and/or allow farmers to reduce dose rates in future. In order to test this, we will be running a further experiment where we will be spraying a set of infected and a set of uninfected black grass plants with Centurion Max (clethodim). The dose rate will be set at 50% of the field applied dose rate to maximise the chances of observing a difference in the grow room. Standard dose rate being 1 L / ha in 200-400L of water. We will then monitor both the number of spray droplets that attach to

In this week's episode we delve into the issues around filter and nozzle blockages. We pay particular attention to the problems that can arise when mixing various biological products and how to overcome them. Fish-based organic fertiliser Most commonly extracted using phosphoric acid. Phosphorus often reacts with soluble calcium to form insoluble calcium phosphate. Once this forms, it isn’t going anyway, no matter how much you rinse the system. So avoid calcium containing products when using fish-based fertiliser, or do a bucket test first. The other issue with many organic fertilisers, including those based on fish, is that they are commonly suspensions, not soluble concentrates. As such, if left for a long period of time in the spray tank they may settle out and form a layer along the bottom of the tank. Therefore, do not store diluted product overnight. Storing diluted biologicals is also never advised because it will stimulate microbial growth and the additional problems that come from that if not precisely controlled. Molasses-based organic fertilisers When it comes to molasses it is the actual water you need to take care with. If you pour molasses quickly into very cold water it can sink to the bottom of the tank in one big solid lump! If that lump is sucked into a mixing pump it can cause a catastrophic failure. Therefore always add molasses slowly to any tank and agitate continuously. Alternatively, pre-dilute the molasses in some warm water before adding to the tank for further dilution to the spray concentration. Seaweed extracts Confirm the pH first. Some are acidic, some neutral, but more commonly they are alkaline. If alkaline, avoid any product that will lower the pH and bring the carbohydrate (alginic acid etc) solids out of solution. Always avoid mixing with chitosan. As chitosan is acidic and cationic (seaweed extracts are anionic); any mix of these two will result in something with the appearance of vomit! If this doesn’t happen, you are using poor quality seaweed extract and/or chitosan solution. Humic and fulvic acid Humic acid solutions are very often moderately alkaline. So avoid any acidic product that will bring the pH down. If this happens you will get a thick tar coating your filters. We have seen a few cases recently of issues when tank mixing with citric acid. This has happened because farmers are now hearing that the efficacy of glyphosate (Roundup) can be increased by lowering the pH with citric acid. They are also hearing that the efficacy of glyphosate can be increased by the inclusion of humic or fulvic acids. So they have applied all three products to the spray tank and blockages have occurred. Chitosan In addition to its use as a biostimulant and biofungicide, chitosan can also be used to remove contaminants from wastewater. Chitosan is used in waste water treatment because it binds to contaminants and takes them out of solution. So while removing bacteria, metal ions, and humic acid might be an advantage in that scenario, in a spray tank the opposite is true. Chitosan can be tank mixed with a variety of conventional agrochemicals and biologicals, but you need to do your homework first, and always conduct a bucket test with the dilution ratios and water you plan on using. If you need a small sample to do a tank mix with, then please get in touch. I always used to tell customers to never mix chitosan with silicon fertilisers, as these are alkaline and will also fall out of solution if mixed incorrectly. However, we have now developed a way of successfully tank mixing these products together by adjusting the pH of the solution after the addition of the silicon fertiliser. See our Fungicide Reduction Action Plan for more information. Plant extracts It really depends on the type of extract, the pH and the purification as to how these will tank mix. A single chemical extract will stand a far greater chance of tank mixing than a crude extract (such as a cold-press ‘juice’)

Take All is a fungal disease of all grass species. Unlike the fungal diseases we have covered in the past, this one is transmitted through infected soils. Take all is often under-estimated by arable farmers because it doesn't produce obvious symptoms or fruiting bodies. Check out this episode to find out more about take all biology and control. https://eutrema.co.uk

You've grown your crop, it's almost ready to harvest, then it all falls over! Damm it! Find out about the causes and potential solutions to lodging on this week's episode. As always, feel free to contact us form more info on this and any other crop cultivation topic at: https://eutrema.co.uk

Leatherjackets; the giant maggots of the crane fly! A pest in arable crops, pasture grass, and horticulture. In this podcast we discuss the impact of this pest on crop roots and stems. The biology of leatherjackets is interesting as they remain active in the winter, and reach a peak of damage in early spring. For more details on leatherjackets and potential control methods, contact the Eutrema technical team by visiting; https://eutrema.co.uk

Alternaria / sooty mould is a disease that affects cereal crops late on in the summer, close to harvest. It can even cause damage in grain stores. In this podcast we discuss the biology, control methods, and some crazy facts about this weird pathogen. To discuss alternaria control please speak to the Eutrema technical team at: https://eutrema.co.uk/about/