Aphids, Slugs, and Phytotoxicity: A Comedy of Agricultural Errors
Well, well, well. What do we have here? A delightful medley of aphids throwing a party in your crops, a few slugs creeping in for some unsolicited buffet service, and a sprinkle of phytotoxicity symptoms just to keep things interesting. It’s like an agricultural episode of Survivor, but without the palm trees and with way more crying.
The Aphid Invasion: A Real ‘Bug’-ger
As per our latest intel—reporting live from the fields, grounding on Monday, October 21—aphid populations have decided to throw caution to the wind and multiply like they’re auditioning for a reality show. In untreated fields, between 0 to 21% of your beloved plants are getting cozy with these little green miscreants. I mean, it’s practically an aphid convention out there!
To avoid an infestation of epic proportions, it’s suggested—nay, demanded—that you monitor those plots planted with sensitive varieties. If over 10% of your plants are being colonized like the latest hit Netflix show, it’s time to ring the alarm bells! But be careful; chemical warfare is not always the answer, especially if you’ve got some of those fancy varieties tolerant to barley yellow dwarf virus on your side. It’s like bringing a water pistol to a knife fight—pointless!
Slug Patrol: Slimy But Not Dangerous… Yet
And speaking of pest control, let’s not forget about our slimy friends—the slugs. Typically, they lurk around the edges, but even they are making their move. Luckily, their population is still low, so no need to send for the Ghostbusters just yet. However, keep your eyes peeled; the weather seems to be on their side, and these little guys might just decide to go out for a stroll in your unguarded plots! Seriously, who do they think they are, taking a casual walk on your crops?
Phytotoxicity: The Herbicide Hang-Up
Now, let’s get serious for a moment. Some symptoms of phytotoxicity have emerged following herbicide treatments. What’s the culprit, you ask? Well, it could be anything from torrential rain washing away your hopes and dreams to the less-than-perfect technique in sowing that leaves seeds out to play in the open. It’s all just a recipe for disaster, isn’t it? You grab the wrong herbicide and next thing you know, your crops are looking more like a sad salad than a thriving farm.
Field Inspection: An Avid Gardener’s Guide
So, what is our recommended action plan? Grab your magnifying glass—Sherlock Holmes style—and visit your fields! Take a gander at at least a hundred seedlings. Check those leaves, especially those lovely crowns, because nobody likes an unexpected guest. If you find more than 10% of your plants colonized by these aphid ninjas, it’s time to take action!
But wait! Hold your horses before you spray. Monitor first—because too soon might just invite them back for encore after encore! Timing, my friends, is everything. Like a good punchline—too soon and you lose the punch! Wait for the right moment, and then treat before the rain strangles your plans or winter decides to sneak in like an uninvited guest.
Authorized Products: Because You Need Fancy Labels
Lastly, if, after all this doom and gloom, you do need to treat those pesky plants, make sure to check out the list of authorized products. Because no one wants to read the label after it’s too late—like ordering the Mystery Meat at a diner!
Aphid populations have increased in some areas. It is recommended to monitor plots planted with a sensitive variety. Slug damage and phytotoxicity symptoms are also visible.
The observations from this Monday, October 21 are heterogeneous (21 raised plots monitored in escourgeon in Wallonia). The stages are currently between emergence and the start of tillering with a majority of plots located at the two-leaf stage.
Aphid populations have increased in some areas. In untreated fields, the percentage of plants colonized by at least one aphid ranged from 0 to 21%. In more than 30% of cases, the intervention threshold (>10% of infested plants) is exceeded, although this is not generalized. Furthermore, certain plots are sown with varieties tolerant to barley yellow dwarf virus (JNO), which makes insecticide treatment unnecessary.
If you still need to carry out your herbicide treatment and your plot is planted with a variety sensitive to JNO, it is recommended to inspect the situation locally.
The mild and sunny weather over the next few days encourages vigilance and it is recommended:
– to visit the plot in order to estimate the percentage of plants carrying aphids. To do this, observe a hundred seedlings, examine all the leaves and especially the crown. Treat crops (with a variety sensitive to JNO) if 10% or more of the plants carry aphids.
– to reassess the situation later in less infested areas. Indeed, an early application exposes the crop to recolonization by aphids and a probable second application. In situations where aphid populations remain low, it is best to monitor the weather forecast and treat as late as possible, but before prevented by a long period of rain or the onset of winter.
A few slugs…
In addition to aphids, a few slugs are present (mainly coming from field edges). Populations remain low but it is not useless to check your plot given the year is rather favorable for these pests.
…and phytotoxicity
Some symptoms of phytotoxicity following the application of herbicides are observed in certain situations. This lack of selectivity may be linked to heavy rainfall after treatment or to sloppy sowing which leaves seeds on the surface.
The lists of authorized products (herbicides, insecticides, etc.) are available directly on Phytoweb or on: cereals/authorized-products/
Cepicop
