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Do you consider yourself a regenerative agriculture expert?
Take our quiz and find out:
https://eutrema.co.uk/agriculture-expert/
Let us know how you got on!
Dr Russell Sharp
Eutrema Ltd
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It was about time we recorded a podcast on flooding and waterlogging, seeing how 2024 has been a wash out of a year!
In this podcast we do a deep dive into all aspects of flooding; causes, effects on plants, positive effects, and how to solve issues around clay soils impeding drainage.
For more details on Eutrema's Liquid Gypsum please visit: https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/soil-conditioners/liquid-gypsum/
Dr Russell Sharp
Eutrema Ltd
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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Welcome to a special Halloween edition of Cereal Killers, the podcast dedicated to the pests and diseases affecting cereal crops. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of the ghost moth, scientifically known as Hepialis humuli.
Discover the intriguing history and biology of this moth, from its misleading scientific name to its unique mating dance known as "lekking." Learn about the ghost moth's lifecycle, its impact on various crops, and its fascinating relationship with bats.
Join us as we explore the ghost moth's ability to adapt and survive, despite its lack of traditional senses like hearing and taste. Uncover the reasons behind its peculiar strategies and how they help it thrive in the wild.
Don't miss out on this spooky and educational episode that offers a special Halloween treat for our listeners.
Happy Halloween!
Dr Russell Sharp
https://eutrema.co.uk/
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In this episode of Cereal Killers we focus on the notorious Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV). As farmers brace themselves for the upcoming season, we explore the impact of this virus on winter wheat and barley, where it can lead to staggering yield losses of up to 60% and 50% respectively.
Join us as Russell discusses the intricacies of controlling BYDV, including the role of aphids as vectors, and the importance of timely aphid control measures. We cover a variety of strategies, from insecticide applications to innovative farming practices like direct drilling and the use of BYDV-tolerant crop varieties. Additionally, we touch on the complexities of the virus's science and explore the promising developments in black grass pathogenic spore trials.
Whether you're a seasoned agronomist or a curious listener, this episode provides valuable insights into managing one of the most serious threats to cereal crops. Tune in and discover how you can stay ahead of the curve in combating BYDV.
eutrema.co.uk
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In this episode, Josie and Russell dive deep into the world of the small but mighty flea beetle, a pest with over 100 species that wreaks havoc on crops like oilseed rape and brassicas.
Learn about the life cycle of these beetles, their impressive jumping abilities, and the significant impact they have on crop yields. Discover the challenges of controlling flea beetles, from insecticides to innovative methods like companion planting and trap crops. Josie also shares fascinating insights on how scientists are studying flea beetles to inspire advancements in robotics and engineering.
Don't miss this engaging and informative episode, filled with interesting facts, practical advice, and a few light-hearted moments. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, or just curious about these tiny pests, there's something here for everyone.
Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on who would win in the insect Olympics!
https://eutrema.co.uk/
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In this episode, Josie and Russ tackle the troublesome weeds; couch grass and onion couch grass.
Also known as twitch grass or quack grass, couch grass has a multitude of common names. Its scientific name, Elymus repens, hints at its creeping nature. This weed is a significant issue in horticulture and gardens, and it can be particularly tricky to control once its roots get intertwined with your plants.
We discuss the weed's reproduction via rhizomes and seeds, its impact on crop yield, and effective control methods such as cultivation and glyphosate application. They also touch on its role as an alternative host for pests and fungi.
Additionally, we explore onion grass, which is unrelated to couch grass but often confused with it. This variant of false oat grass also poses its own challenges and requires different control methods.
Tune in to learn more about these persistent weeds, their effects on your crops, and how to manage them effectively. Plus, get a glimpse into the hosts' favourite pasta dishes and their thoughts on chocolate pizza!
https://eutrema.co.uk/
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In this episode we chat about chocolate spot—a serious fungal disease affecting field and broad beans.
While the name might sound delicious, chocolate spot is anything but tasty. The discussion covers the causes, symptoms, and impacts of this disease, as well as effective methods for control. Learn about the differences between Botrytis fabiae and Botrytis cinerea, and why crop rotation and debris management are crucial.
With a touch of humor and some interesting historical tidbits, this episode is both informative and entertaining. Discover why fava beans are gaining popularity and the UK government's push for pea and bean research. Plus, get tips on using fungicides and other treatments to keep your crops healthy.
Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to managing chocolate spot in your bean crops. Tune in now and join the conversation!
https://eutrema.co.uk/
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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/
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We discuss the intriguing and troublesome life cycle of wireworms, from their beginnings as eggs to their transformation into click beetles.
Discover why wireworms pose such a significant threat to crops like beetroot, cereals, and oilseed rape, and learn about their unique defense mechanism—a clicking noise designed to startle predators. The conversation also touches on effective control methods, including crop rotation, soil management, and the role of natural predators.
Additionally, the hosts explore the fascinating relationship between beetles and magnolia trees, and share insights on other insects with long life cycles, such as cicadas. Join us for an engaging discussion on managing wireworms and protecting your crops from these pernicious pests.
For more info, check out our blog: https://eutrema.co.uk/controlling-wireworms/
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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 each plant, plus the subsequent effect on black grass health or death!We also tested a range of compounds that are purported to increase the severity of fungal infections on crops when applied. You will often hear reports of certain conditions that promote the growth of foliar fungal pathogens, especially powdery mildew; such as spraying foliar nitrogen or molasses. However, we have tested all these reported compounds and attempted to increase infection rates on black grass plants in the grow room by applying them. Unfortunately, none of these compounds increased infection rates. In fact, all it did was spread the spores around and make them germinate on the leaf surface.Plan going forward with farm trials
Owing to the inability to get the spores onto the fields due to the wet conditions this spring, we will be repeating all the current on-farm field trials in 2025. This will be at no cost to the farms involved. Hopefully we will have better conditions for early spring applications if weather is better than 2024 (I cannot see how it could be any worse!).We will also be providing an autumn application free of charge. The rationale for this extra application is three-fold:A BYVD insecticide is applied at this time of year, so no extra pass over the crop is required.No fungicide is applied at this time of year, thus we do not have to worry about fungicides killing the black grass pathogens.If successfully infected, black grass plants could have reduced resilience through harsh winter conditions. However, there are also counter arguments to be made for this, so we need the trials to see if this happens in reality.2025 field trials will also receive higher dose rates due to the improvements in our production process.We might have opportunities to expand to other farms who are interested in signing up for trials. However this will be dependent upon how spore production proceeds in the second half of 2024.Finally, we now have 174 farms signed up to receive more information on the project, and to receive early updates once the sign up page goes live on our website again. Clearly there are more than 174 farms affected by black grass in the UK, so if you know of somebody who is suffering then please pass on our details so they can sign up too.
Best regards
Dr Russell Sharp
eutrema.co.uk
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The main way of correcting phosphorus deficiency in soils is to add a phosphorus-containing fertiliser. However, your current situation will determine the actual form you should opt for. This post is solely focused on these phosphorus-containing fertilisers. We will be publishing additional blog posts about the symptoms and challenges of phosphorus deficiency, and also on how to release phosphorus already bound in the soil.
There are a number of different sources of phosphorus found in fertilisers. The chemists at fertiliser companies have chosen the specific ones used in a formulation based on 1. performance on the plant, 2. stability in the blend and 3. cost.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of common phosphorus-containing ingredients used in fertiliser:
Rock phosphates – ‘Beneficiated’ (cleaned up) rock phosphate is permitted for use as an organic fertiliser. This is before it is converted to conventional fertilisers by a series of chemical reactions. Whilst organic, beneficiated rock phosphate is not readily soluble, so is rarely used in conventional agriculture.Superphosphate and Triple superphosphate- These are two forms of mono-calcium phosphate. They are both commonly found in granular arable fertilisers. They suit this role as unlike the phosphates listed below they do not dissolve straight away, instead only a gram or two will dissolve for every litre of water they are exposed to. Superphosphate is created by reacting rock phosphates with sulphuric acid, and triple-superphosphate is created by reacting rock phosphate with phosphoric acid.Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) – both used in liquid NPK blends (compound fertiliser) and also sold as a straight granule product. They are created by reacting phosphoric acid (sourced from rock phosphate with ammonia from the Haber-Bosch process).Potassium phosphate – mainly used in horticulture either on its own as a PK fertiliser, or blended into soluble fertilisers (both liquid and granular). Useful in situations where growers want healthy flowers, fruits and roots, but without stimulating excessive vegetative growth, and so preferable to MAP/DAP as that contains nitrogen. Can also be used to adjust the pH of foliar solutions and the effects on the crop. Alkaline forms will close plant stomata in periods of stress, whilst acidic potassium phosphate will open stomata and promote transpiration when this is desirable.Potassium pyrophosphate – mostly horticultural but also in some arable foliar formulations. Similar use to mono potassium phosphate, but the phosphate releases over a period of days and thus controls its release and limits lock up.Phosphoric acid – It might surprise you to find out that this hazardous acid is found in both conventional and organic fertilisers! In fact some arable foliar fertilisers based on phosphoric acid can have a pH of 1.0, and many organic fertilisers are also not far off this level too.It is not just humans that need to be cautious when it comes to phosphoric acid fertilisers, as the plant can also be harmed by improper use. Any acidic fertiliser can strip calcium out of the leaf in the same way acidic rain drains a plant of essential nutrients.
Phosphoric acid is found in organic fertilisers because it is permitted for use to break down biological material in organic fertilisers. This is the reason you may see a fish fertiliser with very high phosphorus levels. It is not the biological material that is especially high in phosphorus, it is the acid used to extract and solubilise it.
Dicalcium phosphate and tricalcium phosphate: found in animal feed and in controlled-release fertiliser granules. However, these are not normally plant available. In controlled release fertiliser granules they are used as a binding agent (along with ferric phosphate. The only way to release dicalcium phosphate and ferric phosphate in the soil is to use Eutrema’s Phosphorus Liberator (more on this in the next post).Controlled-release fertilisers are a relatively expensive product, so are usually only used in horticultural, not agricultural crops.
Guano – bird and bat droppings. Even though a natural source, not all guano is organic as it depends on the way it is mined. Often bat guano is organic, whilst that sourced from bird (albatrosses) is not. Dog poo is also a source of phosphorus, so much so that its deposition has been linked to the decline of wildflowers in nature reserves (https://www.newscientist.com/article/2307320-dog-waste-may-harm-nature-reserve-biodiversity-by-fertilising-the-soil/)Understanding the diverse array of phosphorus fertilisers is pivotal for optimising soil health and crop productivity.
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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’).
One example is yucca extract that contains natural soaps (saponins), these work best at pH above neutral. So if mixed with acidic co-applied products their efficacy may be diminished.
Amino acid biostimulants can also be derived from plant extracts (commonly from legumes). Other sources of amino acid biostimulants used in agriculture include fungal cultures, and the digestion of animal protein; particularly those sourced from pig’s blood, bird feathers, and fish waste.
Amino acid biostimulants can have tank mixing issues with ALS inhibitor herbicides. This is because ALS inhibitor herbicides work by disrupting the synthesis of amino acids in the weed. If you apply ample amino acids alongside the herbicide you could potentially negate the effect of the herbicide because the weed still has access to the amino acids that would otherwise be disrupted.
Nematodes
Nematodes are notorious for blocking filters and spray nozzles. Nematodes are animals that are small enough to be delivered in water as a spray to the leaf surface. However, being animals, they are far larger than microbial biologicals, or suspension fertiliser particles and as such standard fitting filters and nozzles will block if nematodes are run through them. As such, research the filters and nozzles for optimum nematode deliver, and factor in the cost of these if you do not have them in stock at present.
Nematodes are actually very close to being delivered by drone in the UK. The smaller volume applications or even dry applications that drones offer may suit nematode application better than conventional sprayers.
Microbes
When it comes to using microbial biologicals the first, and most obvious, tank mixing issue is that they should never be mixed with conventional chemical fungicides / bactericides. These pesticides act as biocides and will kill the beneficial microbes ithey are tank mixed with. In addition, many insecticides and herbicides might also have antimicrobial activity, so it is always best to check with the manufacturer before combining with microbials in the tank.
Another consideration when using beneficial microbes is to the chlorine in tap water. While most farmers use water from tanks rather than tap water, a sizable proportion do use tap water; especially in periods of drought. If using tap water alongside microbials always add a dechlorinator first.
Fungal biologicals
Fungal biologicals include symbiotic mycorrhizae, free-living Trichoderma, and fungal biopesticides. Normally fungal biologicals are supplied from the manufacturers as either spores or ‘propagules’. Spores are usually <50 micron in diameter, so unless they have clumped together in the packet, they should fit through a spray filter. Propagules are far larger than spores and should be applied as a dry powder rather than suspended in water as they will block filters.
This being said, spores are not always the best option for delivering fungi, especially mycorrhizae. This is because spores have less chance of forming a good connection with the plant due to having lower reserves of energy and nutrients to grow, find, and connect with a plant root. I would therefore recommend that for mycorrhizae dry propagules are applied to established plants by digging them into the soil around the root system, and spores are reserved for application as a seed coating (see this video for how to do this).
For fungal bio-pesticides spore form is usually the best (and only) option, and can be delivered in water-based foliar sprays easily if the instructions for use are carefully followed.
Yeasts are also fungi, but they are single-celled and each cell is very small (3-4 micron), so for foliar applications they can be treated as you would fungal spores.
Bacteria
Bacteria should tank mix fairly well as they are very small single cells, but you may still suffer compatibility issues with some agrochemicals if they have biocidal action and could kill the microbes. You will also need to study the best pressure and nozzle settings to best apply bacterial inoculants.
Compost tea
Many compost tea enthusiasts ‘seed’ their brews with specific microbial inoculants. However, compost teas are not made in sterile conditions, and so other microbes will be present and will be cultured alongside. Some of these may be filamentous or conglomerate into biofilms. These may block filters if present in very high concentrations.
If you are in any doubt about the tank mix compatibility of a biological product, simply give us a ring and we will be happy to discuss this with you. The field of biologicals is developing rapidly, so we will be updating this article regularly.
Finally, if you need any help sourcing any of the biologicals listed above, please email me; [email protected]
Dr Russell Sharp
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In the last episode on Black Grass we talked only briefly about our research to create a biological solution.
In this podcast I give the full details about this project and how it will be deployed on arable farms.
To sign up for regular updates on our Black Grass Spore projects visit:
https://eutrema.co.uk/the-black-grass-biology-group
Thanks for listening, and happy growing!
Dr Russell Sharp
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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
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Frit Flies are both annoying and economically damaging. They belong to a big group of true flies and cause damage to emerging tillers.
But why are they called 'frit' flies? We have no idea, so we would love your suggestions!
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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
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ERGOT is a fungal disease that spoils cereal crops. Whilst Ergot doesn't massively impact on yields, it destroys the quality of the harvested grain as it contains.
We hope you enjoy this episode and please contact us for more information on potential ergot control measures at; https://eutrema.co.uk
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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
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Fescues are a group of grass species that can be of benefit to livestock farmers, but for arable farmers they represent some serious weeds! These weeds can totally destroy a field even in a season or two. Plus they can possess remarkable resistance to glyphosate.
To discuss fescue with our technical team, please visit: https://eutrema.co.uk/contact/
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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/
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