Six agronomy tips for Scottish growers in March

1) Assess weed control in cereals

Most growers applied pre-emergence herbicides in cereals and walking some fields they seem to have worked well, helped by decent moisture levels in the autumn.

But there is some ingression of bromes on some headlands in some wheat fields that will need to be tidied up sooner than later. From 1 March you can use Pacifica® Plus at 0.5 kg/ha – try to spray on a nice, sunny day, if possible, to get better efficacy from the product.

In both wheat and winter barley monitor crops for emerging broadleaf weed issues, especially cleavers and tricky to control weeds like fumitory and get products in the shed to tackle these once there is active growth.

2) Consider T0 fungicides in winter cereals

Winter barley has come through winter looking very promising, but some crops have infections of mildew and Rhynchosporium, especially on double-sown end rigs, which might require a T0 spray of Helix® or Cello®. The spiroxamine in both products will have some effect on mildew and helps suppress diseases like Rhynchosporium, along with prothioconazole.

In wheat, assuming the weather in conducive to growth, T0 sprays might also sneak into the back end of March or early April. Yellow rust is the main concern, especially in late-sown wheats – a tebuconazole-based product like Kestrel® or Prosaro® will be the choice for most. Check the Recommended List for yellow rust resistance ratings, but remember adult plant resistance doesn’t kick in

In both crops also start on growth regulator programme, as crops have come through looking quite proud.

3) Test farm-saved seed

While I expect spring barley area to be reduced this season, if you’re planning to sow farm-saved seed, it will be worth getting it checked for germination and seed-borne diseases, such as net blotch, loose smut and leaf stripe. Net blotch, in particular, is becoming more of a problem.

4) Remember glyphosate stewardship rules

It’s mostly an issue in min-till situations rather than where you’ve plough, but if you’re using Roundup® to tidy up stubbles before spring crops, remember to follow good stewardship practice, given the resistance issues found in Italian ryegrass further south.

Make sure you use appropriate doses for the weeds you’re tackling and if you’re delayed in making applications, walk fields again to make sure those rates are still adequate for the size of weed.

Good application technique is just as important with this spray as with any other spray. Don’t be tempted to go too fast, a slower forward speed and keeping the boom height to 50cm above the target is important to reduce drift and make sure as much chemical reaches the target as possible.

5) Watch out for light leaf spot in oilseed rape

Light leaf spot is being found in oilseed rape crops, especially where fields didn’t receive an autumn fungicide spray. Once it is in the crop it can be very difficult to eradicate, so if you’re finding it, it will be worth spraying.

If symptoms are not visual in the crop, or you’re not sure if a symptom is light leaf spot, you can also check for infection by placing leaves into a plastic bag and leaving in a warm place for a few days to encourage symptom development.

Any infections can be treated with Proline or Aviator.

6) Assess soil sample results for PCN risk ahead of potatoes

Most potato growers should have their potato cyst nematode soil test results back by March. PCN is often very variable in the field, so even if a result comes back as low, there’s still a chance there are hotspots within the field.

In lower risk situations consider using Velum® Prime, while in higher risk use in combination with granular nematicide nemathorin for better suppression.

Velum® can be applied either as an in-furrow application if you have the right equipment fitted on the planter, or as an overall spray and then incorporated within 24 hours.

------

Aviator® contains bixafen and prothioconazole. Cello® contains prothioconazole, spiroxamine and tebuconazole. Helix® contains prothioconazole and spiroxamine. Kestrel® and Prosaro® contain prothioconazole and tebuconazole. Pacifica® Plus contains amidosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and mesosulfuron-methyl. Proline® contains prothioconazole. Roundup® contains glyphosate. Velum® Prime contains fluopyram.

Aviator, Cello, Helix, Kestrel, Pacifica, Proline, Prosaro, Roundup and Velum are registered Trademarks of Bayer. All other brand names used are Trademarks of other manufacturers in which proprietary rights may exist. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, including contact details, visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk or call 0808 1969522. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2025