In this issue:

- New SAC Barley Disease Control Technical Note
- Wheat growth guide on web
- RB209 workshop on 9 May in Harpenden, Herts
- Oilseed rape pests

This booklet, written by SAC with funding from the Scottish Government and HGCA, describes how variety choice, cultivation, weather conditions, crop rotation, sowing date and fungicides influence the severity of foliar, stem base and root diseases in barley and how you can use them to manage disease in an integrated control programme.

Download the technical note from:
http://www.hgca.com/document.aspx?fn=load&media_id=3357&publicationId=878

or email publications@hgca.com for a free hard copy.

First published in 1997, this important reference guide has been updated to reflect important changes in variety performance and increased knowledge over the past decade. In particular a new section on rooting draws on recent HGCA-funded research. Benchmarks enable easy comparisons to be made as crops progress, to help husbandry decisions.

Download the Wheat growth guide from http://www.hgca.com/publink.aspx?id=4444 or email publications@hgca.com for a free hard copy.

A morning workshop, being held by HGCA and Rothamsted Research Association on the revision of RB209, offers the chance to hear the latest developments, as well as results of other research on sulphur management and soil nitrogen use. Speakers from Rothamsted Research, North Wyke Research Station and AICC will be on hand to answer your questions. The event will take place on 9 May at Rothamsted Research.
 
For more information or to download a booking form go to www.hgca.com/events

Be aware - we're now entering the season for pests in oilseed rape.  Cabbage seed weevil lays its eggs during flowering, Brassica pod midge lays its eggs in any holes left by the seed weevil in developing pods and stem weevil lays its eggs in May. Monitor levels of pollen beetle in spring oilseed rape and only spray if numbers exceed thresholds.

For more information about oilseed rape pests and action thresholds see the guide and information sheet below.

Pest management in cereals and oilseed rape - A guide
http://www.hgca.com/publink.aspx?id=276

Controlling pollen beetle and combating insecticide resistance in oilseed rape
http://www.hgca.com/publink.aspx?id=4224