Wheat bulb fly hatch and plant invasion underway now

UK - February 09, 2007

Dow AgroSciences’ PestWatch confirms that wheat bulb fly eggs are hatching in all areas and that plant invasion has already started. Application of Dursban WG (chlorpyrifos) is needed to protect yields in high risk fields. 

Dow AgroSciences’ Jim Butchart warns: “Egg hatch is underway at all our PestWatch sampling sites, including East Yorkshire. Plant invasion has also started everywhere, although few dead hearts have been seen.  However, the recent cold weather will slow down progress.  It is best to continue - weather and soil conditions permitting - with Dursban WG egg hatch sprays as it is still too early to switch to dead heart sprays. Focus treatment on late drilled, struggling, backward or thin crops in at risk areas as a matter of urgency as tiller survival will be vitally important. ”