The CropMonitor 'News from the Regions' reports will now be available every fortnight. The next report will be available on 21 November.  

In the South East most crops are now at or approaching threshold levels, particularly crops of Castille, although symptoms are still hard to find on more resistant varieties. In the South West however, even resistant varieties are approaching threshold. In other regions, Phoma is also active - in the North East lesions are now easy to find in earlier sown crops. Threshold = 10-20% plants affected (10% for small plants).   Click for further images .

The bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) is flying at this time of year and is a significant vector of BYDV once established in crops of wheat and barley. The latest information on the flights of this (and many other) aphids can be seen on the Rothamsted insect survey website.  

In the South West and Eastern counties, the AICC report that crops have reached, or are reaching threshold levels. In the South West, even cultivars with high resistance are now approaching threshold. Threshold = 10-20% plants affected (10% for small plants). Vigilance is required.   Click for further images .

The AICC report high numbers of Gout Fly eggs in the East Counties and the South East. In the Eastern counties it has been noted that eggs are even appearing on crops which have only just emerged.   Click for further images .

In the Eastern Counties, the AICC report that earlier drilled crops are reaching threshold levels of Phoma. Threshold = 10-20% plants affected (10% for small plants). Vigilance is required.   Click for further images .

AICC members have reported that slugs are active in oilseed rape crops and that large populations have been reported in wheat crops that have followed oilseed rape.  

AICC members have reported Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle damage specifically in the East Midlands on crops that have not received a seed treatment, and also some shotholing in other regions. Adult flea beetle damage can be a problem at the cotyledon stage of the crop - therefore vigilance is required in crops at this stage. HGCA Topic Sheet   Click for further images .

Turnip Sawfly caterpillars have been found in early sown crops in both the South and the East, although the risk is low elsewhere. Their presence is sporadic, but foliar damage can be significant if present. It is worth checking crops in the South and East.  

The CropMonitor Latest News from the Regions reports begin in October. The first report is now available.  

AICC members from around the regions have reported that Phoma is now present in Oilseed Rape. In the South West, levels of up to 10% have been seen in early-sown treated crops, while in the Eastern Counties first spotting has been noted. Vigilance is required. Update 10/10/2008: First spots also noted in the West Midlands.   Click for further images .