|
Tuesday, 22-May-2012 10:29:01 BST
Crown Rust Concerns For Grassland Managers In Wales
Farmers and amenity users of grassland across Wales are worried that their grass is suddenly turning orange.
A combination of warm temperatures and heavy dews have produced the perfect conditions for crown rust, a fungal disease, to develop in swards across Wales. Traditionally it has been more of a problem for Southern England but this year IGER's Grassland Development Centre, based at Aberystwyth, have noted that cases are being reported from Anglesey down to Chepstow.
The orange crown rust spores only do significant longterm damage to grass in extreme cases– but will affect palatability of the grass for livestock– and will upset golfers as they will turn trousers and shoes a nasty orange colour.
To try and minimise the impacts of crown rust the Grassland Develop Centre recommend two key approaches. Firstly make sure the grassland has sufficient nutrients to help it contend with its unwelcome 'guest'. A small application of nitrogen (20-30kg nitrogen/ha) will help a sward in its battle with the fungus.
Secondly cutting or topping the grass will remove the leaf which is the food supply for the fungus. Regrowth over the next few weeks should be less affected. If there is sufficient grass to make into silage make sure that the grass is well wilted and it is strongly recommended to use an additive to contend with the combination of low grass sugars at this time of year and a possible high level of undesirable bacteria.
"Both of these options should be done sooner rather than later to limit any impact of the rust causing long term damage" stated Heather McCalman of the GDC Team.
For a more longterm control strategy it is worth paying attention to the choice of grass varieties that are sown. There is significant variation in the resistance of different ryegrass varieties to crown rust. The IGER breeding programme has ensured that the suite of 'Aber' ryegrasses all score favourably for resistance to crown rust (all scoring 7 or 8 on a scale of 1-9 where 9 is good resistance).
For more information contact IGER Grassland Development Centre on: 01970 823026
>> Further Articles
Related Grass Links
Grass Toys |
Grass Video Games |
Grass Software |
Grass DVD |
Grass Music |
Grass VHS |
Grass Electronics |
Grass Books |
Your Reviews
Reviews goes here!!!...
Be the first to add your thoughts to this page!!!
If you like this post then please consider subscribing to my full feed RSS. You can also subscribe by E-mail and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.
Update your listing! Or add your firms details to these pages for FREE... Submit Site
Can't find it? Try searching the entire web!!!
Download Google Pack: free essential software for your PC
|
|
Homepage
Where to Stay
Subscribe to Aber RSS News Feed