Cereal pests

Aphids - Bird cherry-oat aphid and Grain aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae)
  • Infected aphids spread BYDV infection when feeding.
  • All cereal crops are susceptible. Early sown crops at most risk.
  • Yield losses of over 40% can occur.
  • Mild autumn weather prolongs feeding activity and increases infection level and severity.
  • Grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) is the primary BYDV vector in eastern counties.
  • Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum
    padi    ) is the primary vector of BYDV in western England.
  • Other aphid species can then cause secondary infections

For crops at high risk, apply HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL in mid-October. However, treat earlier if aphids are present. Crops at low risk should be treated according to seasonal pressure and aphid activity. Spring applications may be required if aphids are present.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Ear Aphids - Rose-grain aphid and Grain aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum and Sitobion avenae)
  • Aphids cause direct feeding damage on cereal crops from flag leaf through to doughy ripe grain stage.
  • Attacks before flowering can reduce the number of grains formed in the ear.
  • Later attacks result in shriveled grain. Large populations can cause leaves to die back prematurely.

Inspect crops regularly after ear emergence. Optimum timing for HALLMARK ZEON application is soon after ear emergence (GS59). Ear applications can also reduce aphids on the flag leaf. Ear aphid control may also coincide with Orange wheat blossom midge control.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
APHOX
Orange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana)
  • Orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) larvae feed on developing grain, causing serious losses.
  • Controlling adult female midges before they have chance to lay eggs on emerging ears disrupts the life-cycle and reduces damage. Crops are susceptible from ear emergence to flowering.
  • Crops at GS55-57 are most susceptible.

HALLMARK ZEON is the only pyrethroid approved to reduce Orange wheat blossom midge damage. Apply when female midges are most active. Pheromone traps can be used to determine midge activity.
HALLMARK ZEON
Gout fly (Chlorops pumilionis)
  • Gout fly larvae are an increasing problem across England and Wales.
  • Autumn infestations can cause serious losses to early sown winter cereals.
  • Spring infestations can cause serious losses in late sown winter cereals and spring sown crops.
  • Crops infested in autumn may produce new tillers to compensate; spring damage prevents successful ear emergence.

Autumn HALLMARK ZEON applications can also control Gout fly larvae. Application at 1-2 leaves unfolded, has been identified as optimum timing. For best results apply before the majority of eggs hatch.
HALLMARK ZEON

Cereal crop pest attack timings

TOP TIPS for Cereal crop pest control

  • Inspect crops regularly for signs of insect activity during periods of high risk.
  • Check the whole field for insects; populations are often heavier on headlands than the rest of the field.
  • Be aware that autumn pest problems may continue to occur through mild winter conditions.
  • Spring sown crops with a shorter growing season generally have lower thresholds for pest treatment.
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