Insect and disease management in cereals

In this month’s edition we are going to highlight some important insect and diseases that pose a threat to cereal crops and recommend control measures

INSECTS
Cereal crops are affected by various insects that contribute to severe damages, they are known to cause crop losses, some insect are also known to vector viral diseases to these crops. Some of the most important insects causing damage to crops include;

Aphids:

Various species of aphids can infest cereal crops, such as the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and the corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis). They suck sap from the plants, causing stunted growth, distorted leaves, and the transmission of viral diseases.
Greenlife solutions;

1. LEXUS 247 SC 4ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
2. PRINCESS GOLD 100 SC 10ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
3. PROFILE 440EC 30ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.

Cut worms:

Are moth larvae that hide in the soil, coming out in the dark to feed on plants, their damage is limited to attacks on the first part of plants or stems of germinating plants consequently cutting the plants down, such damages are known to reduce crop population, resulting to extra costs of gapping fields. Greenlife solutions include;

Drench LOYALTY 700 WDG at 10g  in 20 litres of water.

Fall army worms:

This is a primarily a Maize pest but also attack other crops like Sorghum, Wheat, Millet, infestations of this pest begin from early crop stages to late crop and are normally characterized by heavy feeding of foliage at night, without proper check this pest contribute to total crop failure, they are migratory and build high population within a short period.

Greenlife Fall Army worms Control;

1. ESCORT 19 EC 20-25 ml +Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
2. OCCASION STAR 200 SC 3ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
3. INDOKING 300 SC 3ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
4. LEGACY EXTREME 500 WDG 2g +Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.

Thrips:

Feed by piercing the plant tissue with their mouthparts and sucking out the plant sap. They also scrape the surface of the plant cells, causing further damage. Thrips are particularly attracted to young and tender plant tissues. The feeding activity of thrips can result in stippling or silvering of leaves, distorted growth, and the formation of necrotic or discoloured patches.

Greenlife solution on Thrips

• HERITAGE GOLD 250 SC 5ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
• LEXUS 247 SC 8ml +Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.
• KINGCODE ELITE 50EC 8ml + Integra 3ml in 20 litres of water.

Diseases and Greenlife Chemical Controls

Powdery Mildew:

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects various cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and oats. It appears as a white or grey powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and heads, leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and poor grain quality.
Solutions;

• BOTRI ACT 700 SC at a rate of 10ml in 20L (500ml per Hectare)
• DOMAIN 25% EC at a rate of 10ml in 20L (500ml per Hectare)
• TRAVONET 750 WDG at a rate of 4g in 20L (225g per Hectare)
• ABSOLUTE STAR 400 SC at a rate of 10ml in 20L (400ml per Hectare)

Septoria Leaf Spot:

Septoria leaf spot, caused by the fungus Septoria spp., affects cereals such as wheat and barley. It causes small, dark spots with a yellow halo on the leaves, which can coalesce and lead to significant leaf damage, reduced photosynthesis, and yield loss.
Solutions;

• TRAVONET 750 WDG at a rate of 4g in 20L (225g per Hectare)
• AFFAIR TOP 800 WDG at a rate of 5g in 20L (225g per Hectare)
• MILESTONE EXTREME 390 EC at a rate of 5ml in 20L (225ml per Hectare)

Leaf Rust:

Leaf rust is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia spp. It affects cereal crops, especially wheat, and appears as orange or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves. It can cause significant damage to the foliage, reducing photosynthesis and yield.

Solutions;

• DUCASSE 250 EW at a rate of 10ml in 20L (500ml per Hectare)
• CUSTODIA 700 WDG at a rate of 6g in 20L (300g per Hectare)
• CANTONA 230 EC at a rate of 20ml in 20L (1.0L per Hectare)
• ABSOLUTE STAR 400 SC at a rate of 10ml in 20L (400ml per Hectare)

Stem rust:

Characterized by pustules that develop and break through the surface of the stem, leaves ad sheath.
Solutions;

• DUCASSE 250 EW at a rate of 10ml in 20L (500ml per Hectare)
• CUSTODIA 700 WDG at a rate of 6g in 20L (300g per Hectare)
• CANTONA 230 EC at a rate of 20ml in 20L (1.0L per Hectare)
• ABSOLUTE STAR 400 SC at a rate of 10ml in 20L (400ml per Hectare)