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Farmer-driven, independent trials conducted in northern England are showing some encouraging results when using biopesticides against septoria in winter wheat crops.

The twin challenges of increasing CSFB resistance to pyrethoids and the negative impact of these insecticides on natural insect predators of the pest came under the spotlight at the AICC conference.

Keeping on top of weeds will be particularly important this spring after difficulties with autumn control and a wet, mild winter. But a new herbicide is at hand to help.

Dealing with the consequences of crop failure is testing for many growers this season.

The Government is set to introduce E10 fuel by 2021 to help the UK meet its net zero target, following years of farming industry lobbying.

While disease pressure may be lower in late-drilled, thinner wheats, difficulties with leaf identification and timings as crops rush through growth stages will make fungicide applications challenging.

It is likely the virus yellows forecast for the sugar beet crop will be ‘high risk’ for a second successive year.

Data and technology firm, Yagro is inviting arable farmers to take part in its Tech Check scheme, after being awarded a Government grant to improve productivity through better use of software on England’s farms.

Work being undertaken into alternative uses for sugar and sugar beet in the Netherlands to maximise the crop’s potential was the focus of the 2020 NFU Sugar breakout session at the NFU conference.

With potato growers having to cope with a ban on the use of CIPC effective from this autumn, AHDB is offering free one-to-one potato store visits via its new Storage Network.