HGCA RECOMMENDED LIST CEREAL TRIALS PROTOCOL

Transcription

1 PROTOCOL CER FEBRUARY 2011 HGCA RECOMMENDED LIST CEREAL TRIALS PROTOCOL This protocol was believed to comply with relevant agrochemical, environmental and other regulations at the time of writing but it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that it continues to comply. In the event of non-compliance the protocol should not be followed but the Technical Manager should be notified at once of how the protocol requirements would breach regulations. Any deviation from this protocol other than under the circumstances described above may result in a breach of contract and should be agreed in advance. AHDB-HGCA, STONELEIGH PARK, KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE, CV8 2TL Page 1

2 HGCA RECOMMENDED LIST TRIALS PROTOCOL Hyperlinks are provided for quick navigation of this document. To return to your original reading point, press Alt and the Left Arrow keys. PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACTS TRIAL DISTRIBUTION DESCRIPTION OF TRIAL TYPES SOIL TYPE DEFINITIONS TRIAL SPECIFICATIONS Trial specifications for winter wheat Trial specifications for late autumn sown wheat Trial specifications for spring sown spring wheat Trial specifications for winter barley Trial specifications for spring barley Trial specifications for winter oats Trial specifications for spring oats Trial specifications for winter triticale Trial specifications for winter rye TRIAL DESIGN AND TREATMENTS... 8 PART 2 - THE TRIALS SYSTEM GENERAL RANDOMISATION OF TRIALS PLOT DIMENSIONS, DISCARDS AND SURROUND TRIAL SEED DRILLING Target populations: HUSBANDRY GUIDELINES Site Selection Timing of sowing Pesticides Harvesting COMPLETION OF RECORDS Early data (Site data, location and plan details) Disease data Harvest data Agronomic data recording Disease assessment, recording and sampling for UKCPVS TRIAL SAMPLES AND QUALITY TESTING Introduction Quality assurance Sampling protocol Sample types: Taking samples Storage and drying: Packaging and transporting samples: Instruction relating to specific sample types Dispatch notification: TRIAL INSPECTION Page 2

3 PART 3 - APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 - FUNGICIDE PROTOCOL APPENDIX 2 PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR PROTOCOL APPENDIX 3 - GROWTH STAGE KEY APPENDIX 4 - WINTER HARDINESS ASSESSMENT KEY APPENDIX 5 - FOLIAR DISEASE ASSESSMENT KEY APPENDIX 6 - EAR BLIGHT OF WHEAT KEY APPENDIX 7 - WHEAT GLUME BLOTCH KEY APPENDIX 8 - EYESPOT OF WHEAT KEY APPENDIX 9 - DETERMINATION OF DRY MATTER ON CEREALS APPENDIX 10 - DEADLINES AND MILESTONES 2010/ Page 3

4 Part 1 - General information 1.1 Contacts Office postal address: AHDB-HGCA, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL Workbooks and all other data should be ed to trials@hgca.com RL Team contact details Technical Manager (This is the primary technical contact). Mr Bill Handley Tel: Fax: Mobile: bill.handley@hgca.com Database Executive (This is the primary contact for workbooks and other data issues). Mrs Joanne Soule Tel: Fax: E mail: trials@hgca.com Analysis & Publications Manager Mrs Claire Osborne Tel: Fax: E mail: claire.osborne@hgca.com Contracts & administration Ms Denise Lawson Tel: Fax: Mobile: E mail: denise.lawson@hgca.com RL Manager Dr Jim McVittie Tel: Mobile: E mail: jim.mcvittie@hgca.com Trial consultant (part-time) Mr Peter Hanson Mobile: E mail: peter.hanson@hgca.com Page 4

5 1.2 Trial distribution See HGCA RL trial and pack options for operators.xls for full details of the trials under tender. For winter wheat, winter barley and spring barley, individual trials may be specified to be grown for specific end uses e.g. bread-making, biscuit-making, malt for brewing, malt for distilling or for feed. If the intended trial end use is not specified, the contractor should agree the intended end-use with the Technical Manager before drilling. 1.3 Description of trial types Core: Two trials with different treatments: +F, +PGR, F,+PGR or +F,-PGR, all taken to yield. Regional (treated only): Three replications incomplete plot design, which should receive a full fungicide programme. Plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments are specific to individual crops. Disease Observation Plots (DOPs): These trials must receive no fungicide: the PGR programme should be as for the associated treated trial. DOPs are not taken to yield. They can be whole plots, short plots or untreated ends of plots (by prior arrangement - minimum length 4 metres). The order of sowing for DOPs (if associated with a yield trial) will be the same as rep 1 of the yield trial. Extra care should be taken to avoid fungicide spray drift from adjacent plots and records should be made at the end furthest from any fungicide treated area. Lodging: These trials must receive a full fungicide programme but no PGR. Husbandry and management, such as nitrogen top dressing, should be adjusted to induce lodging in weaker strawed varieties and thus may be different to the neighbouring yield plots. The trials are not taken to yield. Observations can be made on whole plots, short plots or untreated ends of plots (by prior arrangement - minimum length 4 metres). The order of sowing for Lodging trials (if associated with a yield trial) will be the same as reps 2 and 3 of the yield trial. Extra care should be taken to avoid spray drift from adjacent plots and records should be made at the end furthest from any PGR treated areas. Page 5

6 1.4 Soil type definitions Descriptor Soil type Definition L Light sand soils Shallow Soils which are sand, loamy sand or sandy loam to 40 cm depth and are sand or loamy sand between 40 and 80 cm, or over sandstone rock. Soils over chalk, limestone or other rock where the parent material is within 40 cm of the soil surface. Sandy soils developed over sandstone rock should be regarded as light sand soils. M Medium Medium textured soil that does not fall into other category. Deep clay soils H Soils with predominantly sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay or clay topsoil overlying clay subsoil. Deep clay soils normally need artificial field drainage. Deep fertile soils Soils of sandy silt loam, silt loam to silty clay loam textures to 100 cm depth or more. Silt soils formed on marine alluvium; warp soils (formed on river alluvium) and brickearth soils (formed on wind blown material) will be in this category. Organic soils Soils that are predominantly mineral with between 6 and 20% organic matter. These can O be distinguished by darker colouring that stains the fingers black or grey and gives the soil a silty feel. Peaty soils Soils that contain more than 20% organic matter derived from sedge or similar peat material. C (L) Chalky soil. Specific chalky soil within the L group described above. B (L) Limestone brash Specific limestone brash within the L group described above. soil. W (L) Wold Wold soil over chalk within the L group described above. F (O) Black Fen soil. Black fen within the O group described above. S (H) Silts Silty soils that are within the H group described above. 1.5 Trial specifications Trial specifications for winter wheat Sowing date: E M L Early sown before the end of September with first cereals to be sown as soon as seed availability allows (usually from 17 September). Medium sowing date in the first half of October. Later sowing in the second half of October to the middle of November with a preference for trials to be drilled in November. Rotational position: 1 First wheat crop after a non-cereal break crop, set aside or oats. 2 Second or later cereal crop excluding oats. Page 6

7 1.5.2 Trial specifications for late autumn sown wheat Sowing date: to be sown in the second half of November or December. All trials must be drilled before the end of December. Disease Observation Plots: should include all spring wheat varieties and winter wheat controls only. Management is as described under winter wheat Trial specifications for spring sown spring wheat Sowing should be after the beginning of February. Where defined, rotational position should be as described for winter wheat above. At some sites, Recommended List varieties may be grown together (combined) with National List ones Trial specifications for winter barley End use specification: Malt Feed Trial to be grown to produce 1.65% to 1.8% grain nitrogen with maximum yield. Grown to produce the maximum yield for feed Trial specifications for spring barley End use Specification: M - D M - B Feed Trial to be grown to produce quality sample for distilling. Target grain nitrogen is 1.45% to 1.6% with maximum yield. Trial to be grown to produce quality sample for export and brewing. Target grain nitrogen is 1.65% to 1.75% with maximum yield. Grown to produce the maximum yield for feed Trial specifications for winter oats Three replications complete plot (or if >15 varieties, incomplete plot) design separate +F, +PGR and +F,-PGR trials, both taken to yield. Non-yield Disease Observation Plots (DOPs) are to be grown at four sites. At some sites, Recommended List varieties may be grown together (combined) with National List ones Trial specifications for spring oats Three replications complete plot (or if >15 varieties, incomplete plot) design: separate +F and -F trials, both taken to yield. PGR may be applied to the +F trial only if there is a high risk of severe lodging. At some sites, Recommended List varieties may be grown together (combined) with National List ones. Page 7

8 1.5.8 Trial specifications for winter triticale Theses are managed trials, that is; trials are normally not treated with fungicide but it may be applied if severe disease (such as yellow rust) is establishing - see Appendix Trial specifications for winter rye Trials are fungicide treated but an extra, untreated replicate or plot area DOP should be sown for disease assessment. 1.6 Trial design and treatments Trial plans will be generated by the Database Executive and transferred to the appropriate trial centres in electronic format as Excel workbooks (one for each trial). Instructions concerning the recording and transfer of data will be issued separately. In exceptional circumstances, additional varieties may be added to trials with the prior approval of the Technical Manager. Fungicide and PGR treatments are described under each crop specification above and/or in Appendix 1 and 2. These form part of the trial contract and may constitute a breach of the contract if not adhered to. Treated trials will be treated with a standard fungicide programme. The fungicide protocol for use until January 2012 is given in Appendix 1, after which a revised version will be circulated for use. The PGR protocol for use until January 2012 is given in Appendix 2, after which a revised version will be circulated for use. These should be applied unless, in the opinion of the trial manager, the lodging risk is negligible or where their use may have a deleterious effect on yield e.g. if plants are showing symptoms of stress. Any decision not to treat should be made after consultation with the Technical Manager. Replication Yield trials will normally have at least 3 replications, lodging trials two reps and DOPs one rep. Part 2 - The Trials System 2.1 General The trial manager will be responsible for the choice of site, and for the establishment, supervision, recording and harvesting of the trial. There are no GM varieties in Recommended List trials and RL trials must not be grown adjacent to any trial or crop containing genetically modified (GM) plants without the express permission of the Technical Manager. Trials must also not be grown on or close to land previously used for GM trials. Any decision to abandon the trial must be taken in consultation with the Technical Manager. Page 8

9 In principle, the husbandry of the trial should be appropriate to achieve highest quality and yield. All records must be clear and self-explanatory so that the trial can be carried on "at a moment's notice" by another manager without difficulty. 2.2 Randomisation of trials In an incomplete block design, any splitting within superblocks must ensure that blocks stay complete. Any movement of varieties to avoid clustering must be within sub-blocks and not between. If there are any problems with the plan or adjusting it to fit to the field, the Database Executive should be consulted. If changes to the supplied randomisation are made, the trial manager must advise the Database Executive of the changes within two days of sowing. This should be done by clearly highlighting the changes in sheet Trial plan 2 within the workbook and returning it to the Database Executive. On receipt of the returned workbook the Database Executive will ensure that the stored plan is correct and that the de-randomising features of the workbook is working correctly. A modified version will be returned if necessary. 2.3 Plot dimensions, discards and surround It is essential that the plot size suits the intended plot equipment and contractors should discuss their plans with the Technical Manager prior to drilling to ensure that this is the case. Plots must have a minimum drilled width of 1.1 m (row width * number of rows) and an inter-plot gap of a maximum 0.55 m to give a total width of not less than 1.65m. Plot length must be not less than 9.0 m after trimming back for harvest but may have to be longer depending on the harvesting equipment available. It may be necessary to harvest untreated reps before the treated ones so space must be left to allow this to occur without damaging other treatments Where varieties tend to exhibit large maturity differences (e.g. winter barley and winter oats) varieties may be grouped to allow early maturing varieties to be harvested without damaging neighbouring plots. It is the responsibility of the trial manager to ensure such trials are laid out to allow the sequential harvesting of these blocks. At least one discard plot must be sown on the outside edge of the trial. The trials manager must lay out the trials to ensure that there is no drift of fungicide or PGR onto plots that should be untreated. The following is a guide as to the distances found to be required in practise: From the end of one yield plot to the start of the next yield plot. Page 9 A minimum distance of 1.5 m of discard material or 2m of pathway. However, where plot ends are being left unsprayed for disease or lodging evaluation it is permissible for the total length to be 4 m to allow a 2 m "gap" and 2 m to record.

10 From the side of a plot to the side of the first plot of another treatment: Two plots (one sprayed and one unsprayed) when spraying by hand up and down the plots. Three plots (the first sprayed) when spraying by machine across the plots. All plots must be measured for length before harvest. 2.4 Trial seed The seed has been supplied for trial purposes only, and must not be used for further multiplication or any purpose other than that specified by HGCA unless special permission has been obtained. Seed supplied by HGCA must be used only for trials and tests specified by them. The seed will be treated with a standard seed dressing to give protection against certain seedling and seed-borne diseases. An insecticide dressing may also be applied. Full details of the chemical treatment will accompany the seed. Variety names, codes, thousand seed weight and germination information will be sent to trial managers by . Bulks of seed sufficient to sow the specified trials will be sent to trial managers. It is the responsibility of each trial manager to prepare plot packets from the bulk of seed supplied and to ensure that the correct plant population is achieved. Surplus seed may be used for discard and buffer plots or filling in but for no other purpose without the prior consent of the Technical Manager. Note that in oats, special plots are required for the setting of the combine (see harvesting guidelines, section 2.6.4). It is the responsibility of individual trial managers to obtain seed for the area immediately surrounding the trial. 2.5 Drilling The amount of seed sown per plot must be adjusted according to the thousand seed weight and germination for each individual seed lot. Page 10

11 2.5.1 Target populations: The following table gives the target population in plants per m 2. These are the final plant population per m 2 after any losses due to poor germination or establishment. It is the responsibility of the trial manager to decide the seed rate required to achieve these target populations. Population plants/m2 Crop England, Wales and N. Ireland Scotland Winter wheat *September sowings: 200 (hybrids 140) *October sowings: 250 (hybrids 175) Nov/Dec sowings: 300 (hybrids 210) Winter barley 275 (hybrids 193) 320 (hybrids 225) Winter oats Spring wheat (autumn sown) Spring wheat (spring sown) Spring barley Spring oats Triticale Rye (hybrids ) Hybrids seed numbers are 70% of conventional. * If drilling is delayed more than 2 weeks outside of the drilling window then the trial should be repackaged to provide the higher target population Seed rate calculation: Experience has shown that in many situations the following establishment assumptions are appropriate: Page 11 Winter wheat, barley and oats 90% Spring wheat, late autumn sown 80% Spring sown trials 90% However, establishment may be higher or lower than this depending on factors such as time of sowing, soil type and weather conditions. Trial managers should use an establishment figure that they feel is appropriate to their situation. The following formulae may be used to calculate the amount of seed to be sown. Weight of seed per plot = Seed rate (kg/ha) x Drilled plot area / 10

12 Seed rate (kg/ha) = ((target population * thousand seed weight) * 100) / (establishment % * germination %) Drilled plot area = drilled plot length (m) x drilled plot width (number of drilled rows x inter row dimension (m)). 2.6 Husbandry guidelines Site Selection This should deliver a site to the required specification. Care should be taken in the selection of the site, which should be away from headlands and trees with uniform soil slope and drainage and free from perennial weeds. When a site has been selected the ph should be checked under dry conditions and the soil type identified using RB 209 guidelines. The trial manager must have the permission of the host farmer for access to the trial at all reasonable times with or without machinery Timing of sowing Target sowing dates are given in the trial specification. It is important that these times are achieved particularly for early sown trials. If it proves impossible to sow in the target window the Technical Manager should be consulted but do not miss a sowing opportunity while waiting to hear from him. The Technical Manager will expect to receive documentary evidence of why a sowing window was missed and failure to provide such evidence will be regarded as a breach of contract Pesticides Every effort is made to ensure that all products selected for use on RL trials are approved and rates and timings comply with those shown on the product label. However, it is the responsibility of the trial manager to check that all applications (and the application machinery used) are legal and compliant. The details of all agrochemicals applied must be noted in the Agchem details sheet of the trial workbook Herbicides Chemicals must not be used to which any variety is known to be sensitive. If in doubt, the Technical Manager should be consulted (see address Page 3) Fungicides Fungicides must only be applied to those trials designed for fungicide treatments. The fungicide protocol is reviewed annually and circulated at the beginning of the calendar year (the protocol for use until January 2012 is given in Appendix 1). The programme is designed to allow varieties to attain full potential by keeping disease to a minimum. The protocol has to be effective in a range of varieties with varying degrees of genetic resistance and in order to achieve this the most effective products are chosen and often used at (legal) rates that are higher than those used commercially. It is not meant to replicate commercial practise. Page 12

13 The schedules comprise a core of 'compulsory' applications with supplementary 'optional' ones. All compulsory applications must be made at the prescribed growth stage and dose rate, irrespective of disease levels in the trial. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to deviate from the programme, e.g. additional sprays may be required during periods of extremely high disease pressure, or reduced rates may be required for drought stressed trials under low disease pressure. The Technical Manager must be notified before taking such a decision and given at least one working day to respond. If any deviation is made to the protocol, please alert the Technical Manager and record the facts in the trial diary Fertilisers Fertiliser applications should take into account inherent fertility, previous cropping, winter rainfall, the best local practice and advisory guidelines (e.g. RB 209 or SAC T516). Care should be taken to provide adequate P, K and S taking into account local circumstances. Nitrogen applications should be tailored to give maximum yield within the constraints of obtaining the appropriate grain protein contents for intended use e.g. bread-making or malting. In England and Wales PLANET software is a useful tool for determining the nutrient requirements of individual fields. See Winter wheat and spring wheat: A number of trials are pre-selected to be managed to produce samples either for bread-making or biscuit-making milling and baking tests. These trials should be managed accordingly, i.e. trials managers at bread-making sites should aim to produce samples with grain protein content of 13% or more whereas at biscuit-making sites the target is around %. An application of sulphur in early spring is now widely regarded as beneficial to most crops and essential for quality. Bread sites: 506, 509, 514, 515, 520, 523 and 527. Biscuit sites: 507, 508, 512 and 526 In order to boost grain protein content at the bread-making sites only, an additional kg/ha of nitrogen should be applied at GS 37 for granular nitrogen or up to growth stage 73 for foliar urea. Trial managers should contact the Technical Manager if they feel that they are unlikely to make a bread-making specification of 13% protein to discuss whether or not the late treatment should be applied. This late application is not required for other sites. Winter barley and spring barley malting management: Some trials are designated for the production of malting barley and applications should be tailored to achieve the highest yield possible within the specified grain nitrogen range. The timing and rates of application of nitrogen fertiliser to malting barley is critical and trials operators should consult advisory publications and advisors in order to produce the best possible samples for the assessment of malting quality. Early N application is advisable - by mid March for winter barley and by the 3-leaf stage (GS 13) for spring barley (application to the seedbed is Page 13

14 commonly practised for spring barley). To delay beyond these timings may increase grain nitrogen to unacceptable levels. For all other trials, not designated as malting the application of nitrogen should be the optimum for yield and physical grain quality following advisory guidelines. Disease Observation Plots (DOPs): These should be managed to create high disease levels. Lodging trials: These should be managed (by increasing the N applied) such that varieties with weaker straw will lodge Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) The PGR protocol is reviewed annually and circulated at the beginning of the calendar year (the protocol for use until January 2012 is given in Appendix 2). There are restrictions on the use of plant growth regulators in ALL crops, as well as special directions for their use specifically in variety trials. The manufacturer s instructions should be followed. Any departure from the protocol must be reported to the Technical Manager Pest control If the trial is in jeopardy, effective control measures e.g. netting, insecticides, molluscicides must be applied to the whole trial. Wheat blossom midges: Wheat blossom midges seek plants that are at specific growth stages and, for this reason, the validity of wheat variety trials can quickly be compromised by relatively low numbers of the pest. Trial managers should use commercially available traps and/or monitor in the early evening to detect the activity of egg-laying adults. Trial managers should use the professional monitoring and risk assessment services that are available and seek advice on methods of control. Gout fly: Gout fly is an increasing problem (especially for early-autumn sown trials and spring wheat) and the risk of attack should be assessed and insurance treatments made if the risk is judged to be high Harvesting It is essential that combines are set correctly using discard plots before starting on yield plots. Grain losses due (for example) to shedding, ear loss and combine losses must be carefully monitored and recorded; the stubble of every plot must be checked for the evidence of such losses and a record taken even if no losses are seen. Page 14

15 Harvesting of oats Premature de-skinning of husked oats can occur if the combine drum-speed is set too high, which can affect yield as well as quality. Visual inspection alone will not reveal the extent of the problem and counts should be undertaken on samples from discard plots specially grown for the purpose. Where possible these discards should be sown with varieties that tend to be susceptible to skinning. The winter oat variety Mascani is one such variety. The number of de-hulled grains in a sample of 100 grains should be counted. Combine settings should be adjusted if over 5 de-hulled grains per 100 grains are observed. 2.7 Completion of records The trial workbook should be used to record all data. A detailed user-guide for the workbooks is available separately. Completed data should be returned to the Database Executive in three batches: Report Deadline Sheets to be returned (return only these sheets: DO NOT return the whole workbook) 1) Early data Autumn sown trials: within 2 months of sowing. Spring sown trials: as soon as possible and within one month of sowing. Site data. Map of area. Field layout sketch. Trial layout. Trial diary. 2) Disease data 11 th July. Disease data recording sheet. Trial diary update. 3) Harvest data Within 5 days of harvest. Harvest data recording sheet. Agchem details. Trial diary update. Plots data sheets contain columns for records likely to be undertaken during the recording period but some may not be needed; any additional recording columns will be supplied in a separate file: these additional recording columns should be pasted whole into the relevant data sheet using the Copy/paste function (i.e. select, copy and paste the whole column) Early data (Site data, location and plan details) This information should be returned shortly after full establishment and within two months of sowing. This report should include: Page 15

16 Confirmation of sowing to plan or full details of any changes to plan. This should be done by clearly highlighting the changes in the sheet Trial plan 2 contained in the workbook. On receipt of the returned workbook the Database Executive will ensure that the plan has been modified correctly and that the de-randomising features of the workbook are working. If necessary, a modified workbook will then be returned for use by the trial manager. Completed site data 1 sheet. Map of area. Site location details i.e. how to get to the field by road. Field layout sketch. Sketch showing the layout of the trial(s) in the field, in relation to other trials and showing access roads, gates etc. Trial layout. Trial sketch showing plot numbers and variety IDs. A short post-establishment report of the condition of the trial in the diary sheet Disease data To be submitted no later than 11 th July. This must contain all disease data recorded to date. Disease records must be returned in this report to allow their inclusion in the database for new ratings, which are calculated shortly after this date. Any disease records taken after this date should be returned with harvest data: they will be included in the database for future use. Any notes made since the first submission of data should be shown on the trial diary sheet, which should also be returned Harvest data This sheet will contain: All plot data, including yield, dry matter and all remaining agronomic data (see 2.7.4). Trial treatments and agrochemical inputs. Trial diary comments. Note any factors that may affect the validity of the trial Agronomic data recording The list below details the records required and the scales that should be used. Data should be recorded in the Excel recording sheets within the trial workbooks. De-rand : a de-randomising facility will allow you to conduct an initial validation of the data. The growth stage must be recorded for each observation. The correct growth stage key is given in Appendix 3. Plot numbers and variety codes must correspond to those on the trial plan within the workbook. Page 16

17 In order to make records comparable across sites, it is essential that the names and units used should be as indicated in capital letters below. Records of other characters will be processed and stored but may not be used. Data must be taken from all plots unless noted to the contrary. Characters and Scales: Characters to be recorded are listed below. They are listed as:- 1. Obligatory, where the trials must be scored routinely even though the character may be scored at zero for the whole trial - particularly useful in characters such as lodging. 2. Selected sites, where records are required from a sub-set of the UK trials only. The list of trial sites from which data are required are listed below. 3. If present, e.g. disease. 4. Optional, at the discretion of the trials manager. Agronomic characters: WINTER HARDINESS (1-9) Obligatory, from all autumn sown plots. After any period of cold weather, varieties should be scored on a 1-9 scale where 9 = no damage. See Appendix 4. STRAW LENGTH(cm) Obligatory. Record all plots in Lodging (L) trials where available and in the control plots only in the co-located T and U yield plots. Straw length records are not required from DOP plots. Crop Record in trial number: Wheat trials: All plots: 501L, 504L, 506L, 519L, 522L, 523L, 524L, 527L, 531L. Control plots only: all yield trials (T & U). No records required from DOPs. Late sown WW/SW all plots: 401T, 536T, 402T, 537T Spring sown spring wheat all plots: 403T, 404T, 538T Winter barley trials: Spring Barley trials: Other crops All plots: 602L, 604L, 606L, 610L, 612L, 616L, 618L Control plots only: all yield trials (T & U). No records required from DOPs. All plots: *621T, 624L, 634L, 635L, *636T, *638T, 639L (* If PGR is applied to these trials record controls only.) Control plots only: all other yield trials (T & U) Record DOPs if no PGR has been applied. Record all plots in all trials Page 17

18 Using a graduated rod the general height of the plot should be measured from one point in the plot chosen at random (but avoiding abnormal areas). The measurement should be from ground level to the top of the ear, ignoring awns. LODGING% Obligatory, from all plots Where areas of the plot have gone down, from the base of the plant to an angle greater than 45º to the vertical. Lodging should be recorded immediately it occurs, as there may be observable differences at this stage that cannot later be seen. Later assessment may be considered valuable and an assessment at harvest must always be made even where no lodging is observed (i.e. all values are 0). An additional record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. Trial managers should routinely check for eyespot during recording and note whether or not it is present in the plots recorded. STEM LODGING% *obligatory, from all plots ROOT LODGING% *obligatory, from all plots There are two types of lodging, stem lodging and root lodging. Root lodging is the result of a failure below ground. The whole root structure moves as forces acting on the plant above ground overcome the plants anchorage, allowing the plant to fall. Where lodging has occurred, examine the plots and assess what proportion of the lodging is above ground (stem) or below ground (root) lodging. This record does not replace the standard lodging and leaning scores and the sum total of root and stem lodging must equal the total lodging score. *The differentiation between these two types of lodging may not be possible where both types are present within plots. Advise the Technical Manager if this is the case. BRACKLING% Obligatory, from all plots This term refers to buckling of the straw at a point well above ground level. It occurs particularly in barley and oats, when the crop has become over-ripe but varietal differences may occur at an earlier stage. An additional record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. RIPENING DATE Obligatory. Records for this character must be taken from all yield plots. Assessed when the grain is first hard, difficult to divide by thumbnail (Growth stage 91). The crop may not necessarily be ready to cut at this stage. For oats it may be necessary to use straw colour as the criterion for ripeness. The date should be given numerically as day, month, and year and written in full for each plot. Page 18

19 Example: 02/07/12 Ripening date can be assessed as described below. The assessment should take place where the earliest variety is at growth stage 91. Use a 1-9 scale to record maturity: Ripe 2 days 4 days 6 days 8 days 10 days 12 days 14 days 16 days later later later later later later later later Record each plot in the trial on the 1 to 9 scale. A second visit to confirm the earlier observation would be advisable. Convert the 1 to 9 scale to dates. PLEASE SEND IN THE RIPENING DATES NOT THE 1-9 ASSESSMENTS. Example Plot Score (2/8/12) Estimated ripening date /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/ /08/12 NECKING% Obligatory, from all plots Creasing of the straw just below the ear in the mature plant. A record must be made at harvest even if the necking is the character has been recorded previous Page 19

20 EAR LOSS(1-9) Obligatory from all winter and spring barley plots. If present in other crops. Usually occurs in barley as a result of necking. This is an important field character and must be assessed if present at the time of harvest. Estimate the number of ears lost per m2 for the plot(s) with the most losses so that the approximate yield loss can be estimated. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. BIRD DAMAGE(1-9) Obligatory, from all plots Assessments must be made wherever it occurs in a trial since decisions have to be made on the validity of each plot affected. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. %WHITEHEADS WHOLE PLOTS If present, from all plots Record the occurrence of whiteheads within the trial. Note the likely cause(s) of the whiteheads. SHEDDING(1-9) Obligatory from all wheat and oat plots. If present in other crops. Occurs mainly in wheat and oats in the mature plant. Estimate the number of grains lost per m2 for the plot(s) with the most losses so that the approximate yield loss can be estimated. A record must be made at harvest even if the character has been recorded previously. SPROUTING% Obligatory from all plots. If sprouting is seen in harvested samples, the quality analysis co-ordinator must be informed so that the reference samples from the trial can be scored for sprouting damage. COMBINE LOSSES(1-9) Obligatory, from all plots. 9 = no losses. Combine losses must be assessed if the losses are thought sufficient to exclude the yield data from results. Estimate the number of grains lost per m 2 for the plot(s) with the most losses so that the approximate yield loss can be estimated. HARVEST DATE Page 20

21 Obligatory, from all plots where the trial is not harvested on one day. Record in the format dd/mm/yyyy. YIELD(KG) and DRY MATTER% Obligatory from yield plots. Notify the Technical Manager that harvest has taken place on the day of harvest, or first thing the following day. Yield with dry matter must be returned in report 4 within 5 days of the harvest of the trial, together with any outstanding other data. Plot dimensions Plot length Plot width The plot length harvested, in metres The width of the harvested plot in metres from outer row to outer row plus half of the inter plot gap. If the inter-plot gap varies it should be measured for each plot Growth stage: usually 92 at harvest Record all plots. The fresh yield must be recorded in kg. Any tare weight must be subtracted before submitting the data. Any factors which may have affected the yield of the trial or individual plots should be noted and accompany the yield data. If, within the harvested plot area, any drill rows, or part of rows are missing the following information should be supplied: i.) The plot number containing the missing row(s). ii.) The length of row(s) missing. iii.) Whether the missing row is internal or one of the two outer ones. iv.) The number of rows normally drilled. v.) The dimension between drilled rows (in metres) The dry matter % of each plot must be determined. This can be assessed electronically by the oven method, moisture analyser (within a specified moisture range), or NMR (see Appendix 9). Page 21

22 2.7.5 Disease assessment, recording and sampling for UKCPVS Diseases to be assessed: The trials manager has a duty of care to ensure that the disease present is the one recorded. If in any doubt expert diagnosis should be obtained. Winter wheat Spring wheat Winter barley Winter triticale Winter rye Spring barley Winter oats Spring oats Mildew Yellow Rust Brown Rust Crown Rust + + *Septoria nodorum *Septoria tritici + +(ASW) + + Rhynchosporium + + Net Blotch + + Fusarium ear blight + + Green leaf area Eyespot + +(ASW) Whiteheads % + + ASW: spring wheat sown in the late autumn. * In mixed infections of S.nodorum and S.tritici:- either: if one species is clearly dominant (75% or more of lesions) record all symptoms as that species. or: if the two species are approximately equal, record all symptoms as 'Septoria spp%' Other diseases (e.g. eyespot, sharp eyespot, ear infection by Septoria nodorum) must be assessed if there are clear varietal differences. Timing of assessments: At or slightly before GS 31 GS GS GS Record foliar disease if moderate infections (around 5%) occur in any plot. WINTER BARLEY ONLY. Check carefully for Rhynchosporium infection and record all plots if any infection is seen within a treatment (i.e. there is no need to record treated plots if disease has been controlled by an earlier fungicide application). An assessment of foliar disease is required if moderate infections (around 5% in untreated plots or 2% in treated plots) develop in any plot. Assess all foliar diseases that reach 5% infection in any one plot during this period. The precise timing is best judged by the Trial Manager in relation to disease development. It may be appropriate to assess different diseases at different stages within this period (e.g. mildew might be better assessed relatively early and brown rust late). When assessing diseases, also record the percentage green leaf area (GREEN LEAF AREA%) remaining on the leaves being assessed. Page 22

23 Assessment keys: The following keys should be used: Foliar diseases - NIAB-TAG Key No 11. (APPENDIX 5) Fusarium ear blight - NIAB-TAG Key No 13. (APPENDIX 6) Ear infection by Septoria nodorum - ADAS Key No (APPENDIX 7) Eyespot - NIAB-TAG Key No 12 (APPENDIX 8) Disease may be recorded on a 1-9 scale but the data must be submitted as a percentage score. Both scales are given in the assessment keys. For diseases or disorders for which no standard key exists, a scale which increases with severity should be used. Values may not exceed 100. The character and units used in assessment must be clearly recorded (e.g. Black speckling % leaf area). General Assessment Procedures: i) Only assess diseases which reach a minimum of 5% infection in any one untreated plot. Where disease is present in fungicide treated trials, please see (vii) ii) Each time a trial is assessed for disease, please enter a comment on the status of diseases which have not been assessed e.g. that they are absent or less than 5%. iii) Assess disease in the plots in all replicates of the trial (even if all values are 0, e.g. in treated plots). iv) Assess foliar diseases on a 'whole-plot' basis, i.e. make an overall assessment of the average percentage infection on all tillers in a small area of the plot and repeat at a minimum of 4 points in each plot. Do not restrict examination to individual tillers or individual leaves. v) Where primary foci of high infection occur, these should be averaged over the plot as a whole - % infection in focus x % plot area of focus e.g. a primary focus of 50% leaf area infection occupying 5% of the plot area should be recorded as 2.5% (50% x 5% = 2.5%). When foci exist for rusts and Rhynchosporium also record the maximum percentage infection seen on each plot. vi) For foliar diseases, examine the top 4 leaves. As the lower leaves senescence naturally at later growth stages it will become necessary to examine only the top 3 or 2 leaves or, in the case of very late assessments, the flag leaves alone. Also record the percentage green leaf area (GREEN LEAF AREA%) remaining on the leaves being assessed. vii) Fungicide treated trials must be inspected for failure to control disease. A full record must be taken if the infection level for any disease reaches 5% or greater. A comment on the disease levels in treated trials should accompany all disease records from the corresponding untreated trials. Page 23

24 Disease names: Only the accepted disease names and units may be used, exactly as specified below: MILDEW% SEPTORIA NODORUM% CROWN RUST% SEPTORIA NODORUM EAR% SEPTORIA TRITICI% CROWN RUST MAX% YELLOW RUST% SEPTORIA SPP% FUSARIUM EAR% YELLOW RUST MAX% RHYNCHOSPORIUM% EYESPOT DI BROWN RUST% RHYNCHOSPORIUM MAX% SHARP EYESPOT DI BROWN RUST MAX% NET BLOTCH% BYMV (0-5) BYDV% Disease data should be returned in report 2, within 5 days of harvest. If no disease assessments have been made on untreated trials during the period GS 60 (beginning of anthesis) and GS 80 (late milk/early dough), the fact should be recorded and an message sent to the co-ordinators by the deadline. Sampling for UKCPVS The United Kingdom Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) is a Defra and HGCA funded project, which seeks to provide early detection of virulence to specific disease resistance factors in varieties and plant breeding programmes. It also provides information for variety diversification schemes and monitors fungicide insensitivity in some pathogens. The survey is dependent on the return of diseased leaf samples from crops and trials around the country and variety trial plots that are untreated with fungicide are an ideal source of such samples. It is therefore now a contract requirement that all trials contracted since April 2004 must provide samples where specified disease is found on nominated varieties. It is hoped that the managers of trials under existing contracts will also provide samples. Each spring, trial managers will be sent a list of cereal varieties from which disease samples are required, together with full instructions and contact details. The lists will be despatched direct from the UKCPVS Co-ordinator. 2.8 Trial samples and quality testing Introduction Samples for the assessment of quality and moisture content will be required from all yield trials. Full instructions with the appropriate labels and bags will be sent by the Technical Manager prior to harvest. All samples must be despatched by the deadlines specified in Appendix 10. Page 24

25 2.8.2 Quality assurance The quality work undertaken contributes important data to the process of variety evaluation. Small differences between the quality characteristics of varieties may have serious implications for their commercial prospects. The integrity of the quality tests and of the samples provided by trial managers to collaborating laboratories is under continuing scrutiny. Quality assurance checks will be carried out on parameters such as: The time taken to deliver samples to their destination following harvest (making allowances for drying times etc.) Varietal identity and purity Moisture content Damage caused during the harvest or by over heating during drying Infestation of grain by volunteers, weed seeds and pests Disease infection (the amount of damage caused by blossom midge must be recorded if present). Please take every care in the harvest of your samples and give them the highest possible priority. It is essential that all samples are truly representative of the variety from which they are taken Sampling protocol Labels and bags: Labels and bags will be supplied by the Technical Manager prior to harvest. Please check that you have been sent all the labels you require BEFORE HARVEST BEGINS, checking against the sampling protocol. The labels supplied are pre-printed with details of the trial from which the samples are being taken together with the plot number and/or variety identity Sample types: Dry matter samples: Moisture content must be determined from every harvested plot in a trial. There are three accepted methods for determining moisture content: 1) Oven drying, 2) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), for wheat and barley only. 3) Moisture meters. These can only be used for trials where all samples are in the range of 10% to 18% dry matter. Trials with dry matters outside this range must be assessed by the oven or NMR methods. For details of these techniques see Appendix 9. Page 25

26 Quality samples: Use the cloth bags supplied by the Technical Manager. The size of these bags varies and sufficient numbers of the appropriate size should be sent prior to harvest. Please advise the Technical Manager if this is not the case. Each sample must have a label both inside and outside the bag. Each sample bag must be secured tightly using good quality string. Do not use baler string, elastic bands, wire or plastic ties. As much space as possible should be left within the bag to allow for air movement when drying/conditioning Taking samples It is essential that all samples: except for dry matter, are taken from non-lodged plots. are representative of the variety/plot from which they are taken with minimal contamination. When sampling on-combine, it is essential to minimise the risk of contamination by grain of the previous plot. Samples should not be taken until several seconds after grain has started flowing fully from the combine elevator. are taken from the same source. If many samples are required from a trial you should mix the produce from all replicates and sub sample the bulk. However any replicate with lodging in any variety should not be included in the bulk without first consulting the Technical Manager. contain the weight of grain requested. Moisture samples must always be taken at the time of plot weighing. Where a variety is in both fungicide treated and untreated trials, all samples except those for dry matter should be taken from the treated plots only. Quality samples may not be required from every variety - refer to the sample requirement spreadsheet sent before harvest for details Storage and drying: Grain deteriorates extremely quickly if it is stored when damp and under certain conditions can be rendered useless within hours. Malting samples are especially prone to damage because the grain has to germinate to be of any value. It is essential, therefore, that samples are dried to 15% moisture content or below before they are stored OR transported. This should be done on site using a cold/warm air dryer. The drying temperature must not exceed 45 C for barley and 60 C for any other cereals. Where it is necessary to store samples, it is very important that they are stored in good conditions, dry and vermin free. Page 26

27 2.8.7 Packaging and transporting samples: All samples of a similar type should be packaged together and separate from other samples. Strong sacks should be used to hold the samples, which should be clearly labelled with the contents (i.e. the sample type). 25 kg per item is normally the carriers weight limit Instruction relating to specific sample types Full details will be sent prior to harvest Dispatch notification: At the time of despatch of samples please notify the following people that they are in transit by e- mail: The addressee The Technical Manager The Technical Manager must be consulted before discarding any samples. 2.9 Trial inspection All trials will be inspected by the Trial Inspection Operator and, in some cases, it may be necessary to visit on more than one occasion. The requirements for Trials Operators in respect of inspections are as follows: 1. To give reasonable access to trials to inspectors and provide full location and site details If not already given with site data 1). 2. To supply the inspector with information (for example sprays applied etc) within seven days of a request. 3. To co-operate with the inspector in making any non-routine assessments required to establish the validity of the trial (for example population counts). 4. To carry out any action agreed in consultation with the inspector. In particular it is important that any requirement to shorten plots is undertaken and that missing values are returned on any plots which have been dropped from the trial. The trials inspection also provides an opportunity for feed-back to HGCA about any problems with the trials protocol and Trials Operators are encouraged to make any points to the inspector so that these can be considered for future revisions to the protocol. Page 27

28 Part 3 - Appendices Appendix 1 - Fungicide protocol HGCA Recommended List Trials Fungicide Protocol for Cereal Variety Trials 2011 January 2011 Technical Manager: Bill Handley Recommendations by Dr Jim McVittie, BASIS registration number: R/E/2632 This programme is for use on HGCA Recommended List and National List cereal trials in 2010 (spring and summer applications to 2009/10 trials and autumn applications to 2010/11 trials). It is an experimental protocol and is designed to meet the protocol aim of keeping disease levels in treated plots below 5% infection in all varieties and in all trials. It is not intended to follow commercial practise. Please note that most treatments are compulsory and the rates and timings specified should be adhered to as closely as possible. The protocol is robust and, if applied correctly, should be effective: if, however, disease levels rise above 5% (e.g. if weather conditions do not allow optimal application), please contact Bill Handley (RL) or Robert Jackson (NL) to discuss an appropriate course of action. Fungicides must be applied at the stated dose rates unless agreed otherwise with the RL Technical Manager or NL Coordinator. Changes to dose rates will only be sanctioned in exceptional circumstances, such as drought-stressed trials under low disease pressure. Important. Every care has been taken to ensure that all mixtures, rates and timings are approved, meeting COSSH regulations and manufacturer s guidelines. However, it is the responsibility of the trial manager to ensure that they meet all current regulations at the time of application. The Technical Manager must be notified of any conflict between the protocol and current regulations. In accordance with FRAC guidelines, only two applications of strobilurin fungicides are to be applied to any crop. Page 28

29 Products, active substances and manufacturers Product Active substance Manufacturer Amistar azoxystrobin Syngenta Bravo 500 chlorothalonil Syngenta Comet 200 pyraclostrobin BASF Corbel fenpropimorph BASF Flexity metrafenone BASF Folicur tebuconazole Bayer Kayak cyprodinil Syngenta Opus / Epic epoxiconazole BASF Proline prothioconazole Bayer Talius proquinazid DuPont Torch Extra spiroxamine Bayer Tracker boscalid + epoxiconazole BASF Page 29

30 Winter wheat and late autumn sown winter/spring wheat If there is disease infection prior to GS 30, consult the Technical Manager/Coordinator. T0 GS 30 (as earliest varieties reach GS30) T1 GS 32 (most varieties at GS32) but no later than 4 weeks after application TO. T2 GS and no later than 3 weeks after application T1. Talius (0.15 l/ha) + Opus/Epic (0.5 l/ha) Tracker (1.5 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) +Flexity (0.5 l/ha) Opus/Epic (0.75l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) T3 GS Proline (0.8 l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) Spring wheat (spring sown) If there is disease infection prior to GS 30, consult the Technical Manager/Coordinator. T1 GS Talius (0.15 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) + Opus/Epic (0.5 l/ha) T2 GS 37 and no later than 3 weeks after application T1. Opus/Epic (0.75l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.5 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) T3 GS Proline (0.8 l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) Page 30

31 Winter Barley If there is disease infection prior to GS 30, consult the Technical Manager/Coordinator. T0 GS at the start of spring growth. Kayak (1.0 l/ha) + Torch Extra (0.4 l/ha) T1 GS 30/31 but no later than 4 weeks after application T1. Proline (0.8 l/ha) +Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) T2 GS (earliest varieties should not exceed GS 51). If any variety has passed the GS51 timing, contact the Technical manager. Proline (0.8 l/ha) +Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) Do not apply with plant growth regulators if plants are under stress. Spring barley T0 GS Optional if disease present Flexity (0.25 l/ha) + Torch Extra (0.4 l/ha) T1 GS Applications at the earlier end of this range may be necessary if Rhynchosporium or mildew is developing. T2 GS (earliest varieties should not exceed GS 51) but no later than 3 weeks after application T1. If any variety has passed the GS51 timing, contact the Technical manager. Proline (0.8 l/ha) +Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) Proline (0.8 l/ha) +Comet 200 (0.75 l/ha) + Bravo 500 (1.0 l/ha) Page 31

32 Winter oats T0 Mid to late tillering. Corbel (0.5 l/ha) + Opus/Epic (0.5 l/ha) T1 GS 31 Opus/Epic (0.5 l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.5 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) T2 GS Opus/Epic (0.75 l/ha) + Flexity (0.25 l/ha) + Amistar (0.75 l/ha) If crown rust remains a problem following the final application, contact the Technical Manager/Coordinator. Spring Oats T1 Mid to late tillering. Opus/Epic (0.5 l/ha) + Comet 200 (0.5 l/ha) + Talius (0.15 l/ha) T2 GS Opus/Epic (0.75 l/ha) + Flexity (0.25 l/ha) + Amistar (0.75 l/ha) Winter rye & winter triticale T0 GS 30 (may be applied earlier if rust is present) Folicur (0.75 l/ha) + Corbel (0.75 l/ha) or Torch Extra (0.7 l/ha) if rust is developing T1 GS Amistar (1.0 l/ha) + Opus/Epic (0.75 l/ha) + Corbel (0.75 l/ha) T2 GS Amistar (1.0 l/ha) + Opus/Epic (0.75 l/ha) Page 32

33 Appendix 2 Plant growth regulator protocol HGCA Recommended List Trials Plant growth regulator protocol for Cereal Variety Trials The following notes are given for guidance in the use of plant growth regulators on Recommended List trials. The full manufacturer instructions should be consulted prior to the storage, handling or use of any agrochemical product. Table 1: Summary of applications for RL trials: Crop Fungicide treated plots Plots or DOPs without fungicide treatment Lodging trials Winter wheat Yes Yes No Spring wheat Yes Yes N/A (late autumn or spring sown) Winter barley Feed management Yes Yes No Malting management If risk of severe lodging only If risk of severe lodging only Spring barley Feed management If risk of severe lodging only No. Contact Malting management No. Contact Technical Manager if there is a high risk of Technical Manager if there is a risk of severe lodging. No severe lodging. Winter oats To +F/+PGR plots No No only Spring oats If risk of severe No N/A lodging only Winter rye Yes Yes N/A Winter triticale Yes Yes N/A Plant growth regulators must not be applied to trials grown specifically for the assessment of lodging. There are important restrictions relating to the use of plant growth regulators. Crop damage can occur if the manufacturer s guidelines are not followed. Common restrictions are those relating to crops that: are sited on soils of low fertility are suffering from herbicide damage are under stress from drought, waterlogging or any other cause. were sown in the very late spring Trial managers should consult the manufacturer s instructions to see if any of these restrictions apply. IN ALL CASES, PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR SHOULD BE APPLIED TO DESIGNATED PLOTS ONLY AS SPECIFIED IN THE HGCA RECOMMENDED LIST CEREAL TRIALS PROTOCOL. Page 33

34 General guidance and notes specific to the use of PGRs on variety trials Products must be used according to current manufacturer s instructions. It is the responsibility of the trial manager to ensure that the growth stages of all of the varieties in the trial are within the manufacturer s guidelines for use. The following notes are intended to highlight matters of particular relevance to the use of PGR products on variety trials. The Terpal doses in this protocol are below full rate. Consult the Technical Manager if you feel that a higher dose is needed e.g., if there is a risk of severe lodging but be aware that late applications of Terpal (e.g. at around the flag leaf emergence stage) at higher doses can lead to crop damage or stimulate the production of secondary tillers. Winter wheat and late autumn sown spring wheat Product New 5C Cycocel single dose: Rate & timing New 5C Cycocel 1.25 l/ha at GS30-31 or New 5C Cycocel 1.25 l/ha at GS25-30 New 5C Cycocel split dose: followed by New 5C Cycocel 0.75 l/ha at GS31-32 Terpal Optional l/ha (depending on lodging risk and *condition of the crop) at GS32-37 *Terpal should not be applied if, on any variety in the trial, the leaf sheaths have split and the ears are visible. Do not apply Terpal if the crop is suffering from herbicide damage or physical stress caused (e.g.) by waterlogging, drought, take-all. Do not apply in temperatures above 21 o C Moddus. In high lodging risk situations and if applied at GS30, Moddus may be added at l/ha. Later applications may also be permissible contact the Technical Manager. Spring sown spring wheat trials Product New 5C Cycocel Rate & timing Single dose up to 1.25 l/ha at GS Consult the Technical manager if the crop is late sown and/or under stress Terpal and Moddus should not be applied to spring sown spring wheat trials. Page 34

35 Winter barley trials Product New 5C Cycocel Rate & timing New 5C Cycocel 1.25 l/ha GS25-31 (in high lodging risk situations and if applied at GS30, Moddus may be added at l/ha) Terpal Optional 1.0 l/ha at GS32-37(depending on lodging risk and *condition of the crop) PGR should be applied to fungicide treated winter barley feed trials. Do not apply PGR routinely to trials with a malting management. Contact the Technical Manager if it is considered that there is a high lodging risk to a malting trial. * Terpal should not be applied if, on any variety in the trial, the leaf sheaths have split and the ears are visible. Do not apply Terpal if the crop is suffering from herbicide damage or physical stress caused (e.g.) by waterlogging, drought, take-all. Do not apply in temperatures above 21 o C Commercially, an application of Terpal can be made at a reduced rate up to and including first awns visible stage, but control of lodging may not be as good as with the earlier timings and it should not be used for variety trials. Spring barley trials Spring barley trials should not routinely received PGR treatment. However, PGR may be applied to fungicide treated spring barley feed trials only if there is a risk of severe lodging. Do not apply to trials with a malting management. Contact the Technical Manager if you consider that there is a high lodging risk to a malting trial or to an untreated feed trial. Winter & spring oat trials Product Rate & timing New 5C Cycocel Single dose in spring: 2.5 l/ha at GS32 (in spring oats, apply if risk of severe lodging only) Apply routinely as a single application to all appropriate trials (as listed in table 1) unless it is felt that the application is inadvisable, in which case the Technical Manager should be consulted. If the product is being tank-mixed with Corbel, wetter should not be used. Terpal should not be used on oat trials. Winter rye & triticale trials Product Rate & timing New 5C Cycocel New 5C Cycocel (1.25 l/ha) before GS31 Terpal Optional Terpal 1.0 l/ha if required at GS32-*37 Moddus. In high lodging risk situations and if applied at GS30, Moddus may be added at l/ha. Page 35

36 Appendix 3 - Growth stage key SEEDLING GROWTH TILLERING 10 first leaf through coleoptile 20 main shoot only 11 first leaf unfolded 21 main shoot and 1 tiller 12 2 leaves unfolded 22 main shoot and 2 tillers 13 3 leaves unfolded 23 main shoot and 3 tillers 14 4 leaves unfolded 24 main shoot and 4 tillers 15 5 leaves unfolded 25 main shoot and 5 tillers 16 6 leaves unfolded 26 main shoot and 6 tillers 17 6 leaves unfolded 27 main shoot and 7 tillers 18 8 leaves unfolded 28 main shoot and 8 tillers 19 9 or more leaves unfolded 29 main shoot and 9 or more tillers STEM ELONGATION BOOTING 30 Ear at 1 cm 41 flag leaf sheath extending 31 1st node detectable 43 boots just visibly swollen 32 2nd node detectable 45 boots swollen 33 3rd node detectable 47 flag leaf sheath opening 34 4th node detectable 49 first awns visible 35 5th node detectable 36 6th node detectable 37 flag leaf just visible 39 flag leaf ligule/collar just visible INFLORESCENCE (EAR EMERGENCE) ANTHESIS 51 First spikelet of inflorescence just visible 60 beginning of anthesis 52 ¼ of inflorescence emerged ½ of inflorescence emerged 64 anthesis half-way 57 ¾ of inflorescence emerged inflorescence completed 68 anthesis completed 69 MILK DEVELOPMENT DOUGH DEVELOPMENT 71 caryopsis watery ripe 83 early dough 73 early milk 85 soft dough 75 medium milk 87 hard dough 77 late milk RIPENING 91 caryopsis hard (difficult to divide by thumb-nail) 92 caryopsis hard (can no longer be dented by thumb-nail) 93 caryopsis loosening in daytime Reference: Tottman D R, Broad H (1987), Decimal Code for the Growth stages of Cereals Annals of Applied Biology 100, Page 36

37 Appendix 4 - winter hardiness assessment key 1-9 scale A high figure shows good resistance to winter hardiness. 1 76% to 100% of plants dead. 2 Very severe leaf damage, 51% to 75% of plants dead. 3 Very severe leaf damage, 26% to 50% of plants dead. 4 Severe leaf damage, up to 25% of plants dead. 5 Severe leaf damage and a few dead plants. 6 Severe leaf tipping 7 Moderate leaf tipping 8 Slight to very slight leaf tipping 9 No damage Note: Damage is frequently not apparent until several days after the end of a cold period. Page 37

38 Appendix 5 - Foliar disease assessment key 1) Examine top 4 leaves. If top leaf has been fully expanded for less than 14 days, refer to 2nd leaf as 'top leaf'. 2) Ignore all naturally senescent leaf tissue. 3) Include all chlorosis and necrosis attributable to disease. 4) Record % infection; use interpolated values (e.g. 3%) if necessary. Disease may be recorded on a 1-9 scale but the data must be submitted as a percentage score. Both scales are given in the assessment keys. 5) If foci present, record average over the plot as a whole. 1-9 scale % MILDEW YELLOW RUST BROWN RUST Infection 1 0 No infection observed pustules per tiller 1 stripes per tiller 25 pustules per tiller pustules per leaf 2 stripes per leaf 100 pustules per leaf lower leaves appear ¼ infected Most tillers infected but some top leaves Top leaf - numerous pustules but leaves lower leaves appear ½ infected uninfected All leaves infected but leaves appear green overall 6 25 Leaves appear ½ infected ½ green 7 50 Leaves appear more infected than green 8 75 Very little green leaf tissue left Leaves dead - no green tissue left appear green overall Top leaf - pustules sufficiently dense to give brown appearance in patches 1-9 scale % SEPTORIA RHYNCHOSPORIUM NET BLOTCH Infection 1 0 No infection observed lesion per 10 tiller 1 lesion per 10 tillers 1 small lesion per 10 tillers small lesions per tiller 1 lesion per tiller 1 small lesion per tiller 4 5 Small lesions beginning to form areas of dead tissue across width of leaf Discrete lesions on most tillers, about 2 per leaf 2 lower leaves appear ¼ infected. Other leaves - few lesions lower leaves - large areas of diseased tissue some covering 1/3 of leaf Lesions coalescing but leaves appear green overall 6 25 Leaves appear ½ infected ½ green 7 50 Leaves appear more infected than green 8 75 Very little green leaf tissue left Leaves dead - no green tissue left NIAB-TAG, Cambridge CB3 OLE 2 lower leaves appear ½ infected. Other leaves - numerous lesions Page 38

39 Appendix 6 - Ear blight of wheat key EAR BLIGHT OF WHEAT (Fusarium spp.) KEY No. 13 Notes of assessment 1) Carry out the assessment between GS ) Select 20 ears at random from each plot. 3) Estimate the percentage area infected on individual ears using the illustrations above as a guide. 4) Record the mean value from the 20 assessments. For further details see Parry D W, Bayles R A & Priestley R H (1984). Resistance of winter wheat varieties to Ear Blight (Fusarium culmorum). Journal the National Institute of Agricultural Botany 16, NIAB-TAG, Cambridge CB3 OLE Page 39