Survey searches for BYDV solutions

Farmers and agronomists are being encouraged to take part in a survey, as part of efforts to improve barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) management in winter cereal crops.

Results from the survey will be used to build a regional picture of BYDV pressures. The survey will also be used to help identify practical control approaches, including the industry’s requirements for decision-support tools.

Charlotte Rowley, who manages pest management work at AHDB, announced the launch of the survey at the AHDB Agronomists’ Conference (5 December 2018).

Charlotte said: “Our BYDV work will get the industry ready to grow cereals without neonicotinoid seed treatments. The development of BYDV management tools, including those based on aphid monitoring, such as the use of risk forecasts and in-field sticky traps, will be shaped by the survey results.”

The survey forms part of AHDB-funded research commissioned earlier this year. The project will deliver results by next autumn – when cereals will be drilled without the protection afforded by a neonicotinoid seed treatment.

Led by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the survey has been put together by the project’s industry partner, Agrii.

Further information on the survey and project can be accessed via cereals.ahdb.org.uk/aphids

The survey is open until 31 January 2019.

Neonicotinoid seed treatment withdrawal – IPM for aphids

Take this IPM for aphids survey to help us improve barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) management in winter cereal crops.

Results will be used to build a regional picture of BYDV pressures and identify practical control approaches. The survey is open until 31 January 2019.