Crop Development in Pulses

Rebecca Joynt & Sarah Cook

Crop Development in Pulses

Winter beans – Crops range from seven leaf pairs (GS17) to formation of side shoots. Some flower buds are visible (GS50).

Spring beans – Drilling continues with some crops beginning to emerge.

Weeds

Spring beans

Pre-emergence herbicides are a priority and need to be applied within 24-48 hours of drilling given the few post emergence options. In warm conditions weeds will be off to a rapid start and the herbicide needs to be in situ as the weeds start to emerge.

Knowing the potential weed spectrum can help to narrow down the herbicide choice. Where charlock/runch or other brassicas are present then imazamox is a possibility, where cleavers and speedwell are present then clomazone is an option.

Winter beans

Cleavers and wild oats are emerging in crops. Where levels are high, oats and volunteer cereals are being treated with graminicides such as propaquizafop (Falcon).

Diseases

Downy mildew and chocolate spot are both present in winter beans, with reports of high severity reported in some crops.