The worsening headache of invasive black-grass is marching north. This week, two crop experts have reported significant rises in the common weed in locations where it had previously been less of a problem.

Dan Finch, an agronomist with DKB Crop Protection, has seen a marked rise in the weed in North East England, whilst Mark Ballingall of SAC has said the last bastion of Scotland has been breached with increased ingress being seen in the Borders and the Lothians.

Both put the rise down to seed being carried on contractors' vehicles and Mr. Ballingall suggests that climate change could be playing its part in encouraging the weed's foothold and its spread.

"Black-grass has been increasing over several years as more farmers opt to use a contractor for combining and baling; we are seeing that within a short period of time growers soon end up with their neighbour’s or a contractor's weed burden." said Dan Finch.

There are concerns that the weed will result in a 50 per cent rise for spending on weed management in some areas. Weed scientist Stephen Moss said, "Where black-grass is present, control strategies have to change. I now recommend delayed drilling wherever possible to encourage a good germination flush and drilling a competitive cereal variety."

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