There has been a real explosion of mildew in barley crops in the last 7 days, writes Phillip Tuplin an independent agronomist in the North East.

Cassia is particularly badly affected with infection on old and new leaf. The other major varieties of Volume and Bamboo have significant levels.

Yield is going to be affected if tillers are lost in barley crops. It is better to take out Mildew at the early stage of infection and not to wait for frosts.

This is the first time we have had to spray any barleys in the Autumn for mildew for at least 10 years.