Key Points
- The following Update is a review of research work carried out in spring oats last season and in previous years.
- Spring sowing dates increase risk of late season moisture stress and storm frequency relative to autumn sowing.
- In years with low visible disease, fungicide use has increased grain yields and delayed senescence.
- The role of PGR’s to reduce lodging risk in oats has been inconclusive but may improve harvest efficiency.
- Effective management of soil nitrogen reserve and additional inputs can be used to increase grain yield, although, dry seasons can influence the level of plant available N.