Cereal planting continues in Normandy

Winter cereal planting is ongoing in Normandy, though farmers are advised to remain vigilant about potential aphid infestations. Despite generally drier weather and cool nights, the plant health bulletin (BSV) cereals No. 2, published on October 28, highlights aphids as the primary concern for the week. The forecasted temperatures, ranging from 13 to 16 °C during the day, do not rule out favorable conditions for aphid flights and field colonization.

Cereals at sensitive growth stages

Cereals are still in early and vulnerable growth stages, according to the monitoring network. The network tracked 23 plots of winter soft wheat and 12 plots of winter barley. In wheat, 43.5% of the plots remain in the pre-emergence stage, 43.5% have reached emergence, and 13% show the first unfolded leaf. In barley, half of the plots are at the emergence stage, 25% are still in pre-emergence, 16.7% have a first unfolded leaf, and 8.3% have reached two unfolded leaves.

Aphid presence detected in some plots

Aphids have been detected in three of the 17 monitored plots of wheat and barley. In the Eure, a wheat plot sown on October 12 shows 10% of plants carrying aphids. A barley plot sown on October 5 has 20% of plants infected, but it is a variety tolerant to the barley dwarf virus (JNO). The risk threshold for action applies only to non-tolerant varieties and is reached when 10% of plants are infested or when aphids have been present for more than ten days.

Farmers advised on aphid detection and prevention

To better detect aphids, farmers are encouraged to inspect fields during the hottest hours of the day, as aphids tend to hide at the base of seedlings when temperatures drop. Early sowing, plots near regrowth or grasses, and those with wooded or hedged borders are more exposed. Preventive measures include destroying regrowth and grasses and adjusting sowing dates to reduce risk.

Limited pressure from slugs and leafhoppers

Slugs are not currently a major concern, with only one plot out of 20 showing damage—3% of plants affected in Seine-Maritime. The damage threshold has not been reached, and no slugs were found in traps checked. Drier conditions should reduce slug activity, but plots with moist soil, clods, or clay need continued monitoring. No leafhoppers have been observed in the ten monitored plots, though warmer afternoons could still be favorable for them. Early sown plots and those with regrowth or wild grasses require extra attention.