Early aphid activity forecast

Cereal and oilseed rape aphids are likely to fly considerably earlier this year, according to the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA).

The forecast is based on data from a national suction trap network and long-term weather data. With the temperature in January and February considerably higher than the long-term average across the country, HGCA reckons first aphid flights are likely be two to four weeks earlier than average.

From next month, the Authority says it will be issuing weekly aphid news bulletins so growers can keep abreast of the latest regional developments, including information on virus transmission and potential resistance issues.