Frit Fly

[Boysground]

I have a field of new grass seeds which is slowly being munched by frit fly. A change in policy with the dairy means that this particular field has had to go from a 2 year Italian Ley to a longer term grazing Ley. Normally I wouldnt do this, also due to having to cut everything as many times as possible last year the gap between the grass crops was not what I would have liked. The question is really how to manage the crop now, I dont want to give up and put maize or barley in. So if I was to direct drill some new seeds in the spring is there a timing when I could get the grass away without the Frit Fly being as much of a problem? Its on free draining chalk and if we had a dry spell in Jan or Feb I would plan to get a little early N on just to help the surviving plants.

Any ideas, I am off to google Frit Fly life cycles, I cant remember it.

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[Flat 10]

As you plan plus flat roll it hard ASAP?

 

[Boysground]

Rolling could be a challenge even on my boys ground at the moment

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[Flat 10]

Rolling could be a challenge even on my boys ground at the moment

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ASAP means as soon as possible. Now isn’t possible

 

[Brisel]

I have a field of new grass seeds which is slowly being munched by frit fly. A change in policy with the dairy means that this particular field has had to go from a 2 year Italian Ley to a longer term grazing Ley. Normally I wouldnt do this, also due to having to cut everything as many times as possible last year the gap between the grass crops was not what I would have liked. The question is really how to manage the crop now, I dont want to give up and put maize or barley in. So if I was to direct drill some new seeds in the spring is there a timing when I could get the grass away without the Frit Fly being as much of a problem? Its on free draining chalk and if we had a dry spell in Jan or Feb I would plan to get a little early N on just to help the surviving plants.

Any ideas, I am off to google Frit Fly life cycles, I cant remember it.

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https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/encyclopaedia-of-pests-and-natural-enemies

Page 95

Since the loss of Dursban, there's not much you can do with insecticides. Roll and fertilise when you can.

 

[Boysground]

Looks like my plan is the only option. Hopefully I can get some seed established in the spring

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[deleted user 837354]

Put some extra seed in soon as you can (no frosts) in the spring. It will grow on up and you won't know the difference by summer.