During the third ten-day period of April, conditions will be favorable for an increase in the infectious background of a number of fungal diseases

During the next seven-day period, agrometeorological conditions will be determined by variable weather with frequent precipitation, which will maintain a very good level of soil moisture reserves in the 50 cm layer and good conditions for the vegetation of autumn-sown crops and newly sown spring crops. The significant precipitation that fell during the first and second ten-day periods of April in most parts of the country exceeded the monthly norms (Vidin - 61 l/m?, Vratsa - 84 l/m?, Veliko Tarnovo - 74 l/m?, Razgrad - 103 l/m?, Silistra - 77 l/m?, Shumen - 86 l/m?, Dobrich - 80 l/m?, Haskovo - 77 l/m?, Kardzhali - 60 l/m?, Elhovo - 91 l/m?, Stara Zagora - 77 l/m?, Karnobat - 68 l/m?) and improved the moisture reserves in the deeper soil layers as well. At the end of the second ten-day period in most of the field areas, the soil moisture reserves in the 50 cm layer for winter cereal crops reached levels above 80–85% of field capacity.

On most days of the upcoming period, the development of agricultural crops will proceed at a moderate rate, at temperatures close to, and at the end of the period slightly below, the climatic norms. During the period, wheat will be predominantly in the stem elongation stage, and in barley, in some places in the Danube Plain (Novachene agrometeorological station), the beginning of heading will also be observed. Winter rapeseed will be predominantly in the flowering stage. In sunflower and maize stands, depending on the sowing dates, emergence and leaf formation will be observed.

In Central Northern and Northwestern Bulgaria, again due to the prolonged rains and unfavourable climatic conditions, sowing is being delayed. Producers have secured the necessary seeds, the areas have been prepared and, under favourable conditions, farmers are ready to sow at the first opportunity. The areas sown so far are very small compared to the same period in previous years.

The forecast frequent precipitation during the third ten-day period of April will create conditions for an increase in the infection pressure from a number of fungal diseases: septoria leaf blotch and leaf rust in winter cereals; in fruit trees – blossom blight (early brown rot), shot-hole disease, peach leaf curl, scab, which requires, at the first opportunity after the precipitation stops, the timely application of plant protection measures.

Source: NIMH