Септември – favorable conditions for the formation of additional yield from late vegetable crops

On most days of the first ten-day period of September, above-normal thermal conditions are forecast, which will accelerate the final stages of development of late agricultural crops. During this period, medium-late maize hybrids will be at the wax and full maturity stages, while late hybrids will be at the milk maturity stage and transition to wax maturity.

At the beginning of the second ten-day period, agrometeorological conditions will undergo a change. Until the middle of the third ten-day period, they will be determined by unstable weather and temperatures close to the climatic norms. During this period, precipitation of economic importance is forecast, which, after the deepened drought, will improve the conditions for carrying out pre-sowing tillage of the areas intended for sowing with autumn crops. By the end of the second ten-day period of September is the optimal agrotechnical time for sowing winter rapeseed.

During the second ten-day period, the late maize hybrids will also complete their development, and rice will be at the wax and full maturity stages. The forecast frequent rainfall during the second and the first half of the third ten-day period will increase the risk of development of pathogens causing rotting of the ripening fruit and vegetable production – grey mould on grapes (Botrytis cinerea), late brown rot (Monilinia fructigena) on the fruits of autumn-winter varieties of fruit trees, potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) on tomatoes from late production, etc.

In the second half of the third ten-day period, dry weather and favourable conditions for harvesting the grape crop are expected. As a result of above-normal summer temperatures, some of the later wine grape varieties will reach technological maturity earlier than the usual dates.

At the end of September, it is advisable that pear orchards be inspected for the presence of a dangerous pest – the pear bud weevil. Control of this pest is effective only against the adult individuals at the beginning of autumn. If the pest density exceeds the economic injury level (3 beetles per tree), treatment is necessary.

In September, critical minimum temperatures are not forecast, and the conditions will allow the formation of additional production from late vegetable crops susceptible to frost.

Source: NIMH