At the end of April – unsettled weather with precipitation and conditions for the formation of frost

At the end of April, agrometeorological conditions will be determined by unstable weather and temperatures close to the climatic norms for the third ten-day period of April. The rainfall at the end of the past period in many places in the western regions increased the moisture reserves in the upper soil layers. During the first days of the period, precipitation is forecast and an improvement of the conditions for the vegetation of agricultural crops in the eastern regions of the country as well.

The development of winter cereal crops and the sown spring crops in the second half of the period will proceed under below-normal thermal conditions. At the end of April, the jointing stage will prevail massively in wheat. At the beginning of May, in barley in some places in the field regions, the beginning of heading will also be observed. In the sown stands of sunflower and maize, depending on the sowing dates, emergence and initial leaf formation will take place.

Pests in maize

Grey maize weevil (Tanymecus dilaticollis Gyll.)

In the initial stages of the vegetation of maize and sunflower, the stands should be monitored for the presence of a dangerous pest – the grey maize weevil. When the pest density exceeds the Economic Injury Level (EIL), the crops must be treated at the first opportunity with one of the registered insecticides (EIL at emergence growth stage: sunflower – 2 beetles per m²; maize > 2 beetles per m²).

Grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola)

In the vine, the formation of the 2nd–3rd leaf will take place, and in the extreme southern regions the appearance of inflorescences. During this period, it is advisable to carry out preventive spraying of the vines against the causal agents of downy mildew and powdery mildew.

Plant protection practices in vegetable crops in April

At the end of April, a substantial decrease in minimum temperatures and conditions for frost formation are forecast, which should be taken into account when planting vegetable seedlings in gardens.