'In May, there will be favorable conditions for the development of a number of fungal diseases in cereal, vegetable, and fruit crops '

During the first half of the first ten-day period of May, agrometeorological conditions will be determined by unstable and cool weather for the season. Low minimum temperatures and a probability of frost formation are forecast in the high basin fields, which should be taken into account when transplanting vegetable seedlings.

The expected rainfall at the beginning of May will improve the moisture reserves in the 50 cm soil layer and the conditions for the development of winter cereal crops that have entered the reproductive stage.

Critically low temperatures at the beginning of May will create a risk of damage, both for fruit species, which will be in stages from the end of flowering to fruit set and growth, and for vegetable seedlings planted in gardens. Damage is also possible to crops of emerged spring crops sensitive to low temperatures.

The forecast below-normal temperatures will slow down the vegetative processes in all agricultural crops. Wheat and barley will be in the stages of stem elongation and flag leaf development. In sown sunflower and maize crops, the emergence and leaf formation stages will prevail. It is recommended to monitor for the appearance of the corn rootworm, which can cause significant damage at a density of over two adults per square meter.

During the second half of the first and the beginning of the second ten-day period, a rise in temperatures and an acceleration of vegetative processes in agricultural crops are forecast. During this period, wheat and barley will undergo the stages of stem elongation, transition to heading, and the heading stage in crops in some areas of the Danube Plain.

The development of agricultural crops during the second and the beginning of the third ten-day period of May will take place at temperatures close to the climatic norms. During the first half of the third ten-day period, economically significant rainfall is expected, which will ensure the increased water consumption of winter cereal crops. During the ten-day period, grain formation and filling will occur in wheat and barley. At the end of May, above-normal temperatures and progress in the development of agricultural crops are expected. In some wheat crops in the northeastern regions, the beginning of the milk ripeness stage will be observed.

During the month, leaf formation will occur in maize and sunflower. At the end of May, in the Danube Plain and the eastern regions, the beginning of the bud formation stage will be observed in sunflower sown within the optimal agrotechnical period.

Yellow rust is widespread in more northern and cool regions, and in our country it manifests itself during a prolonged wet and cool spring. An important prerequisite for its rapid spread is constant and strong winds, which carry the pathogen over vast distances. It mainly attacks wheat, barley, and rye, as well as a large number of cereal grass species. Under favorable conditions (temperature and atmospheric humidity), it spreads extremely quickly and causes significant damage to grain production, reaching 50% or more of the crops' yield potential.

The rise in temperatures and high air humidity during the second and third ten-day periods of May will create favorable conditions for the development of a number of fungal diseases: rusts (brown, yellow), septoria, and fusarium in wheat; downy mildew in vegetable crops and vines; scab and shot-hole in fruit trees; gray mold in strawberries; and brown rot in the fruits of early cherry varieties.

Cuban downy mildew is widespread in our country and is caused by the pathogenic fungus Pseudoperonospora cubensis. Besides cucumbers, it also attacks melons, watermelons, and other cucurbits. This is the disease of greatest economic importance in cucumber cultivation.

More suitable conditions for carrying out plant protection sprayings will be created during the second half of the first and the second ten-day periods, and during the last days of the month.

Damage caused by the larva of the common cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus L.)

During the month, the inspection of winter cereal crops for pests should continue: cereal bugs, cereal leaf beetle, and if the number exceeds the economic injury threshold, treatment should be carried out at the first opportunity.

Adult European grapevine moth

In vineyards, the appearance of caterpillars from the first generation of the European grapevine moth and damage from mites (yellow vine mite) should be monitored.