July 2024 – Chesham Demonstrator Hub Update
BGI Site Plan
At the Chesham Demonstrator hub, most crops are progressing well, with SRF Alder and Poplar both in full leaf and looking healthy. Some maintenance activities, such as staking and weed control, have been completed for SRF Eucalyptus and SRC Willow, which is growing tall and vigorous. However, some challenges have been observed, including patchy germination in Reed Canary Grass and a weedy Silphium plot. Ongoing efforts include herbicide applications, mowing, and regular monitoring to manage these issues effectively.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- The SRF alder is in full leaf now and looking good.
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- Alder at Chesham behind Solar e-fencing, growing well.
Black Locust
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ and SRF black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ were inter-row sprayed with the Herbidone on 11th and 12th July.
- Counts with photos of the trees and roots were made and sent to the Rothansted team.
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- 3 slugs around base of DEAD Black Locust Turbo
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- Black Locust Turbo Obelisk 4cm to 6cm
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- Rotten roots on black locust Turbo plant
Eucalyptus
- The SRF Eucalyptus is looking good.
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- E.Nitens Eucalyptus SRF – growing tall and healthy
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- E.nitens staked as requested
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- E.nitens staked as requested
Poplar
- The SRF poplar and SRC poplar is now in full leaf.
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- AF7 SRF Poplar – insect damage
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- Vestern SRF Poplar leaf damage
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- SRF Poplar growing well
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- SRC Poplar growing well protected by Solar E-Fencing BGI
Miscanthus
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus giganteus is growing well with just a few gaps. Weeds are being dealt with where the gaps are as there is no canopy to stop weed growth. We are also working with a local Drone Company to see what HSE applications and costs are, with the potential of drone spraying.
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus Athena™ plot was planted on 2/5/2024. Post-ems was sprayed on 10/07/2024 to get rid of Mayweed and creeping thistle, the following combo was sprayed: Agritox (MCPA) @ 2 l/ha & Starane @ 0.6 l/ha.
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- Miscanthus Athena ™ shooting, up.
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- Miscanthus giganteus plot
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- Miscanthus Athena™ plot
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- Spraying Post-ems
Willow
- The 0.5 ha SRC willow is in leaf and growing tall, over 6ft. The gapped up willow rods are already shooting up and looking healthy.
- There are aphids on them.
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- Aphids on SRC willow rods
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- Aphids on SRC willow rods
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- Gapped up SRC Willow rods all shooting well
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- Inger crispy leaves but new shoots are appearing
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- Inger shooting below crispy leaves at BGI
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- SRC Willow at Chesham, July 2024
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- SRC Willow rods gapped up shooting well at Chesham
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- Willow at Chesham showing willow rods, shooting well
Sida
- The sida is growing well and flowering.
- The plot was hand-sprayed on 15th July 2024
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- Sida at Chesham, July 2024
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- Sida in flower, Chesham, 2024
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- Mature Sida in Flower at Chesham, July 2024
Reed Canary Grass
- The reed canary grass plot has thistles growing out of control.
Silphium
- The Silphium was sown on 02/05/224.
- So far there is no sign of germination and the plot is very weedy.
Plans and Actions
- Mowing and perimeter hedge cutting has been undertaken in July.
Gallery
