June 2024 – IBERS, Aberystwyth Demonstrator Hub Update
Aberystwyth Site Plan
It’s been business as usual at the IBERS Demonstrator Hub in Aberystwyth. Most plots are looking good and we are up to date with the various planned tasks.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- Paths between the SRF alder have been mown.
- There are no visible pests or disease.
Black Locust
- Paths between the SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ plants have been mown. There are no visible pests or disease. Some plants have limited regrowth. Some have overwintered.
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ was replanted in mid-April. However, to date, there is no growth from any of the plants.
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- Black Locust ‘Turbo’
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- Re-planted Black Locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’
Eucalyptus
- Plants between the SRF Eucalyptus plants have been mown.
- Some plants have aphids in the growing tips however they do not seem to causing significant damage.
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- Insects on SRF Eucalyptus
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- SRF Eucalyptus at IBERS, June 2024
Poplar
- Paths between the SRF poplar have been mown. There are no visible pests or disease. Whips that have been replanted to fill gaps have taken and are beginning to shoot.
- Paths between the SRC poplar have been mown. There are no visible pests or disease.
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- Gapped up SRF Poplar
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- SRC Poplar
Miscanthus
- An application of glyphosate in March has controlled a majority of the grass weeds in the 0.5 ha Miscanthus giganteus plot. There are a few broadleaf weeds emerging, but these are not competitive with the crop. Currently the crop is Chest high, and the canopy is beginning to close.
- The Miscanthus Athena ™ plants are beginning to emerge since being replanted. The plot has been sprayed with Chimera SX which has controlled a majority of weeds except common fumitory.
- The 2023 Miscanthus variety trial plants are growing well. Weeds such as thistles have been removed from the plot.
- The 2024 Miscanthus variety trial plants from all varieties are beginning to emerge. The plot has been sprayed with Chimera Sx to control broadleaf weeds.
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- Miscanthus giganteus
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- Miscanthus Athena™
Willow
- Gaps in the 0.5 ha SRC willow plot have been replanted and the whips are beginning to shoot. Inger variety continues to have a disease that is crisping the leaves.
- Grass in between rows in the SRC willow variety trial plot has been controlled through a combination of spraying and mowing. Plots with missing plants have been replanted and are beginning to shoot.
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- Gapping up 0.5ha SRC Willow
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- 0.5ha SRC Willow
Sida
- The Sida plot has been planted.
- The plants have acclimatised to the field but have not grown significantly since planting.
Reed Canary Grass
- The reed canary grass is germinating although currently there appears to be some gaps in the plot.
- Some broad-leaved weeds are also beginning to emerge.
Switchgrass
- The switchgrass plot has been sown but to date there is no germination.
Silphium
- The Silphium plot has been sown but to date there is no germination.
