Across the Biomass Connect demonstrator hubs, varieties are progressing well into the season. Most sites reported healthy growth for core species, with limited pest and disease activity overall. Miscanthus varieties are thriving across sites, showing dense, bushy growth and minimal pest issues. SRF alder and willow encountered some rust and insect presence, while poplar showed low to moderate rust levels but continues growing robustly. Eucalyptus also displays healthy growth but has occasional aphid and insect sightings. Regular maintenance, such as interrow mowing and rogueing, is ongoing, supporting favourable growing conditions for all varieties.
As usual, there are links to updates from the demonstrator hubs below for you to see what has been happening around the country.
Demonstrator Hub Updates September 2024
- BGI
- SRUC (Ayrshire)
- SRUC (Edinburgh)
- North Wyke
- NIAB Headley Hall
- Newcastle University
- AFBI Hillsborough
- IBERS, Aberystwyth
The reports above include hundreds of photos. Here are just a few of them to give you a taste of what the sites looked like during September 2024.
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- Wildflowers
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- Cutting pathways
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- Underside of Black Locust leaf (no rust)
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- Sawfly larvae on Alder
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- Miscanthus giganteus
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- Alder
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- Willow at North Wyke, Sept. 2024
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- Poplar at North Wyke, Sept. 2024
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- Alder at North Wyke, Sept. 2024
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- Aberystwyth Sept. 2024
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- Miscanthus at Aberystwyth, Sept. 2024
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- Eucalyptus at Chesham, Sept. 2024
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- Miscanthus giganteus turning pink
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- Sida Flowering
