Crop Stress Rising: Many crops are still suffering across the country from dry soil conditions, are harvest gets ever nearer…
Posted on 30 June 2025
As we head into July, many growers will be concerned at the return of very hot, dry conditions for some parts of the country, particularly in the East, with cereal crops and maize in particular starting to suffer without adequate soil moisture.
With thinner crops, many growers may face an earlier harvest if the drier weather conditions continue. Some areas of the country in the West especially have seen a few more showers and rainfall events than other parts of the country and in crops like potatoes, growers should remain vigilant for late blight disease pressure and pests such as aphids in crops.
Late-season crop protection programmes, especially in key summer crops like potatoes and field vegetables, may be important in the coming weeks.
Disease & Pest Alert: Potato focus
While the East is suffering from drought stress, the picture in the West is slightly different. Several regions have received more frequent rainfall events, creating more favourable conditions for late blight in potatoes.
With high humidity and fluctuating temperatures, disease pressure is building, and the risk of outbreaks is significant, particularly in dense, vigorous canopies. At the same time, aphid populations remain active, with potential to spread viruses and reduce tuber quality if left unchecked.
Field vegetables are also vulnerable, and growers should remain vigilant for signs of disease and pest pressure during this critical stage of the growing season.
Take a look at our product range for potatoes…
Clayton Crop Protection Solutions
To help protect crops through this challenging period, Clayton offers a wide range of fungicides and insecticides tailored for key summer crops. Our products are designed to help manage disease and pest pressure effectively and cost-efficiently.
Our summer crop protection range includes solutions for:
- Potatoes – including late blight control and insecticide options
- Pulses – targeting foliar diseases and pest threats
- Field vegetables – protecting quality and marketable yield
- Fruit crops – supporting healthy growth and fruit development
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing technical guidance and product features to help you get the most from our portfolio during this critical period.
Take a look at our product range for field vegetables…
Looking ahead…Autumn Crop Protection
As we move closer to harvest, thoughts will soon turn to establishing the next crop.
The Clayton team will soon be releasing technical updates and product recommendations for autumn herbicide strategies — including both pre- and post-emergence options for early-season use in winter cereals and oilseed rape. More details coming soon…
Get in touch with our Technical Team:
Will Ridgwell- Commercial Manager: will@claytonpp.com
Martyn Rogers – Product Development Manager – martyn@claytonpp.com
Click here to read our Early Summer Outlook Update.
Seasonal Focus: Stay up-to-date with seasonal guidance on tackling crop-specific challenges. Browse our latest updates for more information.
View our Seasonal Focus: Click Here
Information in this update does not constitute a recommendation; it is for guidance only. Detailed information about our products can be found on our website. Brand names used in this update are trademarks of Clayton Plant Protection. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.