October 2024 – Chesham Demonstrator Hub Update
BGI Site Plan
At the Chesham Demonstrator Hub, crops are progressing well with expected seasonal changes. SRF species, including alder and Eucalyptus, show varied senescence stages, while SRC willow remains largely green. Miscanthus phenotyping was recently completed, with both giganteus and Athena demonstrating robust growth above competing weeds. Routine rust scoring and maintenance, including weekly fencing inspections, ensure effective management.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- The SRF alder has 70% green leaves on the trees, with the yellow leaves having fallen off.
- 5th Oct: Rust Score scoring was carried out on all plots except Willow.
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- No leaves eaten but this has been noted on three or four Alder
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- Alder Insect damage
Black Locust
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ seems to bestruggling due to recent heavy rainfall here.
- 5th Oct: Rust Score scoring carried out on all plots except Willow.
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- Black Locust Turbo at Chesham, October 2024
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- Black Locust Turbo at Chesham, October 2024
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- Black Locust Turbo at Chesham, October 2024
Eucalyptus
- The SRF Eucalyptus appears to still be growing, due to an exceptionally warm Autumn.
- All Staked. Checked and monitored 29/10/24
- 5th Oct: Rust Score scoring carried out on all plots except Willow.
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- Electric fence, outside Eucalyptus plot
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- Eucalyptus nitens at Chesham, October 2024
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- Eucalyptus plot at Chesham, October 2024
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- Sunset through the Eucalypts
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- E. nitens all staked and looking heatlthy
Poplar
- The majority of the SRF poplar have boops turned yellow.
- The SRC poplar has also mainly turned yellow.
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- SRC Poplar at Chesham, October 2024
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- SRC Poplar at Chesham, October 2024
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- Sunset through SRF Poplar
Miscanthus
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus giganteus is growing well. Phenotyping was carried out on the 24th October.
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus Athena™ is growing well. Phenotyping was carried out on the 24th October.
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- Miscanthus Athena at Chesham, October 2024
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- Miscanthus giganteus flowering
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- Miscanthus giganteus flowering
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- Sunset through the Miscanthus
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- Miscanthus Athena at Chesham, October 2024
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- Miscanthus Athena at Chesham, October 2024
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- Wildflower aisle with Miscanthus giganteus and Athena
Willow
- The 0.5 ha SRC willow is looking good. The majority are still green, not yellowed.
- Rust Scoring was carried out on Willow plot on the 7th October.
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- SRC Willow at Chesham, October 2024
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- SRC Willow at Chesham, October 2024
Sida
- The sida is looking great, the leaves have fallen off.
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- Sida at Chesham, October 2024
Reed Canary Grass
- The reed canary grass is growing well.
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- Reed Canary Grass at Chesham, October 2024
Plans and Actions
- We are waiting for the seeds to drop in the grass aisles as there’s still food for the bees currently.
- Both deer fencing and solar e-fencing are infected once a week and both are in good order.
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- Wildflower aisle with Miscanthus giganteus and Athena
Gallery
