Spotlight on Black Locust

Black Locust ‘Turbo’ plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed generally healthy growth in July, with some pest and environmental stress noted at specific locations. Maintenance activities such as mowing, strimming, and herbicide application supported overall site condition and canopy development.

North Wyke
The SRF Black Locust trees at North Wyke are performing well, with the healthiest specimens showing excellent growth. In areas where canopy closure has occurred, weed pressure is low. Some trees exhibited leaf blotch and minor damage, possibly caused by their own thorns. A few yellowing leaves were also noted. Maintenance included hand weeding and strimming of bare areas left by deceased trees on July 23rd.

Cockle Park Farm
At Cockle Park, Black Locust trees are green and producing new shoots. However, hare damage was observed, which may require further monitoring or protective measures.

Hillsborough
The Black Locust plots at Hillsborough are dense and vigorous, with some trees showing signs of leaf burn, possibly caused by dew followed by hot weather. The canopy is closing in, making access between rows increasingly difficult. Grass mowing was completed, and average tree height was recorded at 2.20 m.

Headley Hall
Black Locust trees at Headley Hall are bushy and thriving, with dense foliage making it difficult to access the centre of the plot. Leaves remain green and healthy, with no signs of yellowing or pest damage as seen in previous seasons.

Auchincruive
The Black Locust trees at Auchincruive are green and healthy, with no signs of pests, disease, or further tree losses. Herbicide was applied around the outside of the plot on July 15th, although access between rows remains limited.

Boghall
Black Locust trees at Boghall are looking healthy and vigorous. Some white fungal growth was noted on the lower leaves, but it does not appear to be widespread. Mowing and strimming were carried out on July 18th to maintain site condition.

Chesham
The remaining Black Locust trees at Chesham are healthy. One tree that flowered earlier in the season has now developed seed pods, indicating successful pollination and reproductive activity.

Aberystwyth
Black Locust trees at Aberystwyth are showing no signs of pest or disease. Herbicide was applied at the base of the trees to suppress grass and weeds. Some new growth tips appear crinkled and dry, which may be due to wind burn. Grass around the base of the trees was also cut to improve airflow and reduce competition.

Spotlight on Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus growth across the Biomass Connect sites in July showed a mix of strong recovery and steady development, with pest pressures easing and maintenance activities supporting healthy progress. The most notable update remains at Chesham, where damage from the Tasmanian Eucalyptus Beetle (Paropsisterna selmani) is still visible, although APHA has confirmed that no further statutory action will be taken.

North Wyke
The SRF Eucalyptus plot at North Wyke experienced a significant weed burden, particularly from Willow Herb. Despite this, no pests or diseases were observed, including no signs of the Tasmanian Eucalyptus Beetle. Among the species, E. nitens displayed the most vigorous growth, while a central plot of E. gunnii showed substantial size but was affected by prevailing winds, causing noticeable leaning. To manage the weed pressure, the team carried out mowing in both directions, followed by careful strimming, hand weeding, and glyphosate application using the Herbidome 350 at 62 l/ha on 23 July.

Cockle Park Farm
Eucalyptus trees at Cockle Park Farm are growing well, with no signs of pest or disease damage. Hare activity was absent, and no interventions were required during the reporting period.

Hillsborough
The Eucalyptus plots at Hillsborough are generally thriving, with good overall health. However, aphid populations remain high across the site. Some trees require additional support posts. Recorded heights for the different species ranged from 1.57 m (E. dalrympleana) to 2.57 m (E. nitens) – see below. AFBI Entomology has installed insect traps, with a follow-up report expected next month.

• Heights recorded:
  • E. glaucescens: 1.75 m
  • E. dalrympleana: 1.57 m
  • E. uringera: 2.01 m
  • E. gunnii: 2.36 m
  • E. nitens: 2.57 m

Headley Hall
Eucalyptus trees at Headley Hall are performing well, showing good height and trunk development. No pest issues were observed during the July visit. However, some E. denticulata specimens are showing thinning of foliage in the lower canopy, although upper growth remains dense and healthy.

Auchincruive
The Eucalyptus plots at Auchincruive continue to recover, with no new tree deaths reported. A high number of spiders were observed throughout the site. Inter-row mowing was completed on 8 July, and further mowing and herbicide application are scheduled for early August to maintain weed control.

Boghall
Eucalyptus trees at Boghall appear sturdy and healthy, despite some leaning. Maintenance included inter-row mowing on 9 July and herbicide application on 30 July to manage weed growth.

Chesham
At Chesham, SRF Eucalyptus trees are showing signs of recovery following earlier damage from the Tasmanian Eucalyptus Beetle. Healthy apical growth is now evident, and new shoots and leaves appear unaffected. APHA confirmed on 1 July that it will no longer pursue statutory control measures for this pest, marking a shift to ongoing monitoring by Biomass Connect rather than intervention.

Aberystwyth
Eucalyptus trees at Aberystwyth have responded well to recent rainfall, which helped mitigate earlier wind damage to new growth. Aphids were present on shoot tips, but no disease symptoms were observed. Herbicide was applied around the base of the trees to suppress grass and weeds. Some dieback was noted on the lower branches of larger trees, but overall vigour remains strong.

Spotlight on Poplar

Poplar plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed mixed progress in July, with SRF and SRC stands responding differently to local conditions. While SRF plots generally exhibited strong vertical growth, SRC plots varied more in vigour, with some pest activity and environmental stress noted. Maintenance and monitoring continue to support healthy development across the network.

North Wyke

• SRF Poplar trees are looking good, with some showing between 1–1.5 m of growth this year. No pest or disease issues were noted. Weed burden was moderate, with hand rogueing and glyphosate application carried out on July 22nd, followed by mowing on July 23rd.
• SRC Poplar regrowth is healthy and vigorous, with some trees showing 1–1.5 m of new growth since May. Bushy growth with low branches was observed, particularly on the uphill end of the plot. Weed control included hand weeding, glyphosate application, and mowing on July 22nd–23rd.

Cockle Park Farm

• SRF Poplar is healthy, with no signs of pest or disease damage.
• SRC Poplar is also healthy, though some hare damage was noted.

Hillsborough

• SRF Poplar trees are thriving, with branches beginning to touch across the 2 m spacing. Grass around trees is well desiccated, and tree guards have been removed. Approximate height: 4.12 m.
• SRC Poplar trees are healthy and growing well. Buttercup and clover between rows were mowed, and some weeds were removed. Spraying was delayed due to weather. Approximate height: 5.00 m.

Headley Hall

• SRF Poplar trees are looking good, though some leaves show signs of transparency. Growth appears slower than last year, with less trunk thickening.
• SRC Poplar trees are full and healthy, with no signs of pests.

Auchincruive

• SRF Poplar trees are massive, lush, and healthy. Crane flies were noted. Inter-row mowing was done on July 8th, and Herbidome applied on July 15th.
• SRC Poplar trees are tall and green, with no disease spotted. Herbidome was applied on July 15th.

Boghall

• SRF Poplar trees are big, leafy, and growing well. No signs of rust or insect damage. Inter-row mowing and Herbidome application were completed on July 9th and 30th respectively.
• SRC Poplar trees are growing very well, with healthy leaves and no signs of rust or pests. Some patchiness remains. Inter-row mowing was done on July 18th.

Chesham

• SRF Poplar experienced partial leaf loss earlier in the season due to drought, but recent rainfall has supported recovery. Foliage and growth have visibly improved.
• SRC Poplar also suffered premature leaf fall earlier in the season. Recovery is now evident, with improved canopy density and vigour following recent rain.

Aberystwyth

• SRF Poplar shows no major signs of pest or disease. Some leaf damage possibly from caterpillars was noted, though no larvae were observed. Grass at the base was mown and inter-row areas strimmed.
• SRC Poplar is healthy, with no signs of pest or disease. Herbicide was applied at the base to control grass and weeds.

Italian Poplar

• At Auchincruive, the Italian Poplar is growing tall with large, green leaves. Wild oats remain persistent in the plot. Inter-row herbicide was applied on July 23rd, with strimming and mowing planned for early August.
• At Cockle Park Farm, no damage from hares, deer, disease, or insects was observed.

Spotlight on Miscanthus

Miscanthus plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed varied performance in July, with Miscanthus giganteus and Miscanthus Athena generally thriving, while the 2023 and 2024 Miscanthus Variety Trials presented more mixed results. Weed management and mowing activities were carried out to support growth and maintain site condition.

North Wyke

• Miscanthus giganteus is growing tall and vigorous, particularly in one half of the plot where it has successfully outcompeted grass weeds. Although the grass was not sprayed, it is now less competitive. Maintenance included mowing around the plot and strimming of large Ragwort and Thistle weeds.
• Miscanthus Athena is showing healthy growth, though the 2024-planted area appears lighter in colour than the 2023 crop, possibly indicating nitrogen deficiency. The Ride-on mower was used to define the plot area for future maintenance.
• 2023 Variety Trial plots are mixed, with some growing well but others appearing gappy. A flush of Willow Herb was noted among the blocks. While hand rogueing would have been beneficial, time constraints prevented this. Paths were mowed and tidied using a wheeled strimmer on July 23rd.
• 2024 Variety Trial plots are struggling, with visible gaps and persistent weeds such as Creeping Buttercup, Sow Thistle, and Creeping Thistle. Clover used as a cover crop is performing well. Only wider paths were mowed due to equipment issues.

Cockle Park Farm

• Miscanthus giganteus is thriving, with some plants reaching over 6 feet. No signs of disease were observed.
• Miscanthus Athena is also growing well, with no pest or hare damage reported.

Hillsborough

• Miscanthus giganteus is looking excellent, with an average height of 2.61 m.
• Miscanthus Athena is similarly healthy, averaging 2.66 m in height.
• 2023 Variety Trial is performing well overall, although some plots that failed to establish earlier remain weak. Nettles were cut and grass between rows was mowed.
• 2024 Variety Trial is beginning to improve, with the tallest plants reaching 1.98 m.

Headley Hall

• Miscanthus giganteus is putting on strong growth following harvest, with a full and vibrant canopy.
• Miscanthus Athena is growing steadily but not as vigorously as giganteus. The canopy is uneven and lacks the full coverage seen in the adjacent plot.
• 2023 Variety Trial is recovering well after its first-year harvest.
• 2024 Variety Trial is less developed, with smaller plants and reduced canopy cover compared to the 2023 trial.

Auchincruive

• Miscanthus giganteus is growing very tall and bushy, with lush green foliage.
• Miscanthus Athena is also performing well, with most plants now over waist height.

Boghall

• Miscanthus giganteus is tall and bushy, showing no signs of pests or disease.
• Miscanthus Athena is healthy and growing well, though some bare patches remain at the lower end of the plot. Spot spraying and rogueing of couch grass are planned for August.
• 2023 Variety Trial is generally healthy, with most varieties growing tall. Inter-plot mowing and spraying are scheduled for August.
• 2024 Variety Trial is struggling, with many plots appearing weedy and underdeveloped. Maintenance is planned for early August to improve conditions.

Chesham

• Miscanthus giganteus is flourishing following recent rainfall.
• Miscanthus Athena is also responding well, though it remains less abundant than giganteus due to being planted 12 months later.

Aberystwyth

• Miscanthus giganteus is growing well, with a closed canopy that is effectively suppressing weeds. Some leaf tips show browning due to earlier drought, but active growth is now evident.
• Miscanthus Athena is also performing well, though some gaps remain and weed grasses persist in certain areas.
• 2023 Variety Trial is healthy, with closed canopies and no signs of pest or disease.
• 2024 Variety Trial is growing well but still has canopy gaps that have allowed grass weeds to establish. These will be sprayed after harvest.

Spotlight on Willow

Willow plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed strong growth in July, with canopy closure achieved at several locations. While some pest activity was noted, particularly historic sawfly damage and signs of black spot, overall health remains good. Maintenance activities focused on mowing, herbicide application, and monitoring.

North Wyke
The SRC Willow plot at North Wyke is healthy, with no new pest or disease issues observed. Some historic sawfly damage remains visible. Weed growth in the inter-rows was noted, but no action was taken, reflecting commercial practice. Maintenance included mowing around the plot on July 23rd.
The Willow Variety Trial showed no major pest or disease concerns, though historic sawfly damage was noted on the Terra Nova and RR07160 varieties. No management actions were taken during this visit, aside from a pass with the Ride-on mower. The inter-row aisles would have benefitted from strimming, but equipment issues prevented this.

Cockle Park Farm
The SRC Willow plot is performing well, with no sawfly observed. Some leaf damage was present, along with sightings of beetles and widespread black spot. Hare damage was also noted.
The Willow Variety Trial was not reported on this month.

Hillsborough
The SRC Willow plot is vigorous, with weeds largely suppressed except around the plot edges. A mass of fallen willow leaves was observed inside the plot, likely due to hot weather and water stress. Tree heights reached approximately 6.20 m. AFBI Entomology has installed insect traps, with a report expected next month.
The Willow Variety Trial is rich in buttercup and wildflowers, and inter-row mowing is needed.

Headley Hall
The SRC Willow plot has achieved canopy closure, which is helping suppress weeds. Lower leaves have dropped, but upper foliage remains strong. Necrotic branches were observed on the Endurance variety.
The Willow Variety Trial is performing well, with good stem thickness and minimal weed presence. Some insect damage was noted on leaves, but it is not extensive. Monitoring continues.

Auchincruive
The SRC Willow plot has reached full canopy closure. Slight insect damage was observed, mainly on trees around the plot edges. Herbicide was applied around the outside on July 22nd, with additional spraying planned for early August.
The Willow Variety Trial was not reported on this month.

Boghall
The SRC Willow plot is healthy, with canopy closure in most areas. Historic sawfly damage is still visible, but larvae appear to have gone. Black aphids were not found during this visit. Numerous green/blue willow beetles and wasps were present. Herbicide was applied around the outside and spot spraying of thistles and docks was completed on July 30th.
The Willow Variety Trial is growing well across all varieties, though some ghosting and mid-ribbing were noted. Inter-row mowing and spraying are planned for early August, where access allows.

Chesham
The SRC Willow plot is performing well, with healthy foliage and low insect pressure.
The Willow Variety Trial was not reported on this month.

Aberystwyth
The SRC Willow plot is recovering well from earlier sawfly damage, with new leaf growth visible at the shoot tips. Some varieties are showing signs of black spot. Wide paths between double rows were mown to improve access.
The Willow Variety Trial showed minor sawfly damage and some black spot symptoms on certain varieties.

Spotlight on Sida

Sida plots across the Biomass Connect sites are showing strong summer performance, with flowering now widespread and vigorous growth evident. Both rhizome and plug plantings are progressing well, with bee activity noted at several locations. Weed management and herbicide application have supported plot definition and crop health.

North Wyke
The Sida plot at North Wyke is growing fairly well and has begun flowering, attracting significant bee activity. No pest or disease issues were observed, though a few plants showed yellowing leaves. Maintenance included hand weeding and careful strimming with a hand strimmer on July 23rd. The surrounding area was also strimmed to help define the plot.

Cockle Park Farm
Sida plants are starting to grow well, with most plants present and establishing successfully. No pest or disease issues were reported.

Hillsborough
Sida is flowering across the plot, with plants reaching up to 1.61 m in height. The lowest plants in the backup batch measured just 2 inches. The average height across the plot is approximately 1 m. Herbicide was applied between rows using an 8-inch spray hood, and all plants appear to be healthy.

Headley Hall
Sida plants are performing very well, with growth reaching around 7 ft. Flowering is now widespread, and photos have been added to the shared drive.

Auchincruive
Sida is growing rapidly and flowering extensively. Herbicide was applied around the outside of the plot on July 22nd to help define the area and suppress weeds.

Boghall
Rhizome-planted Sida is growing impressively, with large, green, and healthy plants now flowering. Plug plants are smaller but also healthy, with tight flower buds forming.

Chesham
Sida plants have exceeded 2 m in height. Some lower leaf drop was observed, likely due to earlier dry conditions. However, active regrowth is emerging from the base, indicating strong resilience. On July 19th, weeds were removed and the area around the plot was strimmed. Rhizome-planted Sida is showing sucker growth, with shoots appearing outside the defined plot area.

Aberystwyth
Sida is healthy and free from pests or disease. Weeds between rows were cut using a bladed strimmer.

Spotlight on Reed Canary Grass

Reed Canary Grass plots across the Biomass Connect sites are showing strong establishment and competitive growth, with minimal pest or disease issues reported. Weed suppression is progressing well, and maintenance activities such as mowing and herbicide application are helping to define plot boundaries and support crop health.

North Wyke
The Reed Canary Grass plot is establishing well and successfully outcompeting native grasses. Some areas showed signs of lodging. Mowing was carried out around the plot to help define its boundaries.

Cockle Park Farm
Reed Canary Grass is exhibiting very good growth. No damage from disease, hares, or deer was observed.

Hillsborough
Reed Canary Grass is growing well, with leaf heights reaching approximately 1 m and seed heads up to 1.56 m. Large thistles were removed by hand to maintain plot condition.

Headley Hall
Reed Canary Grass is performing strongly, with a full and thick canopy. The grass has headed, and seeds are beginning to shed.

Auchincruive
A re-spray and mow are planned for August to maintain the Reed Canary Grass plot and manage weed pressure.

Boghall
Maintenance for Reed Canary Grass at Boghall is also scheduled for August, including mowing and herbicide application.

Chesham
On July 18th, weeds above the Reed Canary Grass were topped to reduce competition and improve light access.

Aberystwyth
Large thistles were removed by hand from the Reed Canary Grass plot. No signs of pest or disease were observed.

Spotlight on Switchgrass

Switchgrass plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed mixed performance in July, with some locations reporting crop failure and others noting signs of recovery. Weed competition remains a challenge, and management actions such as mowing and herbicide application are being used to support establishment.

North Wyke
The Switchgrass crop at North Wyke has failed. As a result, the decision was made to mow it down using the Ride-on mower on July 23rd.

Cockle Park Farm
Switchgrass is growing slowly but is now showing signs of improvement. No damage from disease or hares was observed. A photo of the plot was included in the report (Figure 3).

Hillsborough
Switchgrass did not establish successfully. Weeds in the plot were cut to reduce competition.

Headley Hall
Switchgrass is looking much better than in previous months and is now putting on good growth. Thistles in the plot have been removed to support crop development.

Auchincruive
A re-spray and mow are planned for August to manage the Switchgrass plot and improve conditions.

Boghall
Maintenance for Switchgrass is also scheduled for August, including mowing and herbicide application.

Chesham
On July 18th, weeds above the Switchgrass were topped to reduce shading and improve light access for the crop.

Aberystwyth
Switchgrass seedlings are beginning to emerge, although weed seedlings are also present and may compete with the crop. Broadleaf weeds were sprayed with herbicide, and a high cut was taken to remove excess material and support seedling growth.