Spotlight on Black Locust

Black Locust plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed clear signs of seasonal senescence during October, with widespread leaf yellowing and drop. Growth remained generally strong despite earlier pest pressures, and storm-related damage was minimal except for isolated cases. Hare browsing continued to be noted at some sites, though overall pest activity was low. No immediate interventions are required beyond routine fencing checks and winter monitoring.

Cockle Park

Leaves were yellowing, and hare damage was observed. Some very small plants persisted but showed limited vigor.

Boghall

Senescence data collected on 7th October confirmed leaf drop across the plot. No major storm damage reported.

Auchincruive

Senescence data recorded on 14th October. No additional issues noted beyond normal seasonal decline.

Headley Hall

Plants remained healthy overall, with good growth achieved during the season. Senescence was progressing, with lower leaf drop evident while upper canopy retained green foliage.

Hillsborough

Most leaves had fallen by late October. Grass management around plots was delayed due to wet conditions.

Aberystwyth

Significant leaf loss occurred during October, though no structural damage was reported from recent storms.

Chesham

Remaining trees were healthy, with foliage turning yellow as senescence advanced.

Spotlight on Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus plots across the Biomass Connect sites maintained good overall health during October, though storm events caused localised structural issues at some hubs. Growth remained strong, and foliage largely stayed green thanks to the absence of early frosts. Phenotyping and senescence scoring were completed at several sites, providing valuable data for autumn assessments.

Cockle Park

Trees continued to grow well, with no hare damage reported. Occasional leaf grazing was noted, and flowering was observed across the plot.

Boghall

Senescence data collected on 7th October. Minor storm damage occurred, but only weaker trees were affected.

Auchincruive

Senescence data recorded on 14th October. No additional wind or deer damage beyond earlier reports. Spiders remained abundant across the plot.

Headley Hall

Trees were healthy but showed signs of leaning due to recent strong winds. Several stakes were broken, and some root balls were exposed, potentially limiting structural stability. Bark hardening was noted, and foliage remained green.

Hillsborough

Plots looked strong overall, though some trees required additional support posts following damage from Storms Amy and Benjamin.

Aberystwyth

No new storm damage reported. Aphid numbers were significantly lower than in previous months.

Chesham

Eucalyptus displayed vigorous top growth. Phenotypic variation was observed within Eucalyptus nitens, with some individuals lacking the typical waxy coating and appearing more susceptible to insect attack.

Spotlight on Poplar

SRF Poplar showed increased rust compared to earlier assessments, with leaf senescence progressing. SRC Poplar also displayed widespread rust and some hare damage, alongside leaf drop. Management priorities include monitoring overwintering conditions and planning early-season rust management strategies for 2026.

Boghall

Senescence data collected on 7–8 October confirmed advanced leaf fall. Storm Amy caused minor branch breakage, but damage was not significant.

Auchincruive

Senescence data recorded on 14–15 October. Rust levels increased significantly since earlier assessments. A few weak trees were lost during Storm Amy, and small samples were taken for Whisky Research Institute research.

Headley Hall

SRF Poplar was in full senescence, with extensive leaf drop across all varieties. SRC Poplar retained some yellowing leaves but was also progressing toward full dormancy.

Hillsborough

SRF Poplar experienced wind damage, with heavier trees on plot edges requiring additional support posts. Most leaves remained on trees early in the month but began falling later.

Aberystwyth

Significant leaf loss occurred during October, and some trees were damaged by strong winds during Storm Amy. Damaged trees were staked to restore stability.

Chesham

Both SRF and SRC Poplar plots remained healthy overall, with early signs of seasonal yellowing and leaf fall noted across the stands.

Spotlight on Miscanthus

Miscanthus crops across the Biomass Connect sites entered a clear senescence phase during October, with widespread yellowing and leaf drop observed. Phenotyping was carried out at multiple hubs, providing key data on height, lodging, and seasonal decline. Miscanthus giganteus generally remained taller but showed more advanced senescence than Athena, which retained greener foliage and exhibited more flowering. Storm-related wind damage was noted at some sites, particularly in taller stands, but overall crop health remained strong. Phenotyping data collected in October will inform yield estimates and management strategies. Priorities include monitoring lodging in taller plots and preparing for winter maintenance.

Cockle Park

Miscanthus giganteus reached heights of six feet and above, with senescence well underway. No disease or pest damage reported. Phenotype data collected on 22nd October. Athena remained greener and began senescing later than M. giganteus, with no hare or disease issues.

Boghall

Senescence progressed rapidly, with M. giganteus turning orange almost overnight. Wind damage from Storm Amy scattered leaves across the field. Phenotyping completed on 27th October. Athena stayed relatively green and less affected by wind.

Auchincruive

Both plots were phenotyped on 23rd October. M. giganteus showed advanced senescence and wind damage at leaf tips, while Athena remained greener and less impacted by storms. Small samples were taken for Whisky Research Institute research.

Headley Hall

M. giganteus displayed widespread yellowing and some flowering, though plants were smaller than last year, likely due to summer drought. Athena was shorter but greener, with more flowering observed. Phenotyping completed on 23rd October. Variety trials showed mixed senescence patterns, with 2023 plots largely yellow and 2024 plots remaining greener.

Hillsborough

Both M. giganteus and Athena maintained strong growth but were difficult to access due to dense stands and lodging. Senescence was starting, and phenotyping was scheduled for early November.

Aberystwyth

Both varieties began senescing and dropping leaves, with Athena showing more flowering than M. giganteus. No storm damage reported.

Chesham

M. giganteus showed significant leaf fall and colour change, while Athena remained greener and displayed more flowers. Earlier drought stress likely influenced senescence timing.

Spotlight on Willow

Willow plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed advanced senescence during October, with widespread leaf drop and canopy thinning. Variety trials highlighted differences in senescence timing among cultivars, while pest pressures remained low overall, apart from localised aphid clusters. Storm-related wind damage was minimal, though some sites reported minor branch breakage. Phenotyping and senescence scoring were completed at several hubs. Management priorities include monitoring overwintering conditions and planning early-season rust and pest management strategies for 2026.

Cockle Park

SRC Willow displayed significant leaf damage from insects and blackspot, though rust was absent. Hare damage was noted in the trial, and senescence was progressing across the plot.

Boghall

Senescence data collected on 8th October confirmed leaf fall across the main plot and variety trials. Minor wind damage was observed at the top of the plot following Storm Amy.

Auchincruive

Senescence data recorded on 15th October showed variation in senescence stages among varieties. Small samples were taken for Whisky Research Institute research.

Headley Hall

The 0.5 ha willow plot retained a few leaves at the top of plants, while lower canopy was almost bare. Insect clusters persisted but were fewer than in previous months. Variety trials showed good growth overall, with senescence varying by cultivar.

Hillsborough

Willow stands were senescing rapidly, with leaves dropping and rows opening to allow more light. Black aphid colonies were noted in the main plot.

Aberystwyth

Significant leaf loss occurred during October, with no new storm damage reported. Variety trials mirrored these trends, showing differences in leaf retention among cultivars.

Chesham

Rapid leaf colour change and substantial leaf fall were observed across the SRC Willow plot, indicating advanced senescence.

Spotlight on Sida

Sida plots across the Biomass Connect sites reached full senescence during October, with most stands reduced to bare stalks and seed pods. Leaf drop was almost complete at all hubs, and flowering had finished earlier in the season. Growth performance varied by site, but overall, the crop transitioned rapidly into dormancy as temperatures cooled and daylight hours shortened. Management priorities include winter monitoring and planning for quadrat assessments where scheduled. No immediate interventions are required until spring.

Cockle Park

Plants were senescing, with no hare damage reported. Most foliage had yellowed and dropped by mid-month.

Boghall

Rhizome and plug plants were fully senesced, leaving only stalks. A few yellow leaves persisted on weaker plants.

Auchincruive

Sida senesced very quickly, leaving mostly yellow stalks across the plot.

Headley Hall

Plants were fully senesced and brown, with pods visible where flowers had been earlier in the season. Good height growth was achieved before senescence.

Hillsborough

Sida was well senesced, with seeds falling naturally. Quadrat assessments are planned for January 2026.

Aberystwyth

All plants were fully senesced, with most leaves dropped.

Chesham

Most leaves had fallen, leaving mature seed pods visible across the plot.

Spotlight on Reed Canary Grass

Reed Canary Grass plots across the Biomass Connect sites showed clear signs of senescence during October, with widespread yellowing and leaf drop. While most stands remained well established, management activities focused on mowing and planning for reseeding at underperforming sites. Weed pressure was generally low, and no pest or disease issues were reported.

Cockle Park

The plot appeared very yellow, with no signs of disease or pest damage. No hare or deer activity was observed.

Boghall

Re-spray and mowing were scheduled for early November, with sowing planned for spring 2026.

Auchincruive

The plot was mowed on 13th October, and spraying was planned as soon as conditions allowed. Resowing is scheduled for spring.

Headley Hall

The plot looked good and relatively clear of weeds, with a good number of plants flowering earlier in the season. Senescence was well advanced by late October.

Hillsborough

The stand was fully senesced, with approximately 70% of the plot confirmed as Reed Canary Grass.

Aberystwyth

Plants had senesced significantly during October, with no pest or disease issues reported.

Chesham

The plot remained healthy overall, though foliage was turning yellow as senescence progressed.

Spotlight on Switchgrass

Switchgrass plots across the Biomass Connect sites continued their seasonal transition during October, with senescence well underway. Growth performance varied significantly between sites, with some stands remaining healthy and others requiring remedial action. Management activities focused on mowing and planning for reseeding at underperforming hubs.

Cockle Park

Switchgrass remained patchy, with bottom leaves senescing and foliage appearing pale. No pest or disease issues were reported, and hare damage was absent.

Boghall

Re-spray and mowing were scheduled for early November, with sowing planned for spring 2026 to improve establishment.

Auchincruive

The plot was mowed on 13th October, and spraying was planned as soon as conditions allowed. Resowing is scheduled for spring.

Headley Hall

Switchgrass was in senescence and turning yellow, though the stand was less full compared to adjacent Reed Canary Grass plots. Photos confirmed golden foliage across the plot.

Hillsborough

No Switchgrass crop is present at this site.

Aberystwyth

Seedlings reached 15–20 cm and were growing above competing grasses, though some areas were waterlogged, which may affect establishment.

Chesham

Switchgrass remained healthy and well established, with no pest or disease issues reported.