AphidWatch
BBRO AphidWatch
Aphid migration in 2026has started and sites are reaching and exceeding the spray threshold across the East of England.
Data shown on the map below are gathered from in-field counts of green wingless aphids on 20 sugar beet plants. Whilst sites may show as having no aphids close to you, we urge you to make regular and thorough observations (20 plants/field, 2x a week) to see if and when your crop reaches the threshold for treatment with an aphicide: 5 aphids per 20 plants <12 true leaves, switching to 1 aphid per plant between 12-16 true leaves.
We also continue to operate our Yellow Water Pan network at our 20 CropWatch sites across the region, where samples are sent twice weekly to the BBRO lab in Norwich to quantify the number of aphids migrating. These data can be made available on request via cropwatch@bbro.co.uk
Further info
Virus Yellows Forecast 2026
Rothamsted Research are forecasting the 2026 VY Risk at 62% (East - Bury St Edmunds, Cantley, Wissington) and 49% (North - Newark).
This risk is higher than 2025 but lower than 2024.
Early prediction of migration dates (as of 1st March) suggest migration as end of April (Eastern areas) or beginning of May (North). These may change due to the impact of weather conditions. Please see the latest Advisory Bulletin for updates.
Further details and guidance can be accessed through the attached forecast for each region and
BBRO is a not for profit company
We are set up jointly by British Sugar plc and NFU Sugar
