When the peduncle, situated at the top of the stalk, immediately below the ear starts to lose its green colour and turns brown the moisture level should be ideal for spraying

Collect 20 grains from various areas in the crop, (taken from the centre of each ear).  Carry out the following test: Press the thumbnail firmly into the grain, if the indentation holds on all the grains the crop is ready for spraying.

Cut the grains in half to confirm moisture content.  If 75% of the grains have a dark brown pigment strand in the crease, as illustrated, the grain has reached 30% moisture.  If all the grains are marked, moisture is less than 30%.

This test applies to wheat and barley

This test applies to wheat, barley and oats