Welcome to the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center, 2020. The system has undergone some revisions this year. The new interface focuses on the map-based risk of disease for the current date. Users can select other dates of interest from the menu in the upper portion of the interface. The date selected should correspond to times when your wheat is flowering, because the crop is most susceptible to infection at this stage. There is also a menu icon in the upper left corner that allows users to customize the model predictions for winter vs. spring wheat, and account for wheat varieties with different levels of genetic resistance to Fusarium head blight.

The focus of the prediction effort is currently on Northern South Dakota, Southern North Dakota, Central Minnesota, Wisconsin and the “thumb” area of Michigan where winter wheat is likely at the heading and flowering stages of growth. The models indicate a moderate or high level of risk for susceptible wheat varieties in portions of South Dakota, and North Dakota. Growers in these areas should consult with local advisors to determine what other local factors that might also influence the risk of disease.

--Erick De Wolf, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

The first instances of stripe rust, crown rust, and barley yellow dwarf were confirmed in winter wheat and oats, respectively, this past week in southern Minnesota. Meanwhile, tan spot is prevalent in wheat following wheat in the northern half of Minnesota.

These findings are all in line with expectations/risk models. The conditions for tan spot, for example, have been favorable across much of the northern half of the state for seven out of the last ten days.
One of the characteristic symptoms of early-season tan spot infections is a yellowing discoloring of whole leaves. This is a more extreme expression of the same yellow halo that surrounds the tan spot lesions in more mature plants. Be careful not to mistake this yellowing for a nitrogen deficiency.

Research at both NDSU and the University of Minnesota has shown that the early onset of tan spot yield can results in yield reductions of 4 to 5 bushels if conditions continue to favor the development of the disease. Use half a labeled rate of a registered fungicide to halt/slow down the disease progression. Most of the labeled fungicides can successfully be tank-mixed with the commonplace herbicides. Always check the label of both the herbicide and fungicide for tank mix restrictions.

Research at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center has shown that the combination of any of the EC formulations of fungicides in combination with common wild oat herbicides and bromoxynil + MCPA can result in bromoxynil injury in both wheat and wild oats. This injury generally did not affect grain yield of the wheat or the control of the wild oat.

A nitrogen deficiency can readily be identified as the symptoms are worst on the oldest leaves and start at the tip of the leaves, progressing towards the base as the deficiency gets worse. This is in contrast to the yellowing caused by tan spot, which will start from the initial lesions and migrate up and down the leaf blade from the initial point of infection. The causes of the N deficiencies are several, all of which have a common denominator, namely excess precipitation. Excessive rainfall causes leaching, denitrification, and the inability of the plants to take up available N

Leaching is a potential problem in coarser textured soils. Saturated soils/standing water will cause both denitrification and inability to take up available N. As soils are saturated, the plant’s roots also are unable to take up N - even if available. Often the crop recovers quickly if the growing conditions improve and the excess water has drained. If the N deficiency is severe, a supplemental application of N as either urea (46-0-0) or urea ammonium nitrate solution (28-0-0) can be advantageous.

The earliest seeded spring wheat in the southern half of the state will likely reach anthesis sometime this week. To date, the risk models Fusarium head blight have been trending relatively low. This is largely the result of the lack of precipitation the past two weeks across a large swath of southern half of the State. The lower dew points further help reduce the risk of the disease to develop. Focus the scouting efforts on the presence of foliar diseases and still consider a fungicide application at anthesis if you detect tan spot, Septoria, and/or one of the rust on the flag leaf, penultimate leaf or the second leaf below the flag leaf.

--Jochum Wiersma, Extension Agronomist, University of Minnesota Crookston

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

Winter wheat is approaching flowering and some of the earliest planted barley may be heading this week. Currently, most of the state is at low risk for FHB, but a few pockets of moderate risk are developing in south central and northeastern ND. Most of the state received rain last week and the forecast for this week shows sporadic rain events with high dew point temperatures. As a reminder, the best time to apply a FHB fungicide in winter wheat is at early-flowering (and up to 6-7 days after) and the best time for barley is complete head emergence (and up to 6-7 days after). The most effective fungicides are Caramba, Miravis Ace and Prosaro.

--Andrew Friskop, Cereal Extension Pathologist, NDSU Department of Plant Pathology

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

Most winter wheat fields and nearly all winter barley fields in New York are now past flowering stages and beyond the period for effective fungicide application. There was a predicted, medium to high risk of FHB infection of susceptible winter cereal varieties that flowered in early June in certain areas of the state. Growers are advised to scout their crops over the next few weeks (ideally at kernel soft dough stages) for symptoms of Fusarium head blight in order to assess the likelihood of deoxynivalenol contamination in grain and to plan their harvest strategies and post-harvest marketing of grain. Foliar diseases generally have occurred at minor severities to date. Stripe rust has not been observed beyond individual wheat fields in Seneca and Wayne Counties.

Spring malting barley is progressing rapidly through growth stages with many fields approaching flag leaf emergence, and some fields of ‘Conlon’ barley in the Hudson Valley already emerging from the boot. Spring barley growers are urged to track growth stage closely and to consider a spray with Caramba, Prosaro, or Miravis Ace as soon as most heads are fully emerged (up to 7 days beyond head emergence if necessary). Application of these fungicide products should be based on Fusarium head blight (FHB) risk as well as the risks of powdery mildew, rusts, and fungal leaf blotches in the upper canopy based on scouting of individual fields. Low levels of barley leaf rust have been observed in winter barley and could be a bigger factor in spring barley if moist, humid conditions occur over the next few weeks. Fungicide products containing QoI (FRAC Group 11) fungicides should not be applied to headed barley as they may result in increased levels of DON in grain. Check the Fusarium Risk Assessment Tool (http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/ ) and your local weather forecast frequently through the head emergence period for spring cereals.

-- Gary Bergstrom, Extension Plant Pathologist, Cornell University

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

Welcome to the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center, 2020. The system has undergone some major revisions this year and it may help to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the new tools. The new interface focuses attention on the map-based risk of disease for the current date. The calendar icon at the top of the interface allows users to select dates of interest. The date you select should correspond to times when your wheat is flowering, because the crop is most susceptible to infection at this stage. There is also a menu icon in the upper left corner that allows users to customize the model predictions for winter vs. spring wheat, and account for wheat varieties with different levels of genetic susceptibility to Fusarium head blight.

The focus of the prediction effort is currently on Nebraska, Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana, Northern Ohio and Central Pennsylvania where wheat is already at the heading and flowering stages of growth. The models indicate a moderate or high level of risk for wheat varieties in portions of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Growers in these areas should consult with local advisors to determine other local factors that might also influence the risk of disease.

--Erick De Wolf, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

Most of the winter wheat in South Dakota is now at flowering. This growth stage coincides with the Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) disease development. Currently the FHB prediction tool is showing the central parts and a few scattered areas in west SD to have moderate to high risk for FHB to develop. The limited rain for certain areas and high temperatures have lowered the FHB risk. However, change in weather (rainfall and warm temperatures) will affect the risk. Wheat is still at risk of FHB until shortly after flowering. A fungicide labelled for FHB if applied at flowering can lower FHB and vomitoxins (mainly DON) in wheat grain. The best fungicide timing for FHB management is at flowering (50% of the plants have flowers developing). Growers in the areas with the moderate to high FHB risk should consider applying a fungicide to manage FHB. Fungicides that have been found to be effective against FHB include Prosaro, Caramba, and Miravis Ace when applied at flowering growth stage. Growers should keep checking on the prediction tool until wheat is done flowering to decide on the need for a fungicide.

--Emmanuel Byamukama, Extension Plant Pathologist , South Dakota State University

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

Wheat in the Northern part of the state has started to flower this week, whereas wheat in the central part of the state has just finished flowering. Warm, wet weather will continue to elevate FHB risk in flowering wheat, and a fungicide application of Caramba, Prosaro, Proline, or Miravis Ace are suggested at this time. Applications are most efficacious when made following label directions between the start of flowering and 5 days after this point in time. Flowering is defined as the point in time when 50% of main tillers have started to push anthers. Do not apply products containing strobilurins for FHB management.

Wheat in the southern part of the state should now be showing symptoms and signs of FHB if severe infection occurred (bleached heads/portions or heads/spikelets with salmon colored growth). Recent surveys indicate that overall FHB levels are likely low in this part of the state. The central part of Illinois however, was under high risk across wheat resistance levels during the critical flowering period and should be monitored closely over the coming days. Symptoms of FHB will be most observable 18-24 days after flowering. If severe FHB is detected, you should be prepared to take measures to remove contaminated grain. These include increasing combine fan speeds and openings to blow out lightweight, FHB-infested grain, harvesting infected fields as early as possible (and preferably first) and if possible, storing grain from infested fields separately from quality grain. Ensure that grain is dried (15% optimal) to minimize continued growth of pathogen and DON accumulation in storage.

-- Nathan Kleczewski Ph.D., University of Illinois, Research Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

The Fusarium Risk Assessment Map (http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/ ) today indicates a moderate to high risk of Fusarium head blight (FHB) for some areas of New York. Winter wheat has begun flowering (anthesis) in New York and this is critical timing for fungicide application to suppress FHB and deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin accumulation in grain. The DMI (FRAC Group 3) containing fungicides Caramba, Prosaro, or Miravis Ace (latter includes a FRAC Group 7 fungicide) are the most effective fungicides for suppression of FHB and DON contamination when applied at flowering (emergence of yellow anthers on heads). A flowering application of these fungicide products should be based on Fusarium head blight (FHB) risk as well as the risks of powdery mildew, rusts, and fungal leaf blotches in the upper canopy based on scouting of individual fields. There is an application window of approximately 7 days from the beginning of flowering in which reasonable FHB and DON suppression can be expected. Stagonospora nodorum blotch, Septoria tritici blotch, and powdery mildew have been observed. The first occurrence of stripe rust this season was confirmed this week in Seneca Co. (https://wheat.agpestmonitor.org/stripe-rust/ ), and widespread scouting for stripe rust is warranted now! The fungicides recommended for FHB suppression are effective in protecting flag leaves against stripe rust. Fungicide products containing QoI (FRAC Group 11) fungicides should not be applied to headed wheat or barley as they may result in increased levels of DON in grain. Check the Fusarium Risk Assessment Tool (http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/ ) and your local weather forecast frequently over the next week.

Most winter malting barley in New York is now past flowering stages and the window for effective fungicide application. Winter barley should be monitored over the next few weeks for symptoms and signs of FHB and other diseases. Scald and low levels of barley leaf rust, spot blotch, and powdery mildew have been observed. Spring malting barley varies in growth stage according to planting date but some fields in New York are now at jointing stages.

-- Gary Bergstrom, Extension Plant Pathologist, Cornell University

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

Winter wheat in Wisconsin is moving through growth stages very rapidly over the past week due to ample moisture and heat. I have visited several fields this week with heads emerging or almost completely emerged. Anthesis (flowering) will begin in many winter wheat fields this week, if it hasn’t already started. With the start of anthesis comes the critical time to consider a fungicide application for Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab). The Fusarium Risk Tool is showing very favorable conditions for the major wheat producing areas of Wisconsin, for susceptible varieties (Fig. 1). Risk is also medium-to-high in these zones for moderately susceptible varieties. Given the heat and high humidity with the multiple chances of rain predicted, a fungicide application may be warranted at this time in your winter wheat fields, especially if you have susceptible varieties. To read the rest of the update click this link: https://badgercropdoc.com/2020/06/02/wisconsin-winter-wheat-disease-upda...

--Damon Smith, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Wisconsin

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to https://www.scabusa.org

As disease pressure continues to build across PA, be sure to watch your crop carefully for flowering to time your fungicide applications. Continue to visit wheatscab.psu.edu to use the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center, as your fields begin to flower. For more details on spraying for scab, visit https://extension.psu.edu/fusarium-head-scab-update

Alyssa Collins, Extension Plant Pathologist, Penn State University

For more details, go to the FHB Risk assessment tool at http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu

For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative, go to http://www.scabusa.org