Winter wheat in Wisconsin has responded to above average temperatures and rainfall, rapidly advancing through growth stages. In just a week or so, mainstems have rapidly elongated. In some varieties in southern and south-central Wisconsin, flag leaves are fully out. While now is a good time to consider a fungicide application, foliar disease has been non-existent in fields we have been in. We are monitoring the stripe rust situation carefully, and while it is active in states to our south, we have not observed any in fields we have scouted. The above average heat will also keep stripe rust moving slowly, especially in varieties with moderate resistance. So for now, I think we can hold off on fungicide. With margins being tight, I think it is wise to keep our fungicide application for Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab). Fungicides directed toward FHB are also effective against stripe rust, should it move in later in the season. Continue to scout fields between now and head emergence to catch any foliar diseases that might emerge. If interested in reading the rest of this update, click here: https://badgercropdoc.com/2020/05/27/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

Wheat in Central Kansas is now at the flowering stages of growth that are most vulnerable to Fusarium head blight (head scab). The risk model currently indicates a moderate and high level of risk for much of central Kansas with risk extending well into western Kansas. Growers in these areas should be preparing to apply fungicides when conditions allow. The best available options include Prosaro, Caramba and Miravis Ace. Products containing Strobilurin active ingredients are not labeled for Fusarium and these products should be avoided in areas at moderate or high risk of head blight.

--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

Welcome to the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center, 2020. The system has undergone some major revisions in the off-season 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 that allows users to select dates of interest for your area. 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 Central Kansas, Northern Missouri, Central Illinois, Central Indiana, Southern Ohio and Southeastern Pennsylvania where wheat is already at the heading and flowering stages of growth. The models a high level of risk for susceptible and moderately susceptible wheat varieties for much of this region. 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

Winter malting barley in much of New York is emerging from the boot and this is a critical time to consider a fungicide application. 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. Rain showers and thunderstorms are in local forecasts over the next week; duration of leaf/head wetness is more important for FHB development than is the amount of precipitation. Maximal suppression of FHB and grain contamination by deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin results when fully emerged heads of winter malting barley are sprayed with DMI (FRAC Group 3) containing fungicides Caramba, Prosaro, or Miravis Ace (latter includes FRAC Group 7 fungicide). A heads-emerged spray with these fungicides also protects upper leaves against fungal leaf blotches, powdery mildew, and rust. Scald has already been observed on susceptible varieties. Foliar sprays of any of these three products up to seven days after head emergence may still result in significant FHB and DON suppression. 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.

Winter wheat is generally a week or more behind in development from winter barley planted on the same fall date. Winter wheat in New York varies from stem elongation to flag leaf visible stages. We should reach the critical fungicide application window for winter wheat over the next two weeks. 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. Stagonospora nodorum blotch and powdery mildew have already been observed. There is an application window of approximately 7 days from the beginning of flowering in which reasonable FHB and DON suppression can be expected. Check the Fusarium Risk Assessment Tool (http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/ ) and your local weather forecast frequently as your winter wheat crop approaches heading and flowering.

-- 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

With PA wheat now emerging from the head, many fields are on the verge of spray decisions as we see anthers popping out. Most of the state is in the “Low” risk category for Fusarium head blight infection at this time. If you choose to spray, target your wheat crop at early flowering. Caramba, Prosaro and Miravis Ace give good control of most leaf and head diseases, in addition to suppressing scab. Spray nozzles should be angled at 30° down from horizontal, toward the grain heads, using forward- and backward mounted nozzles or nozzles with a two directional spray, such as Twinjet nozzles. Continue to visit wheatscab.psu.edu to use the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center, as your fields begin to flower.

--Alyssa Collins, Extension Field Crops 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 https://www.scabusa.org

Welcome to the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center, 2020. The system has undergone some major revisions in the off-season 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 that allows users to select dates of interest for your area. 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 MO, TN, KY, Southern IL and VA where wheat is already at the heading and flowering stages of growth. The models for susceptible wheat varieties estimate that the risk is currently moderate to high some areas of these states. 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

Wheat in the southern part of Illinois is currently flowering to past flowering. Wheat in the central part of the state is approaching heading in many fields. With warmer temperatures forecast I expect many fields in the central part of the state to flower next week. Rains are forecast during this time as well, which may elevate risk for FHB in wheat flowering during this period. Replicated research indicates all suggested fungicides for suppressing FHB are most efficacious in suppressing vomitoxin when applied between FGS 10.5.1 through 5 days after 10.5.1. FGS 10.5.1 is defined as the point where 50% of the main tillers have started to flower in a field. Symptoms of FHB are typically most pronounced 18-24 days after flowering.

Suggested fungicide products for suppressing FHB and vomitoxin include Prosaro, Caramba, Miravis Ace, and Proline (if following with vegetables). Ensure that all label directions are being followed to ensure proper application and to ensure optimal performance. Do not apply fungicides that contain a strobilurin (FRAC group 11) as these have been associated with enhanced DON in replicated research trials. Continue to monitor your fields and the FHB prediction center as you approach the most critical times for applying in season fungicides for FHB.

-- 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

heat in Southeast and South Central Kansas is now at the heading and flowering stages of growth. These growth stages are most vulnerable to Fusarium head blight (head scab). The risk model currently indicates a moderate level of risk for parts of Southeast Kansas, and growers in these areas should be preparing to apply fungicides when conditions allow. The best available options include Prosaro, Caramba and Miravis Ace. Products containing Strobilurin active ingredients are not labeled for Fusarium and these products should be avoided in areas at moderate or high risk of head blight.

--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

Wheat in Eastern and Central Kansas is now at the heading and flowering stages of growth. These growth stages are most vulnerable to Fusarium head blight (head scab). The risk model currently indicates a moderate and high level of risk for many parts of these regions, and growers in these areas should be preparing to apply fungicides when conditions allow. The best available options include Prosaro, Caramba and Miravis Ace. Products containing Strobilurin active ingredients are not labeled for Fusarium and these products should be avoided in areas at moderate or high risk of head blight.

--Erick DeWolf, Extension Plant Pathologist, 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

Early planted wheat has started to flower in the southern part of Illinois. Although conditions have been cool, persistent rains continue to elevate levels of FHB risk in flowering, highly susceptible wheat varieties. Suggested fungicide products for suppressing FHB and vomitoxin include Prosaro, Caramba, Miravis Ace, and Proline (if following with vegetables). Replicated research indicates all of the suggested products are most efficacious in suppressing vomitoxin when applied between FGS 10.5.1 through 5 days after 10.5.1. FGS 10.5.1 is defined as the point where 50% of the main tillers have started to flower in a field. Ensure that all label directions are being followed to ensure proper application and to ensure performance. Do not apply fungicides that contain a strobilurin (FRAC group 11) as these have been associated with enhanced DON in replicated research trials. Continue to monitor your fields and the FHB prediction center as you approach the most critical times for applying in season fungicides for FHB.

-- 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