Especially for susceptible wheat varieties, the head scab risk is moderate to high in the southern part of the Coastal Plain and Tidewater. This includes the counties of Brunswick, Columbus, Pender, Duplin, Onslow, Bladen, Jones, Carteret. This applies to wheat that is flowering. Since the coming week is predicted to be dry, the risk for wheat that will be flowering in the next 2 weeks should be lower. A fields risk is based on how conducive the weather is (wet, warm) in the 2 weeks prior to when the field flowers.

Risk levels given by the forecasting website (wheatscab.psu.edu) apply to conventionally planted wheat. Especially for susceptible varieties, wheat planted no-till into corn residue is likely to benefit from a scab-targeted fungicide regardless of the risk forecast.

To get your varieties FHB resistance levels, visit the NC OVT site and find the variety here: https://ncovt.medius.re/wheat. Then look under Attributes.

Optimal timing to apply a scab-targeted fungicide is early to mid-flowering, or up to a week later. Scab is not effectively managed by applications prior to flowering. The most effective fungicides for scab reduction are Miravis Ace, Prosaro Pro, and Sphaerex. Do not apply strobilurin-containing products after flag leaf.

--Christina Cowger, Small Grains Pathologist, USDA-ARS, NC State University

NC wheat ranges from jointing in the west to boot stage in the south and flag leaves out in the east. Wheat is vulnerable to scab infection at flowering. Flowering will take place mainly from mid-April through the first week of May. The forecasting tool estimates scab risk for wheat flowering on the day that is selected (www.wheatscab.psu.edu). High relative humidity and mild temperatures increase risk. If risk is moderate to high, the best time to apply fungicide to wheat is early- to mid-flowering or even a few days later. In winter barley, the best time for a scab-targeted fungicide is around 6 days after full heading.

Products with highest efficacy against scab include Miravis Ace, Sphaerex and Prosaro Pro. Products containing strobilurins should be avoided. If small grains are planted no-till into corn debris and especially if the variety is not moderately resistant, it is advisable to apply a fungicide even if forecasted risk is low.

--Christina Cowger, Small Grains Pathologist, USDA-ARS, NC State University

Wheat in much of the country is past the growth stages that are most vulnerable to Fusarium head blight. The risk maps from earlier in the 2024 season will remain available for several months so that users can review the outcomes for this year. We hope to see you next season when these tools are reset for 2025.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University

Scab risk remains high for large areas of ND. Spring wheat growth stages range from jointing to early dough development. Barley is mostly headed and starting to "turn" in some areas. Both ground and aerial scab fungicide applications have been frequent in the state the state this year. Risk is likely to remain elevated into early next week.

 --Andrew Friskop, Associate Professor and Cereal Extension Pathologist, North Dakota State University