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

According to the head scab forecasting system (http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/), the risk for head scab, and consequently , vomitoxin contamination of grain is current high across the state for wheat flowering today. I fact, the risk for scab has been high throughout the week due to the fact that it has been wet and warm. Most of the wheat in northern OH it either at or will soon be at the critical anthesis or flowering growth stage when infection by the scab fungus typically occurs. There is more rain and warm weather in the forecast, meaning that the risk will likely continue to be high as more fields in the northern third of the state reach anthesis. Plan to apply either Prosaro, Caramba, or Miravis Ace at or within the first 4-5 days after anthesis. This will reduce scab and vomitoxin by 50% of more.

Click on the link below to learn how to interpret the foresting system and identify the anthesis growth stage. https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-15/using-forecas...
--Pierce Paul, Extension Plant Pathologist, Ohio 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

High scab risk is predicted for all wheat of all resistance levels across much of the state according to the current risk model. Additionally, many varieties are moving into flowering or are currently flowering in much of the state with high risk. Now is the time to consider a fungicide application for fields that are flowering or are soon to be. With rains predicted in the coming days, it is important to remember that the optimal time for a fungicide application is at or within 5 days of flowering, so find the window to apply an effective triazole or triazole + SDHI fungicide when possible. Be sure to keep in mind the rainfast period when applying during these windows. DO NOT apply a strobilurin-containing fungicide as these fungicides can increase mycotoxin levels in the grain. Always read and follow label instructions when applying fungicides.

-- Kaitlyn Bissonnette, University of Missouri, State Field Crop Plant Pathologist

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 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