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