Wheat in much of central and eastern Kansas will be heading and flowering this week. These growth stages are vulnerable to Fusarium infection. Dry soil conditions are the dominate factor affecting wheat in central Kansas. However, some areas of eastern Kansas have received more rain this spring. The disease models are now showing moderate and high risk in the eastern portions of the state. This period of risk is a little out of sync with the crop since most wheat in this region of the state likely flowered a 4-7 days ago. Growers in this area should take a closer look at the situation as fungicide applications may be warranted where yield potential is reasonable. Seed production fields would be a top priority.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University