The next several days are a critical fungicide spray decision time for winter wheat in New York. The majority of fields will initiate flowering during the early to middle portion of next week. 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 Fusarium head blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin contamination when applied at flowering (emergence of yellow anthers on heads). A flowering application of these fungicide products should be based on 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. Though the calculated risk of FHB infection has previously remained low, the risk level is expected to increase with widespr ead rain over the next few days. Check the Fusarium Risk Assessment Tool (www.wheatscab.psu.edu/) and your local weather forecast frequently as your winter wheat crop approaches flowering. Most winter barley in New York is past growth stages when fungicide application should be considered.

You are invited to attend the Cornell Small Grains Management Field Day at Poorman Farms in Seneca Falls on June 2. Visit cals.cornell.edu/2022-small-grains-management-field-day to view the agenda and pre-register (free)!

--Gary Bergstrom, Extension Plant Pathologist, Cornell University