Welcome to the Fusarium Head Blight Prediction Center. These tools provide daily estimates of disease risk for wheat and other small grains in 35 states. The current focus of the prediction effort is on the Southern US where wheat is approaching or already at the heading and flowering stages of growth that are critical to the development of Fusarium head blight. The risk map indicates a low risk of severe disease for most areas of the Southern US. However, there are some small pockets of moderate and high risk in central Louisiana and eastern Texas. Growers in these areas should consult with local University Extension or other advisors to evaluate the need for fungicide applications.

Tips of using the tool: The tool shows the disease risk for susceptible wheat varieties for today’s date. You can select earlier assessment dates by clicking on the calendar menu at the top of the risk map.

Use the menu button on the upper left to view risk maps for wheat varieties with other levels of genetic resistance to Fusarium head blight. This menu also provides options for viewing additional map features or restricting areas displayed to just the major wheat production areas.

Risk maps based on 2, 4 or 6 days of forecasted weather can help users anticipate future trends in disease risk. These maps are available by selecting the 2d, 4d and 6d buttons to the right of the calendar menu.

--Erick DeWolf, Plant Pathologist, Kansas State University