Wheat in southern Maryland (Eastern shore and the western side of the bay bridge), is mostly either flowering or finishing up flowering. Incidents of extensive stripe rust have been reported from some fields in St. Mary's County and nearby counties (Courtesy: Mr. Ben Beale). Powdery mildew is also observed in the lower canopy and is moving onto the flag leaf. In addition, leaf rust is also visible in some fields. Remember that the standard FHB fungicides (Miravis-Ace/ Prosaro/ Prosaro-Pro/ Sphaerex) should be applied at this stage, as they are also effective for controlling stripe rust, leaf rust, and powdery mildew. Strobilurin-containing fungicides should not be sprayed at this stage. Even if your wheat is just 4-6 days post-flowering, it is recommended to spray the FHB fungicides. Wheat in the northern part of Maryland is also flowering/ starting to flower now. If you have planted an FHB susceptible variety and it is flowering, you may consider applying FHB fungicides.

--Nidhi Rawat, Small Grains Pathologist, University of Maryland