Wheat in Southeast Kansas is ahead of schedule in 2026 and is rapidly entering the heading and flowering growth stages of development. Flowering (Feekes 10.5.1 - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/wheat-growth-and-development-poster…) is the critical window for a fungicide application to control Fusarium head blight (scab). Because of high relative humidity and recent warm temperatures, this region (Southeast Kansas) is currently at high risk for Fusarium head blight according to the Fusarium Risk Tool (https://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/). This risk is forecasted to continue through the week. Montgomery, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Allen, Woodson, and Cherokee counties appear to be at highest risk. Moderate risk extends into counties in the south-central part of the state, including parts of Cowley, Sumner, Harper Sedgwick and Harvey counties.

Well-timed fungicide applications are recommended for Fusarium head blight control in Kansas when weather is favorable for the disease, particularly for susceptible varieties. Wheat planted into corn residue will be at the highest risk. Products like Miravis Ace, Prosaro Pro and Sphaerex can be effective and should be applied within the flowering period for maximum efficacy. Products containing FRAC group 11 active ingredients should not be sprayed for Fusarium head blight control. Although our state-wide wheat rust risk has been low to date, products labeled for Fusarium head blight will also provide excellent protection against leaf and stripe rust (should they develop later in the grain filling period). More information about product efficacy for Fusarium head blight and other wheat diseases can be found here: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/foliar-fungicide-efficacy-ratin…. It is important to keep an eye on pre-harvest restrictions at this point in the season. The products listed above have either a 30-day pre-harvest interval (cannot be applied within 30 days of harvest) or cannot be applied after Feekes 10.5.4 (end of flowering, watery ripe growth stage).

--Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Assistant Professor, Wheat Extension Specialist, Kansas State University